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While I did that, she put Elizabeth in her high chair and cut up her food, then we sat together to eat.
“So, how was work today?” I asked.
“Good. Got a couple of new students signed up for my intermediate jazz and ballet classes.” She grinned over her glass of tea. “Not what you meant, I guess?”
“Not really, but that’s fine. I’m glad work was good. No issues?”
She picked up a drumstick, her smile falling. “No issues.”
“Good.”
We ate in silence for a while, her offering Elizabeth more pieces of biscuit. Eventually, her gaze met mine. “So, you have the house all secure now?”
“Yes. I can download an app on your phone so you’ll have access to the security camera feeds and a panic button. I also need to program the security company’s number into your contacts and show you how to use everything.”
Her eyes got wide. “Wow. Okay.”
“It’s not that complicated. Should only take a few minutes.”
She didn’t seem convinced but didn’t press for details. Her expression unreadable, she stabbed at her potatoes.
“I was also thinking it would be a good idea if you share your location with me.” I waited for her reaction. I was not disappointed.
“What? No! That’s... that’s... invasion of my privacy!” She turned beet red as she stumbled over her words.
“I’m not interested in invading anything.” I did not let her emotions sway me. I had a job to do, and I was damn well going to do it. “It’s only for your security. That’s it. When my work is done here, you can stop sharing, obviously.”
The way she stared me down was impressive. But I saw when reason won out. Smart girl. “Right. You’re right. Knee-jerk reaction.”
“No problem.”
“I’m not used to having someone like you around.”
“I get it. You don’t have to explain.”
She smiled appreciatively and we went back to eating. After a while, she broke the silence. “So... do you have a family?”
The food in my mouth turned to cement at her rapid change of subject. I choked it down with a swallow of tea, then wiped my mouth with a napkin.
“Sorry,” she said. “Just making conversation. You don’t have to—”
“Parents. One sister.”
She frowned at my nonanswer, answer. “Are you and your sister close?”
“We were.”
“Were?”
“She died when she was sixteen.”
Her face paled. “Oh. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean—”
“It was a long time ago.” I turned my attention back to my food to force my mind from going somewhere that didn’t really feel all that long ago.
“Still...” I glanced up and caught her looking down at my left ring finger. “I didn’t mean to pry into your personal business.” She looked up and her cheeks pinkened. “I guess it’s hard to know the boundaries when you’re here, living in my house.”
“It’s fine. I don’t want you to be uncomfortable in your own home. I may not answer, but you can ask me anything you want.”