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I almost didn’t realize Janice had finished her lesson. “Sure. Do you want to practice first?”
“Sure,” he said, looking down at his sheet. “Would you like a clothing protector, Adams?”
I nodded. Diego was not ruining my uniform with this barbecue sauce.
“Good call.” He got up, going to the tub Janice had on a table. He came back to me and said, “Okay if I put it on you now?”
“Sure,” I replied.
For how strong Diego was, he was equally as gentle, slipping the material over my head, brushing my hair out of my face, and then straightening the fabric so it rested smoothly over me.
Why did the simple act almost bring tears to my eyes?
Luckily, he didn’t notice, already looking back to his sheet. “Do you want tea or water today?”
“Water is fine,” I said. “With ice.”
Nodding, he got up and retrieved a cup. Without his blazer on, I could see his muscles move under his pale blue uniform shirt. If he ever worked in a retirement home, those ladies would be all over him.
“What are you smiling about?” he asked as he walked back.
“Nothing,” I said quickly. “Thank you for the water.”
“You’re very polite today.”
“Maybe because I don’t want a spoon to the back of the throat.”
He rolled his eyes at me, which only made me smile more. “What would you like to eat first, Adams?”
“Mashed potatoes?” I said.
Janice called out, “Remember to correct posture! Even if it feels uncomfortable, it’s massively important. Sitting incorrectly is a big choking hazard.”
“Can you please sit up?” he asked me.
I shifted in my seat, doing as he asked.
He glanced at the paper again, then filled the spoon half full, just like Janice had told him. His eyebrows were drawn slightly together, focus in his eyes. And for a guy who never took anything seriously, it was endearing to watch him try like this. Too endearing.
I needed to focus on something else.
Like the mashed potatoes coming toward my face.
I opened my mouth, taking a bite of the salty dish, and swallowed.
“Good?” he asked.
I nodded.
Janice called out, “This room is too quiet! Remember, dinner is a social activity! You need to speak to each other.”
Diego filled his spoon halfway. “How about them Badgers.”
“Like the animal?” I asked. But the spoon was too close to my face, and he laughed, making his arm move and missing my mouth completely.
“Diego!” I cried, wiping at my face.
“Sorry, sorry.” He reached for a napkin, still laughing. “Let me.”
