His Eagle Eyes on Me

She picked up her spoon, scooped up a chunk of meat, and took a bite. She instantly choked on the spice.

She tossed the spoon and hastily poured herself a glass of water.

"Why is this so spicy? Did I put in too much pepper?" she mumbled to herself.

The stew smelled perfect, but it was far too spicy for Layla's liking.

She was used to the lighter flavors of meals at home, and though she would occasionally dine out with her friends, she could only tolerate food that was mildly spicy.

After finishing her water, she sat back down in her chair and thought of ways to get rid of the spice. Finally, she placed a bowl of water next to her and submerged the meat in the water to wash off some of the spices, so that she would not choke again, before taking another bite.

Just then, her phone started ringing.

It was a video call from Avery, and Layla immediately answered it.

"Darling, I saw the photos you posted. Are you having stew tonight?" Avery asked.

Mom! Let me show it to you." Layla adjusted the camera and showed

it as she was too embarrassed

looks a little red. It must be quite spicy, right?" Avery

"It's fine! Just slightly spicier than what I'm used to,

of leftovers! The house feels so empty without

throat. "Mom, I'm just a forty-minute drive away from you. If you say

happy on your own, I will try and

turned the camera around to face herself. "Where is

followed me into the room when he found out that I'm video

explosion of feeling when he saw

cook it yourself. saw the photo and it looks so spicy. Are you sure you can eat it? You might get a stomach ache

was so worried that he had

his appetite.

It was her first day away from home, and she could already feel herself wavering. "Dad, it just looks spicy. It's more sanitary to cook for

yourself, too? Don't do it. I will send a servant over." Elliot did not want his

about me. I'm doing great. The weekend is coming up, and I will come home Friday night," Layla promised. "I will