The next morning, Maddie woke late. She glanced at the clock—it was already ten. Panicking, she rushed to the kitchen to prepare breakfast for Rico.
She cooked millet yam and red date porridge, made fluffy egg cakes and fried two simple vegetarian dishes. Rico had a sensitive stomach and Maddie always took care to prepare meals that wouldn’t upset him.
As she finished setting the table, Jane sauntered into the kitchen wearing one of Rico’s oversized shirts. Her bare legs and confident smirk made Maddie feel even smaller.
“Good morning!” Jane chirped, her voice syrupy sweet. It was a far cry from the venom she’d spewed the night before.
Maddie forced a polite smile. “Morning.”
Jane scanned the table and pouted theatrically. “Oh no, it looks like someone forgot about me. No breakfast for the guest? Is this how you treat Rico’s girlfriend?”
Maddie blinked, realizing there were only two bowls of porridge on the table—one for her and one for Rico. Forcing herself to remain calm, she walked back to the kitchen and ladled another bowl for Jane.
As she turned to bring it to the table, she bumped into someone.
“Ah!” Jane shrieked, stepping back dramatically.