Not that my exes haven’t enjoyed the food I’ve made for them. But he seems like a simple guy who knows what he likes. And apparently, he really likes falafel. And me.
“I’ve only had one girlfriend cook for me before,” he says between bites. “And that was years ago, back in my twenties. You make me feel so special, doing this for me.”
His words feel like another gift, wrapping me in warmth and validation. “Wow, really? I love cooking for people,” I say. “Not a lot of guys I’ve dated could cook. But everything you’ve made so far has been so good—seasoned perfectly. You really know what you’re doing. I’ve never met anyone like you.”
He grins, leaning down to kiss me again. “I’m so in love with you, Margaux.”
“I love you, too, Timmy.”
After we finish eating, Timmy pulls out his phone and posts the photo of our ingredients to his Instagram. The caption reads:“When she makes you falafel, you propose.”
I burst out laughing. “Are you serious?”
He beams. “Completely serious. You’reincredible. I want everyone to know it, and to know that you’re mine.”
He’s announcing this to the world. Announcingusto the world.
Any thoughts of him being embarrassed of me, any lingering doubts about him hiding our relationship, float away.
He’s not worried about other girls seeing this. He’s telling everyone who knows him that I am his person.
He’s proud that we’re together, and he’s making that obvious.
In this moment, I feel truly special—truly, deeply special. There’s no hesitation, no game-playing—just Timmy, loud and proud, telling the world how much he loves me.
And it turns out he’s passionate about cooking, too.
We talk for hours about our favorite dishes, sharing ideas and swapping stories. He’s so creative, mentioning healthy broths bursting with umami, venison burritos using meat from the deer he hunted when he visited Steve a few months back, and fried rice packed with veggies.
“I can’t wait for you to try everything I make,” he says eagerly. “I’m going to cook for you all the time.”
I feel something I didn’t expect—excitement over someone else cooking for me. I’ve grown so particular over the years, careful about what I eat to stay fit and healthy. But with Timmy, I look forward to his next culinary experiment.
His passion matches mine, and it feels like our cooking styles will complement each other perfectly. It’s just one more way he fits into my life—like we were meant to find each other. And as I imagine the meals we’ll make together, the laughter we’ll share, and the adventures still ahead, I know I’ve found something special.
With Timmy, life feels exciting again.
“I love the way you speak with me," he says. "You’re so affectionate, it makes me feel so special. You make me feel big and strong.”
“Youarebig and strong. You’re my protector.”
He beams.
I’m so googly-eyed, my heart is about to burst out of my chest. He gives me the biggest butterflies I’ve ever felt. Because he wants me, and he adores me. And I’ve been so honest about who I was. And who I am. And he devours every word of it. Like everything I tell him makes him love me more.
I feel trust. Pure trust. It’s freeing. It’s wonderful. And I can’t get enough of this.
Like every little thing—cooking dinner, filming TikToks, grocery shopping and dancing with eggplants—can be an adventure. Hell, he even makes showering fun.
And I can’t wait to see where this adventure takes us.
41
BFFS
The Past
Mother: Who is your best friend?