Lea’s P. O. V.
I watched Carter walk away, confusion setting itself deep in my mind. I could see the conflicting emotions in his eyes again ; the want, the need, the desire, the fear.
I took a deep breath and turned back to the stove. Baking was one of the few things I was good at and it took my mind off of my current predicament. I pulled out each of the pies and checked on the chocolate cake. I closed the oven and reset the timer for ten minutes and leaned against the warm appliance, closing my eyes as I took another deep breath.
Are you alright, Ms. Lea ? a soft and warm voice sounded a few feet away.
I opened my eyes and looked over the lovely older woman. Ms. Mahalia, right ?
Just Mahalia, Ma’am.
I didn’t realize I was crying again until I was wrapped in gentle arms. Sh, Child.
The silent sobs racked my body as Mahalia caressed my hair. All the anger and the hurt that I had been holding in for the last five years, along with the confusion over Carter’s words, were threatening to break me. But I refused to be broken. I couldn’t allow the safe world I had built around myself to collapse.
I pulled back and wiped my eyes on my sleeves. Sorry, I whispered out meekly.
No need to apologize. Mahalia smoothed a loose piece of hair from my face, It smells wonderful in here, Ms. Lea.
Thanks, I smiled softly at the woman. And please, it’s just Lea.
Mahalia shook her head, Mr. Stephens wouldn’t like me addressing you as such.
Mr. Stephens ? I raised an eyebrow, You mean Carter ?
Yes, Ma’am.
Why not ? I asked.
Because you are his guest, Ms. Lea.
I scoffed and watched as Mahalia’s warm smile morphed into a frown. Guests get to leave Ms. Mahalia, I informed her pointedly. However, I don’t think that he is going to let me go anytime soon.
Mahalia looked uncomfortable at my words and for some unknown reason, I immediately regretted my saying them.
I’m sorry Ms. Mahalia. It’s, it’s just been a long couple of days. I wrung my hands as I spoke.
An uncomfortable silence settled over us and I couldn’t stand it.
Do you mind if I help make dinner ? It’s the least I can do for hijacking the kitchen for the last hour or so.
No need to apologize, Ms. Lea. And I would love the company.
Mahalia and I settled into easy conversation as we prepared dinner. After about a hour and a half, Mahalia looked me over and smiled softly. You’re a natural.
I returned her smile, Thanks. I learned from my Grams. She was always baking and cooking. It didn’t matter what day of the week it was, it was just natural for all of the family to meet up at her house for dinner. Helping her in the kitchen is one of my favorite childhood memories.
We had been setting the items on the serving cart as we talked when a voice coming from the doorway caused us both to look up.
Excuse me, Mahalia, but Lea needs to get ready for dinner. Carter’s face was unreadable as he spoke.
I smiled apologetically to Mahalia and gave her a quick hug, earning a surprise squeak from the older woman.
Thank you, I whispered in her ear. Maybe I can help again ?
I would love for you to Ms. Lea.
I stepped away and walked quickly toward the door. I refused to meet Carter’s eyes as he turned and walked beside me, his voice cold and steady. I expect you to be ready by six each evening for dinner.
I simply nodded, too afraid that the emotional turmoil swirling within me would surface if I voiced a reply.
As we reached my room, I stopped short of the entrance and slowly turned to toward Carter. Where is the door ?
Carter kept his face neutral as he glanced at me indifferently. It was taken down Lea.
I met his steely eyes. Why ?
You broke the glass out of it. I do believe that I told you that if you wanted to act like a child, you would be treated as a child.
I opened and closed my mouth like a fish out of water. But, how, ugh. I walked defeatedly into the room.
You have twenty minutes to be ready for dinner. You will find your attire laid out along with the appropriate accessories.
I looked over the items on the bed. I take it dinner is a formal affair ?
Yes.
I picked up the dress and heels and walked into the bathroom without a word. I closed and locked the door and glanced down to the items in my hand. I pulled off my pants, tee, socks and the Keds from this morning and jumped in the shower, quickly bathing as I washed away the flour and sweat from helping Mahalia in the kitchen.
I slipped on the black sequined cocktail dress, noticing how its wide scooped neckline showed off more skin than I cared for. I slipped on the strapped heals which buckled in the back just above my ankle, a small silver heart dangled from each of the top outside straps. I picked up the silver bangle bracelets and clamped them around my wrist and studied the expensive looking diamond drop earrings before securing them to my ears.
I pulled the band from my bun and ran a brush through my hair, opting for a quick side braid.
I pulled open the medicine cabinet and found some basic make up. I applied a light layer of smokey eye shadow and some mascara then topped off my look with the natural shaded blush and lipstick.
I stepped back and looked over myself. I was amazed that once again, the clothing and shoes fit perfectly.
As a knock sounded at the bathroom door, I took a deep breath and reached for the knob.
I lowered my head and tried to calm the thumping in my chest as Carter took his time looking me over from head to toe and back up, his eyes once more showing the conflicting emotions I was becoming all to familiar with.
Please stop looking at me like that, I whispered as I felt a hand against my cheek.
Carter’s fingers left a heated trail as they traced my jawline.
Turn around. His voice was soft, yet rough, gentle, yet firm.