I hold back a laugh.
“Are you burned?” Kendall asks, urgency in her voice.
“No, I hadn’t turned on the stove yet.”
Kendall moves like she’s going to brace her arm around her aunt’s waist, but her aunt stops her.
“Anak, no, you’ll get your clothes dirty. You’re wearing that nice new blouse you bought.”
“Auntie, I don’t care about that.”
“I can help,” I blurt out.
I step out from behind Kendall so her aunt can see me. Her aunt frowns up at me. Not like she’s mad, more like she’s confused to see me.
A second later, the frown fades and she lets out a chuckle, like she’s embarrassed. “Oh. Hello there, Liam.”
I offer a small smile. “Hi.”
“Goodness, I’m embarrassed that you’re seeing me like this.”
“Don’t be. This is what typically happens to me when I try to cook.”
I instantly regret my joke. What a stupid thing to say. What if she thinks I’m making fun of her?
I start to apologize, but Christina bursts out laughing. I let out a breath, relieved.
“Oh, I needed that laugh. Thank you, Liam.”
“No problem. Anytime you need a random joke, I’m your guy.”
She laughs again.
“If it’s okay with you, I can help you up. I’m wearing a crappy t-shirt that I should have thrown out years ago, so I don’t care about getting it dirty.”
Christina flashes a warm smile at me. “You sure?”
“Positive.”
Kendall steps off to the side as I move forward. I crouch on the floor, slide an arm under Christina, and gently sit her up.
She glances down at the front of the long dress she’s wearing. “I should probably wash off. I’ve got soup all over me. Could you take me to the bathroom?”
“No problem.”
I slide my other arm under her legs, then stand up. As I cradle Christina, Kendall leads me to the bathroom down the hall.
Christina chuckles. I smile at her. “Did I miss something funny?”
She shakes her head. “Oh no, it’s just that usually it’s poor Kendall who has to help me when I have a fall. She’s not much taller than I am, so I feel bad for how heavy I must feel. But goodness, you pick me up like it’s nothing.”
I laugh. “I’m used to huge guys crashing into me with their entire weight. Carrying you is a breeze. Light as a feather.”
She chuckles and pats my shoulder. “Oh, you charmer.”
We both laugh. I catch Kendall smiling as she flips on the light in the bathroom. Christina says I can set her on the closed lid of the toilet. I lower her down. She thanks me, and I walk out of the bathroom.
Kendall starts to walk into the bathroom but turns around. “Thank you,” she says softly.
