Page 10 of Controlling Natasha

I bite my bottom lip.I’m uncomfortable with this arrangement because I don’t want to take advantage.But it seems I’m the only one who feels like I’m taking advantage.Edith has joined us in the dining room, and now all three of them are staring at me.

“I’ll think about it,” I say to get them to drop this subject at least for now.

Albert speaks again.“Since you left your keys in the ignition in your car, I went to move it to the garage, but it was sputtering and smoke was coming out from under the hood.I’m surprised it even got you here.”

I wince and try not to groan.I suppose he’s going to say he took it to a repair shop next.

Albert clears his throat.“So, I took it to my mechanic.He’s going to look at it first thing on Monday morning.”

I almost laugh at how astute I am and how well I can read this man already, but then I realize I don’t have a way to get to school.

“Let me know your schedule, sweetheart.I’ll drive you and pick you up for now,” Albert announces.

Of course.

I lean back in my seat and draw in a deep breath.If I didn’t trust Professor Arnalt as much as I do, I would be panicking by now.These three strangers have taken care of everything and thought of every detail.Maybe I need to stop arguing and accept the fact that, for once in my life, my luck has turned.

I take several breaths in and out.My shoulders relax.Assuming I’m not dreaming and they are for real, a giant boulder has been lifted off my shoulders.“Thank you.All of you.You have no idea how much this means to me.”

Edith pats my shoulder.“You’re welcome, sweetie.Now, would you like milk with your dinner?”

I glance at her and nearly laugh.Milk?“No, ma’am.Thank you.Water is fine.”She didn’t offer me anything else, but that’s okay.I’m used to drinking water.I can’t afford soda or teas.

She brings out steaming plates next and sets them in front of me and Mr.Hoffman.I realize she and Albert aren’t going to eat with us.That makes me even more uncomfortable.I’m poorer than dirt.I don’t deserve a place at this table or this level of service.

The two of them quietly exit the room, heading for what I assume is the kitchen.I stare after them.

“I know what you’re thinking,” Mr.Hoffman says.“Trust me.I’ve done everything in my power to get them to sit at the table, but they’re old school and refuse.I have ensured they definitely eat the same thing Edith cooks for me, though, if it makes you feel better.I try to tell myself they enjoy dining without other people.”

I turn my attention back to Mr.Hoffman.“You normally eat in this fancy room alone?”

He shakes his head.“No.I normally eat in the kitchen at all kinds of odd hours.”

I gulp.“You’re eating in here, off this expensive china, because of me?”My voice squeaks.

“Yes, and I’m glad.”He reaches over and pats my hand.“Eat, Little one, before it gets cold.”

I’m still staring at him.He continues to stun me.

He sighs.“Natasha, the truth is I’ve been a hermit for a number of years.I go through the motions of life.I go to the office.I go to business dinners and meet with friends, but most of the time, this house is quiet and boring.I’m as excited as Albert and Edith to have someone young and alive join us.It will force me to sit down and have normal dinners again, like I did in this very room off this same ridiculous china as a kid.”

I sit taller, pick up my fork, and force myself to take a bite of carrots.I nearly moan around the flavor.I don’t think I’ve ever had cooked carrots, but they’re delicious.Whatever seasonings Edith uses makes my mouth water.

Mr.Hoffman points toward the pastry on my plate.“It’s Beef Wellington.Have you ever had it?”

“No, sir.”I pick up my knife, cut into the pastry, and find the most tender piece of beef inside.This time, I do moan as I chew and swallow.“Forget moving in the fall.I think I’ll stay here straight through graduate school,” I say before I can think to filter myself.

Nearly choking as I take a drink of water, I glance at Mr.Hoffman to find him grinning.“I think that’s a wonderful idea.We can revisit it when you’re no longer walking on eggshells, Little one.”

I wonder why he calls me Little one.It’s the oddest endearment.I know it’s an endearment based on his tone.Albert calls me sweetheart.Edith calls me sweetie.I feel oddly adored even though they all just met me.

We eat for a while in silence until I’m so stuffed I can’t take another bite.When I set my fork down, I find Mr.Hoffman watching me with that same pleased smile.

“That was delicious.”

“I’m so glad you enjoyed it.I’m sure Edith will go over the menus with you and make sure to cook meals you like.”

“I don’t even know what I might like,” I tell him.“I’ve never had anything that didn’t come from the freezer or a box.”

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