Chapter 6
REENA
I let out a sigh, as I rinse the dinner plates clean.
Porter's big hand reaches out and takes each one from me, sliding them meticulously into the lower rack of the dish washer.
His method of loading it is more exact than mine.
There's a rigid order to it that leaves no question that each plate, each dish, each piece of silverware will come out sparkling clean.
"How did you know the tarts are my favorite?" I whisper the words to him, even though I suspect my uncle isn't close enough to hear our conversation. We'd set him up in his chair in the living room, where he could indulge in one of his favorite movies while he ate a second bowl of cobbler.
"It's not top-secret information, Reena," Porter says, giving me a quick glance before he refocuses on the dishwasher. "When I ordered the cobbler, I asked if they knew what your favorite dessert was. They told me, so I added some for you. Seemed like a thing I should know."
I feel a sharp pang of disappointment that he did it only to add credibility to the role he's playing. It shouldn't matter. I should just be grateful that he thought that far ahead. "I appreciate you doing that. I think it helped make Cliff think this is for real."
He nods, not looking at me, and then there's silence between us. I'm surprised when he's the one who breaks it. "I got them for you because I wanted to."
It's a comment made so quietly that I almost think I didn't hear him correctly. "What?"
He looks slightly unsure as he meets my eyes. "I got them for you because I wanted to make you happy. You're dealing with a lot right now, and it felt right to get you something that might make you smile. Even for a little while."
"Thank you." I manage to get the words out, even though my throat is tight. "It did make me happy."
"Good."