It was already six in the afternoon when Nina Donovan returned to her apartment.
She looked rather grave.
When she opened the door, Jasper Sherwood was standing there waiting for her, wearing a pink apron.
He sized Nina Donovan up before asking, "How did your talk go?"
Before Nina Donovan could say a word, Iris came charging over like a little cannonball. "Auntie!"
Nina instinctively reached out and caught her, the grave look on her face replaced by a smile. "Iris, you're here."
Iris tilted up her small, rosy-white face, smiling brightly. "Uh-huh, I missed you so much, Auntie."
"I missed you too."
Nina Donovan ruffled Iris's hair.
She took her by the hand and led her inside.
The aroma of cooking wafted from the kitchen.
Nina Donovan shot a teasing look at Jasper Sherwood. "Chef Sherwood, what's on the menu tonight?"
Jasper Sherwood raised an eyebrow and grinned. "Just wait. I guarantee you'll love it."
With that, he went back into the kitchen to continue his work.
