18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 113

"Actions speak louder than words," Stella thought, deciding to treat her friends to a special meal. It was a perfect excuse to do something nice. "I have some frozen fish. How about some grilled fish?" They also had some pork belly and rabbit stew that could go with it.

Grilled fish? The trio's mouth watered instantly. "No problem at all!"

Cody's face lit up with admiration. "Stella, you sure know how to stock up."

Stella rolled her eyes at him. "Isn't it obvious? While you guys were busy enjoying your beer and steaks, Cooper and I were eating bread and veggies, always holding back from indulging." "Woof!" The dog looked hurt. He had been surviving on bread for days, and he was getting skinny.

Lukas defended himself. "We didn't hide the fact we were eating meat from you."

They were like family. Who could hide anything from anybody? Stella smirked, "Are you sure you two didn't sneak off to have a drink?"

Both men seemed surprised, "No, no, we didn't."

What was wrong with a man having a drink when he felt low? They didn't have much, just a few sips and a bite of jerky every now and then.

Lukas, desperate to prove his innocence, turned to Angela, "Honey, I swear I didn't. Please, believe me."

The noise at the door alerted them, and out came Jasper from his apartment.

"Right," Stella nodded. "What do you and Rosie like to eat? I'm not only hosting but cooking as well."

replied. "You're a good cook, so anything will

that Jasper was a disaster in the kitchen, it

skills, he

started cooking, and he was already singing her praises. His double standards

they

blushed, "Well, as long as you're not picky." What was there to be picky about? In

to prepare the food. She picked a decent-sized fish from her stock, got the home-reared rabbit ready, and cut about four pounds of

Without any barbeque sauce, she made do

box of exquisite chocolates

apartment, she went over to room 1803

Jasper followed Stella into the kitchen, "I can make the pork belly. You just

weather outside, she was more than happy

the steps. With Stella supervising, the pork belly was quickly prepared and left to slow-cook over the stove. The enticing aroma nearly had everyone drooling. The rabbit was stir-fried, and before adding the spicy sauce, Stella set aside a small portion

spicy soup mix, adding mushrooms and other side dishes. The pot was then placed over the charcoal stove to simmer slowly. Meanwhile, Rosie was nestled on the couch, sketching, while Cooper sat next to her, supervising. Stella looked at Rosie's drawing and something seemed off. "Rosie, what did you

was a mix of circles and crosses, somewhat abstract, but one couldn't expect

this is you, this is me, and

and Jasper together, living in the same house, and raising two

Stella didn't show her surprise, "Rosie,

praise, her smile as

did you only draw Jasper and Stella? Where