Leighton read books to the children and played with them while Casey made dinner. Wonderful aromas soon filled the apartment. When Casey called them to the table, Leighton arrived last. She might have liked to, but she wasn’t about to run toward her as the children had. She still had a shred of self-control left.
“What’s this?” She hadn’t expected the table to be filled with homemade dishes. So far, pizza had been the extent of the meals they’d shared.
“Chicken enchiladas, but I made them mild, so the kids can eat them.” Casey pointed. “That’s corn salad and Spanish rice.”
“I didn’t realize when you said you’d make us dinner that you’d cook. I expected takeout or a frozen pizza. Aren’t you full of surprises? It looks delicious.” She pulled out Casey’s chair.
Casey stuttered her thanks as she sat. At least Leighton had managed not to touch her. Her restraint seemed more fragile each day.
They dished out the food, serving the children first.
She never fed Kalyssa anything spicy, even mild, but Kalyssa asked for seconds of the enchiladas. To Leighton’s surprise, she seemed to like them, though Leighton couldn’t blame her. They were delicious. Overall, it was a nice dinner, one she didn’t have to think about or prepare. The company was nicer.
While tiny versus spacious like hers, and the furnishings likely well-loved by generations, Casey’s apartment felt warm and cozy. The word homey had never appealed to Leighton, but that’s how it felt, like a home. The comfort she experienced here shook her.
The door banged, and Mark came around the corner. “Oh, Leighton.” He stopped short. “Hey, I didn’t know you’d be here.”
“Hello. How is your painting coming along?” Leighton hadn’t thought to ask if Mark was aware Casey had invited her and Kalyssa. Their presence appeared to be a surprise. She wasn’t sure how to react, and Casey appeared flummoxed, too.
“Good.” He dropped his jacket on the back of the couch and pointed to his room. “I’ll be in here if you need me.”
“Do you want an enchilada?” Casey rose.
“I’ll heat one up later.” He shut his door.
Leighton stood and picked up her plate. Kalyssa only had a few bites left. “We should go.”
“You don’t have to.” Casey also picked up dishes and carried them to the sink. “I thought he’d be later. He’s just surprised.”
Leighton set her plate on the counter. “It’s best we head home. Can I help you load the dishwasher?” The olive green appliance reminded her of the one her grandmother had owned.
Casey waved her off. “I can do it.”
“You cooked, so at least let me help.” She returned to the table and brought Andy’s plate and empty cups with her.
Side by side, they cleaned up. Casey stopped to wash Andy’s hands and face, and Kalyssa asked her to wash hers. Leighton smiled. They looked so cute, the two children standing before Casey with their shining faces and outstretched hands.
Casey set the leftover corn and rice on the stove.
“You’re very good with her. She likes you a lot.” Leighton placed cups in the upper rack. “I’m sure you’ve picked up on that. It wouldn’t surprise me if she talks about her new best friend Casey at preschool.”
Casey smiled. “I like her. She’s my little shadow, at least when I’m in the studio.”
“I’m sorry.” Leighton dried her hands.
“Don’t be.” Casey reached in front of her for the dishwasher detergent.
Their bodies touched, and Leighton’s breath caught.
Casey closed the dishwasher and placed her hands on the counter’s edge.
Leighton threaded the towel through a drawer handle. “Dinner was delicious. Thank you.”
Casey didn’t turn around. “Mm-hmm.”
Leighton moved behind her. She should gather Kalyssa and her things and go. Instead, she ran her fingers through the length of Casey’s hair and closed her eyes at Casey’s sharp intake of breath. It sifted through her fingers like sand at the beach. Leighton wanted to wrap her arms around her and kiss that soft spot where her neck met her shoulder. She imagined slipping her hands under her shirt as Casey leaned back against her. It’d be so easy to cup her breasts, first over her bra, then under. Leighton’s pulse raced at the image, and she settled for resting her hand between Casey’s shoulder blades.
Her voice came out raspy. “I don’t eat dinner at the homes of my other students.”
Casey took a shuddering breath as she leaned into her hand. “I know, Leighton. That doesn’t make this any easier.”
Leighton swallowed the lump in her throat. “No. I’m sorry about that.” She hated it had to be like this and dropped her hand. It was time to leave, even though she would’ve liked to stay. Mark also lived here though, and she didn’t want to make him uncomfortable. Their brief interaction had been strained enough. So, she gathered Kalyssa, and they hugged Andy.
Casey walked them to the door. “Thanks for the car seat and the ride home.”
Leighton turned and wrapped her arms around her. Casey smelled amazing, a little like enchiladas, but mostly like her usual, fresh scent. “Good night.”
They’d descended a flight when she heard her name. Leighton looked up and stopped Kalyssa with a tug of her hand.
Casey leaned over the railing. “Will you text me when you get home?” She looked so earnest and worried.
Leighton nodded. Again, the request that held unspoken meaning rattled her.
Traffic out of the city slowed her more than it had the previous time she’d been to Casey’s. Even so, she and Kalyssa arrived home with no issues and headed inside.
“Pick out your pajamas and brush your teeth. I’ll check on you soon.” She ushered Kalyssa down the hall to her bedroom.
This time, she texted Casey right away. Instead of receiving one in response, her phone rang. Casey’s name appeared on the screen.
Leighton swallowed. She wasn’t prepared for this. Calling one another seemed like a step in a direction they shouldn’t be taking.
She answered. “Casey.”
“I’m sorry.”
Casey’s quiet voice in her ear disarmed Leighton in ways her texts hadn’t. Leighton shouldn’t have answered the call. Kalyssa could’ve needed a bath, or…or…anything would’ve worked as an excuse. It was too late now, so she cleared her throat. “For what?” Did Casey feel the same when hearing her voice? Leighton cupped the phone with both hands. The way she shook, she was afraid she might drop it. She heard a sound like a swallow.
“I’m sorry that Mark came home and made things awkward, but it wasn’t his fault. I thought he’d be out much later.”
Kalyssa sang in her room, so Leighton didn’t feel the need to rush the conversation. “It wasn’t so bad. My presence threw him. Didn’t you ever see your elementary teacher in the grocery store? It’s strange.” She pulled her hair over one shoulder.
“It’s not that. This is different.” Casey paused. “He might suspect something. I mean, I know we’re not doing anything, but he has an idea that…” Casey didn’t speak for a few seconds.
“That what?”
“That I’d like to.”
“Oh.” Leighton fell against the sofa’s backrest.
“I’m going to talk to him and explain.” Casey sniffed. “He needs to know you’ve been honorable. I don’t want to jeopardize the atelier or your reputation. Before I speak with him, I wanted to let you know.”
A shiver ran up Leighton’s spine. They’d been playing with fire, and the reality of the situation came crashing down. They couldn’t appear to have a secret liaison, even if they weren’t. “Yes, that’s fine.”
“Okay.” Only the sound of Casey’s breathing came across the line.
Leighton didn’t want to end the conversation now that she’d been drawn into it. “I wish it didn’t have to be this way.”
“I know, but we don’t seem to have any other option.”
She closed her eyes and tried to imagine Casey in her apartment. It seemed neither of them wanted to sever the connection. Leighton could hear Andy in the background. “I suppose this is the only way.”
Casey sighed. “I know.”
“Good night, Casey.” She needed to help Kalyssa change into her pajamas. It was past bedtime.
“Sweet dreams.” It was Casey who ended the call ten long seconds later.