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."

Jasper replied. "You're a good cook,

exchanged knowing glances. While it was known that Jasper was a disaster in the kitchen, it didn't

excellent archery skills, he never received any praise from

was already

they do?

picky." What was there to be picky about?

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

sauce, she made do with

exquisite chocolates

back in the apartment, she went over

the balcony for the fish, while Jasper followed Stella into

weather outside, she

and left to slow-cook over the stove. The enticing aroma nearly had everyone drooling. The

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

and crosses, somewhat abstract, but one couldn't expect too much from a

explained, "This is my brother, this is you, this is me, and

Why did Rosie draw her and Jasper together,

"Rosie, your drawing is

the praise, her smile

did you only draw Jasper and Stella? Where