“What’s wrong?” Thario asked.
Calla shook her head. “Nothing.”
His eyebrows shot up, and she knew she had to say something. Talking helped. Keeping it all bottled up wasn’t good for her.
"I spent so much time doing everything for Brent, and I don't know how to pull back. Hearing about a guy doing something for a woman is refreshing."
Thario touched her arm, and she glanced down, liking how warmth spread from where he touched her. When he removed his fingers, she wanted to reach out and grab his hand, holding on to it.
“Being kind to others is something I’ve learned is important in a relationship.”
Griz nodded. "It really is. Like Elowen, I know she's capable of doing stuff, but still, I like making sure her truck has gas, and I take it to change the oil regularly. I know she can do it on her own, but I like taking that task for her."
Elowen nodded. “I appreciate it when you do. I like making lunch for you when you’re here and I’m not in the studio making furniture.”
“I like it when you do, but I also like doing that for you.”
Thario chuckled. “Food that is made for you does taste better. At least, it seems like it does.”
Elowen shook her head. “Except for that one person who can’t cook.”
Griz chuckled. “Yeah, there is always that one person. But sometimes I think that one person is doing it on purpose.”
“Really,” Calla asked.
Griz nodded. "Yeah. Sometimes, guys I know act like they can't even warm a can of beans. I learned how to take a can of beans, add spices and vegetables, and make a meal out of it.I'd make beans, and guys would freak out, asking how come my beans taste so good. It's simple, really."
Thario rolled his eyes. “Yeah, but Griz, you actually are a great cook.”
Calla nodded. "He is. He made fish and a vegetable dish the other day, and it was wonderful."
The wind blew hard, and seconds later, rain fell, slamming into the side of the house. They all turned to watch.
“Wow, that’s impressive,” Calla said.
Elowen nodded. “I love this view when it rains like this.”
Lightning illuminated the sky, and then thunder cracked. Calla jumped, then laughed.
Griz stood. "How about I clean up the dishes, then we can watch the storm for a bit before we start the movie."
Thario stood. “I’ll help.”
“Bro, you sure? Your head still hurt?”
Thario shook his head. “No, I’m okay. I’m more worried about screen time and reading than doing stuff like washing up.”
"Okay, but I'll do the hard stuff."
Elowen stood and held out her hand. “Let’s go sit.”
Calla glanced back at the guys, guilt riding her hard. “I still feel guilty.”
“Don’t. You did all that work in the garden today, and you helped me make the pie and cake. The guys don’t mind doing this.”
It took a lot to relax while the guys cleaned up the dishes. Even before Brent killed their parents, her mother had taken care of everything inside the house. Having help with dishes or cooking was so odd to her.
She liked it, though. It showed her that Griz really cared for Elowen. They had a good relationship. She liked listening to them laugh together at night after she went to bed. She didn'tremember her parents enjoying each other so much, but they must have at some point.
