Chapter 73 What's Cooking Prt. II

*Ana*

“Alright, alright, enough, you two.” Mr. Brown's voice booms over us. “Settle down.”

“Oh!” Nicoli and I stop our attacks to gasp together with delight. Mr. Brown does not disappoint. We are to have a feast! There are slices of cheesecake and strawberries topped with whipped cream.

The only downfall is that Mr. Brown provides an accompanying saucer of tea. At the smell, my stomach tightens on reflex. But I don’t get to dwell on it long over Mr. Brown.

“There we are.” Mr. Brown announces with a puff of pride in his chest. “The usual.” The plates are set out with the tea before Mr. Brown gives both of us a firm look as if to say the most important thing.

“Don’t let it spoil your dinner.” Mr. Brown then breaks into a wink and turns abruptly to return to his duties.

“Thank you-” I start but nearly choke as a strawberry shoves into my mouth. I almost fall out of my chair from the near-fatal attack.

“Nicoli-” I spit out the strawberry and take a haggard breath. “Nicoli, why did