Yours

by wannabewriter25

Eric and Sookie were best friends through school. They became more. They wanted more and they wanted it together. It wasn't meant to be. Eric had obligations to handle. He's a Northman. He had to leave his one true love behind. Sookie came to terms with him being gone. Determination brings him home. Secrets could tear them apart. Is love enough for them this time?

33. Chapter 33

33

It's Never Just Dinner

I have received the greatest compliments on the improvement of my writing since I've started writing these stories on Fanfiction and I want to thank each of you so very much.

AnkechiShade, your compliment was just wonderful. And thank you for sticking around to see the improvements. Korkiebugg, your compliment was just as wonderful. Your compliments and the encouragement make me so very happy; especially after the days that I have at work. I appreciate each and every one of you so very much. Because you read, you give me confidence. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I can't say it enough. So I'll say it one more time. Thank you.

I'd also like to thank new reader ELW1 for hopping on board and enjoying the story. And here is the answer to your question. Their tattoos read 'Yours'.

And if this chapter is riddled with errors, please let me know so that I can go back through and correct them. I'm going to go through my past chapters and do error corrections this weekend. Thank you.

The story idea is mine but the characters belong to Ms. Harris. I'm so glad that she allows us to keep our favorite couple alive.

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My meeting with Quinn started right on time. If there's one thing that I can say about that man, it's that he believes in punctuality and hard work. And I have to confess, I'm going to miss working with him. If truth be known, he is my right hand. I can always depend on him. He's always made me so very proud because of the pride that he takes in his work. Take today for instance. I've never been prouder of him.

As I read over the documents that Quinn gave to me, I nodded my approval. I was very happy with what he had given me and it was outstanding work. It's more than obvious that he'd spent his entire weekend working on this evidentiary report. His work was so fantastic that I felt that we could get this presented to Sam when he arrives on Thursday and have it closed by the end of the meeting.

"Great discovery, Quinn," I said as we went over the damaging information that he'd found about our client's enemy. "I'm more than sure that Mr. Merlotte is going to be pleased with what you've learned. This is positively the break that we've needed. From who and where did you learn this information?"

"A former lover of Mr. Braxton's," Quinn began. "She shared that Arlo Braxton has been after Sam since they were kids. Debbie, the former lover, gave me the entire story. Arlo believes that Sam ruined his entire life. Debbie said that it all started with a fifth grade class presidential election. She said that he was running against Sam and he was winning. Arlo was winning by a landslide but Sam came to school the day of the election and his mother announced to the class that Sam's Meemaw had died during the night and he's been feeling really bad about it. She asked the kids to be extra nice to him since he may cry a little during the day. She said that Sam's mom said that he and his Meemaw were very close. She said that as Sam's mom talked, Sam cried."

I shook my head because I didn't get it. "Why would that ruin Arlo's life?"

He began to laugh. "Because Sam won," he exclaimed. "The kids were extra nice by electing Sam as their elementary school class president. When Sam won that election, Arlo had an outburst. He said that Sam should've stayed at home instead of coming to school. Because that didn't happen, he believed that the cosmos turned everything around in Sam's favor.

"Sam was the quarterback all through middle and high school. Sam won a full scholarship to UNLV. Sam found the perfect job as soon as he graduated college before he'd opened his restaurant. Sam hit the lottery for $8,000,000.00. Sam has married the woman of Arlo's dreams. Nicole Wright, that's Sam's wife. She's the woman that Arlo wanted but Sam got her because of circumstance. They have a beautiful family and it's all because Sam won the class election in elementary school."

I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

"I felt the same way," Quinn clarified as he stared at me. "During the fifth grade election, Arlo had made posters that read, 'Be a Smartie and Vote for Arlo'. He'd even passed out smarties to his classmates. He just knew that he'd won but he lost and it was all because of Sam Merlotte's Meemaw. A fifth grade election destroyed his life. Arlo believes that if Sam's Meemaw hadn't died, Sam wouldn't have won. He would've won and he would be living the life that Sam lives."

I had to laugh at the complete nonsense of it all and that's what made it all seem like a true story. It was too ridiculous for it not to be true.

I must have had an unbelieving look on my face because Quinn had his hands up in the 'I surrender' motion. "It's all true. I couldn't make this up."

I laughed as I continued to listen to Quinn explain how he discovered this information.

"Anyway," he continued. "I want to thank you for scaring the hell out of me Saturday. I got all of this information because of you."

That stopped my laughter quite abruptly. "Me?"

"Yeah," he said. "I decided not to send the private investigator out. I went back out there on the trail and began asking questions. I left for Louisiana not an hour after our meeting. Your comment of secrets not staying hidden was what pushed me."

He didn't realize that truer words had never been spoken.

Quinn continued on. "I stopped looking for what was on the surface. I decided to dig into the dirt. And lucky me, I got all of this information from Debbie."

"Had anyone spoken with her in the past?" I asked. I began to flip through the papers and I couldn't recall seeing her name. "I haven't seen her name in any of the reports."

"We tried talking with her but she'd never do it," he said. "She talked this time because he betrayed her. He called off their Christmas wedding and then he dumped her for her sister. It seems that they were having an affair the entire relationship. The sister got pregnant when Debbie wouldn't until after they were married.

"Ah," I said. "Motivation."

"Right?" he agreed. "So when I came around asking questions this time, she gave me everything that she had … except for the money. He'd left $100,000 and all of his plans at her house and in her safe. I asked her how she'd gotten it all. She said that when he'd left her, he left everything behind. He told her that whatever was left behind, she could have. He was never coming back. I'm under the impression that he didn't realize that he'd left this stuff behind. She didn't want those plans. She said that she's been waiting for someone to come back around and question her about their relationship."

I asked, "Why would she wait?"

"Because she didn't want to seem like a bitter ex-girlfriend," he stated.

Made perfect sense to me. "Smart move," I said.

"Yep," Quinn agreed. "She said that she'd told Arlo several times to let the past go but he wouldn't do it. Debbie Pelt, the ex, she said that she knew that someone would come back around sooner or later. She wants him to lose everything. She wants to do whatever she can to make sure that happens. She said that she wants Arlo and Jannalynne to suffer. And it looks like she's going to get what she wants."

"She is a woman scorned," I replied.

"At least they can't use it against her," he countered.

"And they would try."

"And get this," he said as he pulled out another slip of paper. "She gave me this. These are his coconspirators. They were working at Sam's restaurant as they spied for Arlo. It looks as if we've gotten the whole lot of them in one fell swoop."

"Excellent job, Quinn. You've outdone yourself this time."

Quinn was very proud as he smiled down at me. "I worked all weekend on this. I didn't want to be sent out with my ass in my hands the way that Trisha was. And I heard that she was fired today." He cocked his head to the side and said, "Brutal."

"No excuses," I reminded him. "We've come too far for someone on our team to use the 'we've only had the case for a week' as a reason to hand in half-assed work. But you, John Quinn, you've outdone yourself." I patted him on the back as I looked at his work. "You have done an outstanding job. I'm very proud of you."

He crossed his arms over his chest as he looked at me. "Thanks, Ms. Stackhouse."

"And since you've done such a phenomenal job and sacrificed what remained of your weekend for the team, I think that you should be the one to present your findings to Mr. Merlotte when he comes to the office on Thursday. You're also going to be the one to contact Mr. Braxton's attorneys. Make sure that they are here as well on Thursday and on time. Let them know that we will not tolerate their tardiness this time. We will bill them $100 for every minute that they're late." I nodded my head once again. "I think that you will lead this."

Quinn said nothing.

I looked up at him and nodded my approval. "As a matter of fact, I know that's it's exactly what we're going to do. You will lead this."

His arms fell down by his side. "Are you serious?" he asked me.

"Very," I said. "You did the work. You found the evidence. You will close it out. This baby is yours."

Quinn was so excited that he yelled out in excitement. "Woooo! Thank you so much, Ms. Stackhouse. Thank you for giving me this opportunity. You don't know how much this means to me." He tried stifling a yawn as he celebrated his opportunity.

"How much sleep did you get this weekend?" I asked.

"Not much," he answered. "I just got back in this morning. I came straight to work. And don't try and send me home. I took a nap on the way here from the airport. I'll sleep tonight."

It never occurred to me that he hadn't slept much at all. "I've never been one to force vacation on anyone but you should go home," I suggested. "Get some sleep and start fresh tomorrow morning. There's nothing big going on today."

He shook his head no. "I'm good. If it gets to that point, I'll let you know."

He's really dedicated. I like that. I stared at Quinn's happy face as an idea struck me. "What I'm about to tell you must stay between us. Confidentiality is very important."

He rested his backside against my desk as he stared at me. "You have my word," he said as he crossed his arms over his chest. "I'm an attorney."

"Things are about to change in the firm as far as positions go … my position. I will no longer be over this team. Because of your loyalty and hard work, I think that you should take my place. You've been with this firm from the very beginning and you're an amazing attorney. Would you be interested in taking the position of head attorney in this department?"

He stood tall as his mouth dropped open. "Are you serious?"

I nodded. "I'm sure that once I speak with Einin, Mr. Northman and Mr. Brigant they will agree with my selection. You deserve this chance." I placed my hand on his arm. "Are you up for this? If not …"

I never got to finish my sentence. Quinn had me in his arms and was spinning me around. I was laughing when Quinn finally put me down. His joy was a beautiful thing.

"Thank you so much, Sookie," he said. He leaned in and kissed my cheek. "I can't believe that this is happening. You would really do this for me?"

"I would."

He hugged me once more. "I won't let you down."

As I patted his back, I could feel someone watching us and I when I looked at that someone, I could tell that he was not happy with what he was seeing. I was right. If anything, he was downright pissed.

Eric was standing at the door watching us and it would have been nice if he was pissed. He was something a whole lot more. "Ahem," he said as he glowered at Quinn.

"Good evening, Mr. Northman," Quinn said when he looked in the direction of the doorway. "We've just finished up the Merlotte case and Ms. Stackhouse is so impressed with what I've done that she's going to let me present the findings to him. Isn't this great?"

"Yes it is," he said.

If Quinn noticed Eric's irritation at all, he ignored it. He returned his focus back to me. "I want to thank you, Ms. Stackhouse. By giving me this opportunity, you don't know what you've done for me and my family. My wife is going to be calling you, you know?"

Rashida was always calling me about something dealing with Quinn. "I know."

His smile broadened. "How can I ever repay you?"

Not letting Eric's jealousy destroy my good mood, I placed hand on Quinn's arm and said, "Just keep doing great work and that's payment enough." I picked his work up from my desk and handed it to him. "Clean up the edges and meet me in the conference room at 9:00 Thursday morning."

He took the folder from me and almost jumped. "I will. Thank you."

"Congratulations, Mr. Quinn," Eric replied.

"Thanks," he exclaimed. Quinn was so pleased with himself that he'd actually patted Eric on the arm when he walked past him. Now that made me giggle. Eric even smiled a little.

Once Quinn was gone, I returned to my desk and sat down. I began typing an email for my team to let them of the outstanding work that Quinn has done and that he will be the one to present his findings to Mr. Merlotte but they too, will be with us in the conference room. I praised Quinn to his fellow co-workers. I told them that his determination and drive are the reason that we will be able to settle this case for Mr. Merlotte. I ended it by telling them to give him his congratulations and thanks.

"Mr. Northman?" I said as I read over the email for my team. "I want to talk to you later about John Quinn and a possible promotion as lead attorney in this department. We can discuss it later if that's not a problem."

"It won't be."

"Good."

"Sookie?" Eric said just as I sent the email.

I looked up at him and smiled. "Yes, Mr. Northman."

He shoved his hands into his pockets as he looked at me. "Have you found someone that can watch after Flynn while we are working late tonight?"

I frowned at him. "I thought that you said that it was just going to be dinner."

He chuckled and said, "It's never just dinner, is it?"

He sighed as he closed the door behind him when he came into my office. Before sitting down, he dropped a huge file onto my desk without any explanation. He then went and sat down on the couch as he leaned forward. He rested his elbows on his knees and ran his hands through his hair. That's when I saw the eighteen-year-old boy from ten years ago sitting in his den. He was told that we couldn't be together anymore then. My heart was pounding in my chest as I wondered what devastating news he'd been told today.

Were the separation papers illegal? Was he going to have to stay married to her? Does have to go back to Sweden? Will he have to cut all contact with Flynn? With me?

I immediately went over to sit with him. I placed my hand on his back as I did my best to keep my voice strong. "What's up?"

He turned to face me and smiled. "The contracts that you and Niall are going to be working on, you'll have to get started on it as soon as possible. I have some issues with the contracts and I need a fresh pair of eyes to read them over for me." He used his head to point at the huge folder on my desk. "Niall and I have been working on this for a little over five years now. We've found just enough but we need more."

I looked at the folder that was sitting on my desk. "What is it that you're in search of?"

"We need to get them, the Maddens, for fraud. Several amendments in the contract have been manipulated and broken but the fucking non-existent loopholes are making it harder and harder for us to stop them." He ran his hand through his hair once again before resting his head on the back of the couch. "I can't read any more of it because I'm getting frustrated and that's keeping me from staying focused."

I got up from the couch and called Pam from my desk phone … which I had to do four times. I stared out into the busy city as the phone rang incessantly. She didn't answer the first, second, or third call. She knows that I will call until she answers. Which she finally decided to do.

She answered the phone in a huff. "I'm eating Amelia right now. What the fuck to do you want?"

Why did I have her on speaker phone?

"Do you have to be so vulgar?" I asked.

"Yes," she answered. "You've interrupted my meal."

Why is she still on speakerphone?

"That's all fine and dandy and it's waaay too much information," I replied. "I just need a favor. A really huge favor."

"Yes," she said. "I'll keep Flynn tonight."

"Hey, Pam" Eric called out.

"Hey, E," she said. "We must do lunch while you are here. Call me later."

"Will do," he said.

"Now," she said. "Sookie, I have to go. I have better things to do. Like eating my wife."

And yes. She's still on speakerphone.

"Pam!" I scolded. I'll never understand why such a beautiful woman has such a nasty mouth. "Please be more careful of that you say. And how did you know that I needed you to look after Flynn? I could've needed something else for all you know."

"Whenever you call me during working hours, it's always to watch Flynn. You're either working late or you're going to be doing something else and since Eric is back in town, I can assume you're going to be fucking." I could almost see her shrugging her shoulders. "I'll watch her."

Eric was looking like the cat that ate the canary.

"Vulgarity is not an admirable trait."

"Deal with it," she said.

"Oh," I added. "You know that she has …"

Cutting me off, she said, "I will take her to her piano lessons too. Now, can I get back to making love to my wife?"

"Yes, you may," I said.

"Fucking grammar Nazi," she mumbled as she hung up.

I put my phone back onto the desk and picked up the folder. It weighed about as much as Flynn did when she was born. "What in the hell is in here?" I mumbled.

I sat down at my desk and began to read. And it was the most fascinating contract I'd ever read in my life. Everything that you'd ever thought could be put into a contract was put into this contract. There were rules and guidelines that could not be broken under any circumstances. The penalties were ridiculous. I flipped through more of the file and there were financial ledgers and receipts dated back to years before I was even thought of. What was this and how soon could I get started on it?

"Can you do it?"

I jumped when I looked up and saw Eric standing behind me; leaning over my shoulder. I'd forgotten that he was in here. "You scared me half to death." I looked back down at the file and nodded. "Yeah. I can do this. This is fascinating." I then glanced at him over my shoulder. "I'd like to get started on this as soon as possible. How soon do you need this?"

"As soon as you can get started," he said.

I nodded my okay. "I will get started on this tonight. Shoot, I can get started on this now. This is going to be …"

His kiss cut off my sentence. He then twirled my chair around dropped to his knees in front of me. He gripped me by my hips and pulled by body towards his; sliding my skirt up along the way.

Still kissing me, he said, "I want to finish what we'd started earlier this morning … if you don't mind."

I hit the intercom button on my phone. "Todd, I'm in a meeting. I don't want to be disturbed."

"You got it," he said … sounding as oblivious as ever to what I'd just told him.

I turned back to Eric and shook my head no as to reply to his earlier statement. "I don't mind at all."

As I sat up, I reached forward and began undoing his belt and pants. I released my lover's manhood from his pants as I positioned myself in my seat so that he could properly finish what he'd started. And that's what he did. He ripped my panties from my body as he kissed his way from my thighs to my nub. I sank deep into my seat as he placed my legs over his shoulders and made love to me with his mouth.

My moans erupted and he licked and kissed me in ways a man has never licked and kissed me. He was driving me to the edge of distraction. His mouth devoured every part of me. His hands caressed my sensitive nipples through my silk blouse. I began to lose control as I arched up to meet his mouth.

"More," I whimpered.

And that's what he did. He inserted his fingers inside of me and my body tensed. I could hold back no longer. He thrusted his tongue and fingers deep inside of me as I came over and over again.

And just like that, he was inside of me. I knew that I was in heaven. I knew that he was mine and I am going to keep it that way forever. He slowly slid into me. It was torturous and gentle all at the same time. The feel of him taking me slowly … inch by inch … it was splendid.

As his thrusts became more and more heated, I reached behind me and gripped the back of my chair. He spread my legs wider and he owned me, every inch of me. I wanted more and more him.

"Fuck me, Eric," I whimpered.

He lifted me from the chair and bent me over the desk as he willingly gave me what I wanted … what I'd begged of him. He wrapped his arm around my waist as he nibbled at my ear. "Mine," he growled.

"Yes," I declared loudly. "I'm yours!"

He turned my face to his as he kissed and fucked me. Saying into my mouth, he said, "Cum for me, Sookie."

The orgasm ravaged my body and mind. The feel of Eric inside of me … with me … overtook me. I was gone. I am his and there was no turning back.

"Oh, Sookie," he whispered as he came with me … kissing me … holding me tighter into his body.

Once we were both spent, his body rested gently on mine as I rested on the desk. I began to chuckle. "I can honestly say that this is a first," I said.

"What is?" Eric asked as he showered me with kisses.

"I've never had sex in my office."

He laughed and because he was still inside of me, he was hitting that special spot. I could feel myself tighten around him once more. And because of it, he was about to start up again. "No," I proclaimed. "I have work to do and you need to get out of here. Get up. I need to go and wash up."

When he removed himself from my body, I walked to my personal bathroom to clean myself up as quickly and as best as I could. I fixed my clothes and my hair and hoped like hell that I at least looked a little like I did before he entered my office.

Once I was done, I had a clean cloth for him as well when I returned to my office. Soon after, Eric was cleaned, dressed and sitting on the couch. Once again, he looked just like the cat that ate the canary … arrogant bastard. "I love you, Sookie," he said. "And I'm keeping these." He put my shredded panties in his pocket.

"You love that I can't say no to you," I lightheartedly replied as I returned to my desk to.

"True," he said. He'd opened his mouth to say more but he didn't get a chance to say it. We had company.

"Sookie," Todd said as he barged into my office and walked straight to my desk.

Obviously, he was still oblivious to my previous order of not disturbing me.

"Here are the files from the Cunningham case. Einin told me to bring these to you. She said that you needed to prepare to meet with Judith Cunningham in three weeks. She is just too much for me to handle today but not too much. She has calmed down a little. I guess." He shook his head and sighed as he looked at me. He cocked his head to the side as he looked at me. "What have you been doing in here? You look different."

"Todd," I began.

His mouth fell open and he placed his hand over his mouth. "What have you been doing in here?" he whispered. His eyes widened. "Have you been having phone sex?" His mouth was soon as wide as his eyes before speaking again. "Or did you have sex?"

My eyes widened and my mouth fell open from surprise. I was completely stunned.

"It was that Viking, wasn't it?" he asked. He shook his head in disappointment. "You lucky, lucky girl. I am so jealous of you. I guess my hopes and dreams are not meant to come to pass. I'd hoped that he'd abruptly turned gay. I'll bet it was just delicious, wasn't it? He is wicked hot. Oh, did you get to tell him that you still love him? I hope that you did since you're having sex with him … I'm assuming. Unless you choose to tell me different." Raising his eyebrows, he asked, "Are you going to tell me different?"

I glimpsed over at Eric and the leer on his face was noticeable and nauseating.

"Come, Sookie," he said. "Tell me. You know that I have that acute nosiness thing going on." Then a look came over his face. "I thought that you were in a meeting. I wasn't really paying attention because Einin was talking my ears off of my beautiful head." He suddenly shook his head no. "Wait, I didn't see anyone leave."

"No," I said. "You didn't see anyone leave because he's still here." I pointed at the couch and said to Todd, "I'd like for you to meet Eric Northman."

Todd turned to see Eric sitting on the couch and I have to tell you, it's the first time I'd ever seen him mortified. He was as white as a sheet and I'm sure he would've fallen over dead from a heart attack if he hadn't been worried with breaking a nail.

"Eric this is my big mouthed and soon to be fired assistant, Todd James."

Eric walked over to Todd and offered him his hand in greeting. "I'm thrilled to meet you, Mr. James. And I'm sorry to have to be the one to tell you this. I'm not gay but thanks for the compliment."

Todd didn't know what to say. He'd opened his mouth to speak but only a squeak emerged and that was good enough for me.

Eric buttoned his suit jacket as he turned to face me. His eyes were sparkling and his smile was absolutely smug and filled with conceit. He then did something that I didn't expect. He walked over to me and kissed me … passionately.

I wanted more but I stepped away from him as I cleared my throat. I steered the conversation back to work. "Are we still meeting tonight in order to discuss the files that you gave me?"

"We are," he clarified. "Meet me in my office tonight at 5:00. We're going to dine at Le Bernardin. You're riding with me."

I shook my head at Eric's order. "I'm going to take a cab to the restaurant. I told you that I don't want people talking about us."

"And I told you …"

"And I told you no," I interjected. "I will meet you at the restaurant at 7:00."

Todd was still standing there with his mouth agape.

Smiling, Eric said, "I'll meet you there at 7:00."

Todd's mouth was soon even wider.

"There's also another issue that I want to discuss with you," Eric stated.

I sighed as I nodded.

"It's never just dinner, is it, lover?" he asked as he caressed my cheek.

"Never," I mumbled. "I'll be there at 7:00. Good afternoon, Mr. Northman."

"Good evening, Ms. Stackhouse," he said as he kissed me once more. He walked past Todd and said, "Good evening, Mr. James and by the way. It was better than delicious." He looked at me and winked before leaving. Todd's eyes followed Eric out of the room.

I crossed my arms over my chest and glared at Todd; waiting for him to acknowledge me and explain why he said what he'd said and why he'd charged into my office without knocking. I wanted an explanation and I wanted it now.

He finally looked at me; surprise had taken the place of embarrassment.

"Did he kiss you … in front of me?"

I refused to answer him. "Why did you do that?" I shouted. "Why did you say that? Why did you just barge in here? You never do that, Todd. Why did you decide to do it today? Do you realize that he's my boss?"

Todd was still smiling. He covered his mouth with his painted fingers and began to shriek. "I realize that he's your lover. You're in love and you two are back together! After ten years, you've found your way back to each other. Isn't this fantastic?" He ran over to me and hugged me.

I smiled into his shoulder.

He released me and said, "I am so happy for you. You deserve to be happy and you look so happy. It brings me so much happiness to see you like this. Oh!" he exclaimed. He placed one hand to his chest and fanned his face with the other. "I think I'm going to cry. I can't wait to get home and tell Douglas. He's going to be so excited. And he was utterly captivated with your love story. This is going to send him over the moon." He did a little skip as he giggled.

I wanted to be pissed at him but his genuine joy for me caused me to forget my anger. The tears that welled up in his eyes worked in his favor as well. I wanted to write him up but I've since changed my mind. Because he was right, my anger soon dissipated into awareness. I am happy. Having Eric back in my life is one of my greatest joys. I wouldn't change it for anything in this world.

Softening my eyes, I said to Todd, "I am happy. I haven't been this happy with a relationship in a very long time. Things aren't what I expected them to be but we can get through it. There are no obstacles that are stronger than we are."

"You say some of the most loving things," Todd said. "Why can't I be straight and you be my love story? I would be on cloud nine listening to your loving words."

"And you're fabulous and wonderful," I added.

"Most definitely," he agreed. "Well, let me get back to work. And don't worry. I'll keep your secret. I won't tell a soul. Except for Douglas. He is my boyfriend after all." He turned to leave but yelled out, "Wait!"

I jumped and asked, "Why, Toddy?"

"Sorry," he said. "I have one question."

"Okay?"

"Was it delicious?"

"Get out, Todd!" I said as I laughed. "I have work to do and I'm sure you have quite a bit to do yourself. Now, go."

He had the gall to pout. "Look, if I finish up will you spill. I told you that I suffer from …"

"An acute case of nosiness," I finished. "I know."

"Are you …?"

"Go!"

He flitted out of the room and closed the door silently behind him.

I stared at the door and said, "It was so delicious."

The door swung open and Todd said, "I knew it!"