I smiled, though I still wasn't convinced.
"I still think you're just being nice," I said.
He shook his head.
"No, Faye," Alexander said. His voice was calm but firm. "I'm appreciating it for exactly what it is."
I tilted my head.
"And what exactly is that supposed to mean?" I asked.
He set his spoon down on the plate before turning fully toward me.
"It means this dinner isn't special because every ingredient is perfect," Alexander explained. "It's special because you made it."
I felt my cheeks warm again.
Alexander continued before I had the chance to interrupt him.
"You thought about me. You planned all of this. You spent your own time cooking when you could have left everything to the kitchen staff," Alexander said.
His eyes drifted briefly toward the tray before returning to
