Page 37 of Raspberry Cake
“Because I didn’t know how Eveline felt about anyone knowing.”
“You make a valid point.” Shannon turned back to Eveline. “Sorry.”
“You’re fine. I understand that you’re just looking out for your friend.”
“This foolneedssomeone to watch out for him,” Shannon muttered. “Makes stupid decisions that land him in jail if I don’t hold his hand.”
“Oh, fuck off,” he mumbled, but enjoyed the way it made Eveline laugh.
“I see you’re the voice of reason.”
Thankfully, Shannon didn’t stay long and quickly left them to their date.
Renley
He cleared the table after lunch, and was tying up the overflowing trash when he noticed that Eveline was oddly quiet. He found her watching him hesitantly, twirling the hem of her shirt in her fingers.
“What’s wrong, kitten?” Usually, her nickname brought a bright smile to her eyes, but not this time.
Eveline sighed, frustrated, and when she spoke, her words were hardly a whisper. “Can you help me into the bathroom?”
“Of course I can.”
Though Eveline rambled on. “I just need you to help me through the door because my wheelchair doesn’t fit and… well onto the toilet.”
The way her eyes glistened and shame coloured her cheeks made his heart bleed. “Anything.” He quickly washed his hands before following her to the bathroom. “I’m your muscle, just tell me how to help you.”
“If you stand right there you can lift me to sit.” He followed her instructions and stood where she indicated but before Renley could move, tears flowed down her cheeks. “I’m sorry.”
He dropped to one knee, took Eveline’s hand and snatched a tissue from the box to dab at her cheeks. “Shh. I know how hard it is for you to ask for help, but you’re safe to express what you need with me.”
She sniffed and took another tissue. “It’s just so embarrassing.”
“I think you’re brave for asking me to help you.
“I don’t feel that way.”
Unsure of what to say, he took his time kissing each of her knuckles. When she set the tissue aside, he peered up at her through his lashes. “Ready?”
“I guess.”
With steady footing, he hugged her to his chest and lifted her, pausing so she could undress before he sat her down. He busied himself in the kitchen, only returning to her when he heard the bathroom door creak open.
“Thank you,” she whispered, still visibly upset.
Gently squeezing her shoulders, he kissed the top of her hair. “Anything for you.”
He got straight back to work, refusing to force her to talk about it if she didn’t want to. With each new song that played she seemed to relax, the awkward moment soon forgotten. Once they were finished, she seemed ready to leave.
Eveline helped him clean up, and happily accepted when Renley offered to walk her to her car. With his hand on her neck and his fingers spearing through her hair, he walked by her side.
“Thank you for helping me.”
“I enjoyed it, and I got to meet your best friend too.”
“I liked how you handled him.” He leaned against her car, waiting for her to be settled before giving her one last kiss. “Can I see you again tomorrow?”
“I usually do my meal prep on Sundays.” He was about to prepare for disappointment when she added, “But if you don’t mind grocery shopping and cooking with me, you’re welcome to join.”
