Rebel went back to what she was doing, and I went in search of an open seat. I was one of the first to arrive, so there were many to choose from. As I typically did, I sat in the back corner of the room, in a chair that faced in.
“Why do you always sit back here?” Tee-Tee asked when she walked up to me a few minutes later.
“No surprises,” I told her as I raised my head and scanned the room like I’d done every few seconds while I ate.
“She did well today.”
“You don’t need to report to me, Tee-Tee. In fact, I’d prefer if you didn’t.”
She pulled out the chair next to me and sat down. “Did she tell you what happened?”
“Between the two of you? Yes.”
I studied her as she looked off into the distance.
“Do you still believe she stole from you?”
Tee-Tee took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “No.”
“Does Rebel know that?”
She looked at me. “You care about her.”
“She’s alone in this world.”
“It’s more than that,” she said, resting her hand on my arm. “Isn’t it?”
“Maybe. I’m not sure how to define the way I feel.”
“Does Rebel know that?” she asked with a wink.
I winked back. “I’d appreciate it if you kept mum on the subject.”
She smiled, stood, and walked away. A few minutes later, Rebel came out of the kitchen carrying two plates.
“What’s this?” I asked when she got closer.
“Dessert. Tee-Tee told me to bring you some; she suggested I have some too.”
When she set the plate in front of me, more than wanting it, I wanted her. If we were alone, I’d pull her onto my lap and feast on the soft skin on her neck.
“Tell me if you like it.”
I noticed her hands folded so tightly her knuckles were white. “I can already tell you I do.”
“Taste it anyway.”
I brought the fork to my mouth, and the sweet cake melted on my tongue. “Oh my God,” I groaned. “This is brilliant.”
“Do you really like it?”
I nodded as I shoved another helping into my mouth, immediately followed by a third. “Is there more?”
When Rebel’s cheeks turned bright pink and she lowered her eyes, I was back to wanting to pull her onto my lap.
“Look at me,” I demanded.
Startled, she did.