A Celebration for Nell

[mylandmyrules]

Nell had tried something a little different for dinner tonight. She'd made a large, and hopefully tasty, vegetable stir fry and had stir-fried some beef in a different pan so those wanting meat could have some. She also had homemade sourdough bread, salad, and a vegetable broth based soup to start the meal.

The apartment was spic and span, the cats were happily curled up on their cat trees, for however long that would last, and she thought she was prepared as she could be for her first ever birthday celebration. Now to wait somewhat anxiously for her guests.



[For those who know who they are.]

Comments

[hasaknightjob]

"Cheers," Steven said as he came in. He smiled at her. "Happy birthday. Or day before I suppose. Is it all right? Not too much for you?"

[mylandmyrules]

"Thank you," she said. "And no, it's fine. Twenty people, now that would be a lot!"

[hasaknightjob]

"Can shove off any time you need," Steven said. "Won't take it personal. Same with the gift as well. Hope you like it, obviously, but if you don't can send it back and get something that makes you happy."

[mylandmyrules]

"You're fine," Nell said. "And you can't leave before dinner and dessert. Lana brought an amazing looking cake. And I'm sure I'll be happy with whatever it is, thank you."

She hesitated. "Unless you need to, of course. I wouldn't keep you if you had to go."

[hasaknightjob]

"No, no, I'd love to stay," Steven said. Then, lower, so it was for Nell's ears only, "Thank you for understanding. For him. It was a lot. Nothing personal about you at all, I promise."

[mylandmyrules]

Nell smiled at him and replied just as quietly. "I'm just so touched that he came at all. That says more about him caring than anything he or anyone else could say or do."

[hasaknightjob]

Steven gave her a look of appreciation for understanding it so well. "Thank you. Now can I help at all? Do anything?"

[mylandmyrules]

"No, I think everything is set," Nell said. "We can have dinner as soon as everyone is ready."

[hasaknightjob]

"It's kind of you to cook on your birthday," Steven said. "Though I suppose that's the sort of thing that makes you happy. Still, lucky for us."

[mylandmyrules]

"I don't mind at all," she said. "Though I tried something different and I hope it comes out okay."

[hasaknightjob]

"Can't imagine you making anything horrible," Steven said. "Though if it doesn't work out there's more room for cake, isn't there?"

[mylandmyrules]

Nell laughed. "Yes, we can always give up on dinner and just have cake!"

[hasaknightjob]

"It's your birthday," Steven pointed out. "Could have cake for dinner if you wanted it. Nobody could tell you no."

[mylandmyrules]

"I'm a widder woman and all growed up," Nell informed him in her best church speak. "I can do that any day of the week if I want."

[hasaknightjob]

Steven laughed. "Suppose you could. Good thing since your actual birthday's tomorrow. Can have all the cake tonight and no one could stop you."

[mylandmyrules]

"That's right," Nell said. "Though I've no interest in spending the night with a bellyache from too much cake, so I'll probably share it with all of you'uns."

[hasaknightjob]

"The kittens could take care of you," Steven pointed out. Reminded, he looked around. "Are they about? Or too shy for parties?"

[mylandmyrules]

"Clearly you've never had cats," Nell said. "Won't even make you a cup of tea if you're feeling poorly. Might curl up with you, though."

She nodded to the cat trees where the sleepy kittens were starting to wake and notice the company. "Oh, I'm sure they'll be very happy to be a part of all this."

[hasaknightjob]

"Only ever had the fish," Steven admitted. "Not ones for curling up with you no matter how well you feel. Not unless you can fit in the tank I suppose."

[mylandmyrules]

"Probably not then. Plus if they dozed off you'd drown and then you'd be the fish food."

[hasaknightjob]

"Best not to try it then," Steven agreed. "But they are good company. Great listeners."

[mylandmyrules]

"I'm sure they are," Nell said, "but come on, let's head into the kitchen for dinner. If you'uns all take a seat I'll have everything on the table in no time."