Chapter Eight #2
“I was unsure of your sizes.”
“I hope the sweats are soft.”
He chuckled, and she heard the sizzling of the first of the grilled cheese hitting the pan. She leaned against him, and the delicate clinking of the diamonds into a container continued for a few moments.
He murmured, “Use it to build a savings account or buy nail polish, set up a studio, or anything else you want.”
She chuckled. “My cousin is going to need to find other outlets for them. Maybe the glass-etching community. I wish I knew why they came out cut.”
He laughed. “The magic shaped them into the most useful arrangement. I can help you to design some jewellery and inset them for you.”
“I thought you worked with stone.”
“Oh, I do, and that is how I make my money. I own a few quarries and bring in imported stone from deposits around the world.”
“How many quarries?” She gave him a slight smile.
“Thirty-five. I travel four or five times a year to check on the quality of stone.”
Lucia blinked. “Where do you go?”
“All over the world to find the right stone. Achilles has recently been a very good customer.”
She looked down between them. “Are you responsible for this marble?”
He smiled. “It was a lovely piece, cream and gold with no inclusions. I was told that it would be needed soon, and here was the need. I had not imagined it being shaped into a form that makes me wish I had gotten a bigger block so that we could dance fully at any size.”
She blinked slowly. “Like, how big?”
“I think you at fifteen feet tall would be cute.”
“Uh, interesting.”
He chuckled. “If you are interested, there are spells for it.”
“That seems a little advanced for me.”
He stroked her back as the second sandwich was prepared and the soup was poured into two bowls.
She looked up at him. “Time for food?”
Yorwell stroked her hair. “Yes. Then a shower.”
The food was sitting on a nearby table with salt, pepper, and crackers.
She leaned away. “Okay. I am gonna go eat now.”
He grinned. “The courier is coming up the drive. I will get your change of clothing.”
She nodded. “Thank you. I get the feeling I am about to be cold.”
He chuckled as they parted and cool air rushed between them.
There was a knock on the door, and a t-shirt appeared on his torso as he walked toward it.
Lucia took a seat at the table, got a bowl of soup set to her taste, and ate slowly.
The soup was good, and the sandwich was better.
She had eaten the first quarter when he returned with a bag, opened it, and started snapping tags off the dark blue clothing inside.
Everything was dark blue, from the suit to the fluffy socks and shoes.
“I will wash it quickly, and it will be fine to wear when we finish our snack.”
She nibbled the cheesy bread as the fabric items bundled together, wrapped in blue light, and the washing machine action occurred four feet in the air.
“Yorwell, can you show me how to do that?”
“Lucia, I will show you how to do anything you ask.”
She blushed and looked at the laundry that was now going through a rinse cycle. “Let’s start with laundry.”
He grinned, and they sat and ate while her clothing went through a tumble dry next to the table.
“So, you wear clothes to answer the door?”
He grinned. “Yes.”
“Good to know.”
She finished the last bite and analyzed how she felt. She felt sated but not full. “I think food is okay.”
He smiled. “Good. Your clothes are ready. Can you find the shower?”
She blushed. “Yes. Can I use your products?”
“Of course. When we head home from your appointment, we will stop to get you health and beauty items.”
Lucia frowned. “I don’t know if I will be up for shopping.”
“Then, we will order it online, watch a comedy, and cuddle on the couch.”
She exhaled. “I do love a backup plan.”
Yorwell smiled. “So do I. If you like, you can make a list, and I will go shopping during your appointment. No worries about me waiting in the waiting room. I will only be five minutes away.”
Lucia swallowed and collected her folded clothing. “Thank you for lunch. I will see you in ten minutes.”
She walked out of the kitchen and headed for the stairs. She knew his property well. She had spent time here when she was lonely, even if he wasn’t home. It always felt like she belonged here. Lucia wasn’t sure that she should tell him because she was pretty sure he already knew.
The shower felt like heaven, and the clothes were soft and comforting. She felt like she was wearing a stuffed animal. It was a warm layer between her and the world. She liked the feeling.
When she was downstairs with her hair in a thick braid, she held up her phone. “Is it time to go?”
Yorwell smiled and finished tucking in his blue button-down shirt. “It is. Are you feeling comfortable?”
“I am. Thank you.”
He smiled. “Do you mind riding in a truck?”
“No. That’s fine. I like trucks.”
He grinned and handed her a small object. “This is the key to the house so you always have somewhere to go. You have a home.”
She looked at the key and squeaked her thanks. He put his arm around her and kissed her forehead.
They left the house, the door locked behind them, and she tucked the key into her phone case. Only a fool trusted sweats with a small object.
She memorized the route home and the name of the street. When that was done, she listed all the streets before and after so she wouldn’t get lost.
He drove calmly and in direct lines. She appreciated that. They entered the suburbs and edged toward the urban centre. The building they were heading for was a low house with a few placards on the walls denoting some kind of professional.
Yorwell parked and walked around the truck to help her out. He kissed her forehead and walked her to the first of the three doors.
A receptionist was seated in a comfortable room with several doors behind her desk.
The woman looked at Lucia and smiled. “Hello, Lucia. She’s just getting the room ready for you. She has asked that she lock up your phone once in her office. She also told me to warn you.”
She nodded. “Okay. Thank you.”
“Would you like some tea? I’m Thera, and I will be the first face you see when you come in. If you arrive early, we can play cards or something if you don’t like silence.”
Lucia blinked. “I will think about it. I am trying to remember things I like.”
Thera inclined her head. “Of course.”
Lucia looked at her and said, “You look familiar.”
“Interesting. Maybe therapy will uncover where you have seen me before.”
Lucia cocked her head.
Thera smiled. “Have a seat. She will be ready in a few minutes.”
Yorwell asked, “Are you good to remain here?”
Lucia nodded. “I am. Thank you.”
He kissed her cheek and smiled. “I will get everything on your list. Add anything else with a text, and I will double check before I come to pick you up.”
“Make sure everything smells like fruit.” She smiled.
He nodded. “Easy guidance to remember.”
Thera smiled. “I have her.”
Yorwell gave her a considering look and inclined his head. “I will return in two hours. She likes honey in her tea.”
Lucia gave him a little wave and sat down in one of the comfy chairs. Thera got her some tea that smelled like wild berries, and Lucia thanked her.
Lucia sipped at the tea and smiled. “I hope I remember the signs for a restroom break. I haven’t had a body in over six years. Today has held a lot of new stuff.”
When the tea was gone, the door on the left opened, and Mik was there with a smile on her face. “Lucia, please come on in.”
Lucia set her teacup down and got to her feet. She walked into Mik’s therapy space, and her heart relaxed. Zones around the room were filled with fluffy pillows, overstuffed chairs, and couches. There was a space for every mood.
Mik smiled. “Get comfortable, and we will begin.”
Lucia nodded. “I just have to warn you, I cry diamonds. So keep tissues and a bucket nearby.”
Mik blinked. “Noted. Tissues are accessible left and right. Well, where did you want to start?”
Lucia exhaled. “I suppose it should be the rage that I feel toward my family. They didn’t notice me when I was there, and they didn’t notice when I was gone.”
Mik exhaled. “That is a good place to start.”
Therapy was underway.