Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 103

“Sure.” He sounded genuinely pleased.

That upbeat mood stuck with him all the way to Grandma’s house.

When they arrived, Grandma was just about to have lunch. On the table sat a simple meal: a bowl of hearty grain porridge, a small plate of pickled vegetables, and a dish of sautéed greens. She looked up, startled–and a bit embarrassed–to see them walk in, and quickly started to clear the dishes away.

“What are you doing here at this hour? Have you eaten yet? Let me make some lunch!”

Emma glanced at the modest spread and couldn’t help but compare it to the

generous feasts Grandma always prepared whenever she visited. “Grandma, why are you eating just this?”

Grandma hurried to scoop up the porridge and pickles. “Oh, this? I just didn’t finish breakfast, and it felt wasteful to throw it out. I’m just finishing it off now–I don’t usually eat like this, you know.”

Emma didn’t buy it. She pouted, watching her grandma with worried eyes.

“Look at that face–you could hang a bottle of oil from that pout! Don’t worry, I’ll whip up something delicious. Wait here!” With that, Grandma disappeared into the kitchen, almost as if she was making an escape.

Emma felt her heart sink.

She simply didn’t believe this was just a rare occurrence…

Theodore set down the groceries he’d brought for Grandma and walked over, a teasing smile playing at his lips. “Every time you come to Grandma’s, you turn into a little kid again.”

Emma ignored him and followed Grandma straight into the kitchen.

Grandma had already flung open the fridge and was pulling out a package of fresh meat, waving it for Emma to see. “Look, I just bought this! I was saving it for dinner, but you caught me eating leftovers instead.”

Emma refused to be convinced. She shook her head, still unhappy about what she’d

seen.

Grandma couldn’t help but laugh. “You silly child. Alright, you definitely haven’t eaten yet–what would you like? I’ll make it for you.”

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“Pasta with shredded pork and greens,” Emma mumbled softly.

“Of course!” Grandma sang out, drawing out the words. “Now, go wait outside. I’ll make it for you!”

Emma stood her ground. “I’ll help you.”

“Nonsense, out with you!” Grandma began shooing her away. “I’m not so old I can’t move around! The doctor says I need to stay active at my age–sitting around is the worst thing I could do. Out! Go on!”

“Grandma, let me help.” Suddenly, Theodore’s voice sounded from behind.

He’d followed them in as well.

Grandma burst out laughing. “What, you too? No, no, you both wait outside–I don’t need any help! Besides, do you even know how to cook?”

“I do, Grandma. I promise, I make a great pasta with pork and greens.” He took the meat from her hands. “When I was younger, I always cooked for myself.”

Grandma cackled. “Younger? What, are you old now?”

Theodore laughed along. “I just mean, I’m not some pampered rich kid. I can do anything, Grandma. You and Emma go wait in the living room. She’s been wanting to talk with you.”

Emma didn’t need to be asked twice; she grabbed Grandma’s hand and led her to the

couch.

Grandma hesitated, glancing back toward the kitchen. “Are we really letting him cook?”

“Mhm! Just sit, Grandma, I’ll peel some grapes for you.”

The truth was, he’d never cooked at home before–he was the kind of CEO who’d never be expected to set foot in a kitchen, much less cook for her.

But Emma knew he could do it.

Back in high school, their class had gone on a camping trip. Out in the woods, while the other kids ran around wild as lambs, he’d quietly gathered stones to build a makeshift stove on the riverbank, started a fire, and cooked for his group.

Only later did Emma learn his family was wealthy, but they hadn’t paid him much attention. He’d been used to doing everything on his own.

He was always so neat, so put together–impeccable, capable, strong. That camping

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trip was the only time she’d ever seen him even a little disheveled.

Chapter 104

Chapter 104