Time for Dessert
Another snippet from the upcoming Family Matters. Olivia Chandler and Casey Bellamy have a quiet moment together while preparing dessert. REALLY trying to finish this WIP!
“I can’t tell you how surprised I am at Breck. We don’t get to see him so animated often.”
Casey passed a dessert dish to Olivia as they prepared plates in the kitchen.
“I don’t understand, Casey. What do you mean?”
“Well, you’ve seen how no one in this family has trouble speaking up. Except for my baby brother. He’s the shy one. The Introvert.”
Olivia smiled. “But he doesn’t miss much, does he?”
“Not a thing. Shaun thinks when Breck is quiet he’s writing screenplays in his head… about us.”
“Uh, oh.”
“I know, right? My family on the big screen? It would be slapstick for sure.”
Shaking her head and laughing, Olivia grabbed the serving tray and stacked three plates on it. When she turned for more, Casey wasn’t dishing up more plates. She was staring at Olivia.
“Is something wrong, Casey?”
“It’s because of you. You know that, right? Breck being comfortable enough with you to open up?”
“Oh, honey. I’m flattered, but I’ve only been here for an afternoon. Maybe Breck is just happy to have his family together.”
“I don’t think so, Olivia. We’re a busy lot, but we’re together at some point at least once a week. Breck is always quiet. It’s you.”
Olivia opened her mouth to respond, but Casey continued.
“You work with children, right? You’re a child-advocate attorney?”
“Yes, but-…”
“And the children you work with… they never have difficulty talking to you… opening up to you, do they?”
“Well, no, but-…”
“I didn’t think so. I’m sure you’ve had your share of worst-case scenarios, but for the most part, children can sense you’re genuine. Not trying to scam or trick them. I believe Breck senses that too.”
“Children deserve to hear the truth, no matter how painful. Lies only build mistrust or worse… cause children to blame themselves.” Olivia turned away and squeezed her eyes shut, blocking out a memory.
Casey reached out, touching Olivia’s arm.
“Where did you go, Olivia? You okay?”
Returning her gaze to Casey, Olivia smiled. “I am. Thank you for-”
Olivia’s words faded as both women looked towards the kitchen door.
“Des-sert! Des-sert! Des-sert!”
Casey Bellamy giggled at Olivia’s wide-eyed expression then quickly filled the remaining plates.
“Seriously, Casey? Chanting? Are they in the dining room or cell-block D?”
Chuckling, Casey loaded the plates onto the tray and backed toward the door. Olivia lifted the tray and followed her.
“You should be honored, Olivia. They’re on their best behavior.” She pushed the door open for Olivia and stood to the side. “At least there hasn’t been a food fight.”
Olivia froze mid-step, a horrified look on her face.
Casey laughed harder.
