Nel’s house was a single-story dwelling on the edge of town, painted a light blue with a white fence around the property. The houses in the area weren’t up against each other like in some other neighborhoods. Everyone had a large backyard.
She ushered me inside and I could smell something delicious. “What are we having?” I asked, my mouth watering.
“Veggie lasagna,” she said, and led the way to the kitchen. The table in the middle had been set for two, and there were candles ready to be lit. Red wine lay chilled on ice beside what I assumed was garlic bread and a huge mixed green salad.
“Wow, this looks wonderful,” I gushed.
“Thanks,” she replied. “I wanted to impress someone.”
“Well, you succeeded.”
“Good.”
Nel pulled out a chair and seated me at the table, then lit the candles. Sh
