Page 37 of Resilience on Canvas

Later that evening, when Henry was finally home, he was too tired and confused to evenbeginto try to figure out the meaning behind what had happened between him and Robert in the store. All night, Henry’s mind wandered, his thoughts muddled with confusion, slow and sweet and strange.

Like carrot marmalade.

Chapter Ten

Robert

OnWednesday,Robertwasin the kitchen staring at the pile of freshly picked carrots, his heart hammering in his chest. Why the hell had he invited Henry over? Son of a bitch, he had promised himself that he wouldn’t give in to these romantic feelings. He had shown up to that shift at the store with every intention of resisting the pull he felt toward Henry Sherwood.

But then Henry had really thrown him for a loop by looking so Goddamnstrongcarrying those sacks of flour, and Robert had needed to pour nearly every bit of strength he had into keeping his pants from becoming too tight. AndthenHenry had been so kind when trying to teach Robert that math trick later, too. What a sweetheart he was. Robert had known then and there that he couldn’t resist Henry no more. At least, he couldn’t resist spending time with him. He couldn’t resist the powerful urgeto be close to the man. Hell, he had onlybarelymanaged to resist the urge to pull Henry in for a kiss. He’d comethiscloseto kissing Henry Sherwood. Right there. In the middle of the store. In public. What a mess that would have been. God, the two of them could have beenseenby somebody.And yet...

Robert had come so close kissing him. Even still.

Then, even though Robert hadbarelyescaped social exile, he had still surrendered to that burningwanthe felt and invited the son-of-a-bitch puppy-man over to make marmalade.

Henry Sherwood would be the end of Robert Davis. He’d be the end of life as Robert knew it. He’d ruin the pitiful life that Robert had worked so hard for. Make him a pariah in the hellish wasteland that was left of their little town. Henry would be the end of everything.

And, oh, Robert was ready for the reckoning.

Robert was still lost in thought when Clara came up behind him.

“Kids’ll be home soon,” she said. “I thought maybe I could meet them over by the schoolhouse and take them into town for a little while instead? Just, you know, so you and Henry can have the kitchen to yerselves.”

Robert pressed his lips together, trying not to look too pleased about this idea, though now his hammering heart was beating even more ferociously from the sudden rush of excitement. Alone with Henry. Holy hell.

“Thanks, Clara,” he said. “Wouldn’t want one of us losin’ a finger if the kids start makin’ a ruckus and wind up startlin’ us when we’re wielding one of them knives.”

“Right. Exactly.”

Clara tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. She was smiling shyly. Almost like she knew something. Again. Not wanting to even entertain the possibility, Robert looked back at the carrots.

He cleared his throat and said, “Better leave soon or you’ll be late.”

“Alright, well, we won’t be out fortoolong,” she said. Robert’s face flushed. God, was Clara trying to imply something? “I took some money from our savings. Just enough for some popcorn. I hope that’ll keep us busy in town for a little while. But I’m not sureif we’ll have enough food for everyone. Other than the marmalade. We’re, uhm, we’re running low, Robert.”

“Yeah... I know,” he said, the bashfulness he was feeling earlier turning to shame, keeping his cheeks warm. “I saw two cans of vegetables left, though. Pork and beans, too. Just the one can. I’ll be fine with the marmalade and some carrots myself.”

“Dippin’ carrots in carrot marmalade?” Clara asked.

“Why not? It’s somethin’.”

“Don’t tell me yer plannin’ on skippin’ supper otherwise.”

“I have to, Clara.”

“What if I—”

“No,” he said sternly, his eyes snapping up to meet hers. “I’mthe one who’s supposed to be takin’ care of us. It’smyresponsibility to find food for everyone. Bob Sherwood won’t be payin’ me ’til tomorrow. Once I receive my money, we’ll have enough for more food. Until then, I’ll have to go without. Which isfine, Clara.I’mthe provider. It falls tometo sacrifice in times like this.” Clara’s eyes were becoming misty, her bottom lip trembling. Robert came closer and took her face in his hands. “Henry said I could take a couple of extra cans tomorrow, too. Dented ones. We’ll have enough for the next week. And I’ll keep workin’ so we’ll have enough for the followin’ week, too. And on and on. I swear on my life I will get us through this. I will keep us afloat ’til the rains come back.” He forced a smile. “Afloat. How funny is that? Afloat on this Goddamn parched soil. Not a splash of water to be found.” Clara’s mouth twitched to form a half smile, but the sadness and worry never left her eyes. “I can’t have you cryin’, Clara Marie. Not over me missin’ out on eatin’ some mediocre beans and mushy vegetables.”

After a moment, she nodded, and Robert dropped his hands from her face.

“Thank you,” she said softly, turning to leave. “I’ll be back soon.”

While Clara was putting on her shoes, Robert saw Henry pass by the window, and his heart leapt up into his throat. Clara opened the door before Henry could knock. Henry had a rag over the lower half of his face.

“Hi, Henry,” she said. “I’m leavin’ to pick up the little ones from school.”

“Hey, Clara,” he replied. “Be careful out there. Wind is blowin’.”

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