Chapter 63
Cordelia swung around as Angel came into the kitchen. “It’s about time.”
Angel moved around Cordy to get to the stove, ducking the tomato sauce spitting from the pot. He twisted the burner off and shook his head as he turned back to Cordelia. “It was on low when I left.”
Cordelia huffed. “It was taking too long.”
“It’s suppose to simmer,” Angel said, crossing his arms.
“Oh, who cares?” Cordelia shot back. “Look what it did,” she whined, jerking at her dress to show him the red stains that spotted it. “It’s ruined.”
“Cordelia.”
Cordelia’s eyes widened at Miss Twittle’s soft admonishment. “Oh, sorry, I didn’t see you there.”
Miss Twittle moved into the kitchen. “Cordelia, you were screeching in a very unlady-like manner.”
“I – but-my dress….”
“…Is not ruined, dear. I just need some club soda. Angel?”
Angel looked up at Miss Twittle’s questioning gaze.
“Club Soda?” she repeated.
“I don’t have any.” Angel stepped back at Miss Twittle’s disapproving intake of breath.
“It’s okay.” Cordelia patted Miss Twittle’s arm. “It’s on the list.”
Miss Twittle pursed her lips. “Angel, perhaps after dinner I should take a look at your list,” she said, before directing her attention back to Cordelia.
Angel nodded, not having a clue what they were talking about. But, the negative shake of Cordelia’s head told him to remain silent.
He watched as the older woman started to fuss over Cordy. She had grabbed a dishtowel, dampening it, and patting it gently on the stains.
“Miss Twittle.” Cordelia tried to wave away Miss Twittle’s ministrations. “I over-reacted. You don’t have to….”
“Dear, why do I think you’ll just rub it and make it worse?”
Cordelia stared at the floor. “Because, I would,” she said in a small voice.
“That’s why I’m here, dear,” Miss Twittle gave Cordelia a quick smile.
Angel leaned back on the counter his arms firmly crossed against his chest and narrowed his gaze on Miss Twittle. She was there because he wanted her as an ally, not to take care of Cordelia. That was his role and his alone.
“Dinner will be ready soon,” he said, irritated that he hadn’t listened to Cordy earlier. Had he, Miss Twittle would’ve been fed–and away from Cordelia–by 6:30.
“Wonderful.”
Angel forced himself to smile at Miss Twittle.
“Miss Twittle.” Cordelia urged to her one of the stools around the marble island. “I hope you don’t mind, but we decided to eat in here. It’s so much more comfortable than the dining room.”
Angel tensed as Cordelia appeared at his elbow. “Geez, don’t be such a grump. It was my dress that was messed up not your ‘special’ sauce,” she whispered.
Angel stared down at her.
“It wasn’t, was it?” Cordelia gnawed at her lip.
“No,” he sighed softly. He reminded himself that Miss Twittle’s attentions to Cordelia were harmless and not an attempt to encroach on what was his. He could remain polite.
Chapter 64
Angel tried to pour some more wine into Miss Twittle’s glass.
She shook her head. “No thank you. I’m driving. That was delicious, Angel.” She patted her lips politely with her napkin. “However, I do think Cordy needs some more soda,” she said, getting up and waving Angel back to his seat. “I’ll get it.”
Angel didn’t miss the panicked look that Cordelia directed at him as Miss Twittle opened the refrigerator. “Don’t worry,” he mouthed.
“Here you go.” Miss Twittle poured the soda in her glass.
“Angel, I’m glad to see that you’ve taken the effort to make sure that Cordelia has the proper nutrition.” She nodded towards the refrigerator.
Angel felt unusually warm as Cordelia smiled at him. Her smile held much more than simple relief or gratitude but appreciation that he had not only listened to her warnings but had believed her.
“Now, perhaps you could show me your list.” Miss Twittle arched her brow as she sat back down.
Angel shot her a questioning look.
“You know, the list,” Cordelia said quickly, “of the things we still need to get. You know like club soda and stuff,” she nodded encouragingly towards him.
“Oh,” Angel nodded. “That list.”
“Well?” Miss Twittle asked.
Angel inwardly cringed at the click-click-click sounding on the marble top. He pressed his palms flat on the table to stop them from ripping Miss Twittle’s fingers off one by one. “It’s in my head.”
Miss Twittle’s’ tapping came to a sudden halt. “That is not a very efficient place for it.”
Angel’s palms slipped down to the table to grip the edge tightly.
“Oh, it is,” Cordelia swiftly reassured Miss Twittle. “Angel has a great memory. And don’t worry,” Cordelia patted Miss Twittle’s arm. “I’ll be with him at the store.”
Miss Twittle sighed. “Very well. I’ll trust your judgment on what you need to be comfortable.”
Angel decided it was time to change the subject. “Cordy, Miss Twittle knows the history of this house.”
“You do?” Cordelia asked, focusing her gaze on Miss Twittle.
“She says that the former owners fled to avoid prison,” Angel added.
Cordelia looked towards him and then back at Miss Twittle. “Really? Prison? That seems too much like Law and Order for Sunnydale.”
Miss Twittle nodded. “The Richardsons did come from New York City. Their quick flight from Sunnydale was quite the scandal at the time,” she continued. “It seems that Bart and Stella Richardson had made a living at pushing the boundaries of the law.”
“Really?” Cordelia rested her chin on her fist.
“Yes, it seemed that not once did they pay taxes on their illegal lifestyle.”
“Oh,” Cordelia said.
Angel glanced as Cordelia straightened then stood. He furrowed his brow as she quickly picked up the dirty dishes and took them to the sink.
“Is not paying taxes so bad?” Cordelia asked Miss Twittle over her shoulder.
“Of course. It’s comparable to treason. The Richardsons took advantage of the benefits of living in the United States, but refused to do their duty as citizens. They stole from every hard working person in this country.”
“Oh.”
Angel didn’t like the way Cordelia’s shoulders slumped, or the way the plate she held slipped through her fingers to land with a clank in the sink.
“Cordy?” He stood. But she moved away before he could reach her.
“Bundt cake?” Cordelia offered the dessert.
Angel knew that the smile she wore was manufactured.
Miss Twittle glanced at her watch. “Oh, no, the time. It’s 9:00 p.m. I need to leave. Cordelia has school tomorrow.” Miss Twittle held out her hand towards Cordelia. “Walk me to the door?”
Angel tensed. Something Miss Twittle had said had upset Cordelia. He didn’t want to leave her alone with the older woman, not when he didn’t know what was wrong.
“I’ll be happy to escort you to your car.”
“Cordy can do it. Angel, I had a lovely time. Thank you for the satisfying company and dinner.”
Angel stood motionless as they walked out the door. He wasn’t reassured by Cordelia’s shrug. What if Miss Twittle upset her again? What if she was using the opportunity to convince Cordy that she shouldn’t stay with him?
Was the lack of a television or club soda that important to her? He couldn’t take the chance. Angel moved towards the door, opening it slightly, so he could see and hear their conversation. And act if necessary.
Chapter 65
Cordelia felt uncomfortable as Miss Twittle clasped her hands.
“Dear, my asking you to walk me to my car was a subterfuge.”
Cordelia wrinkled her brow.
Miss Twittle nodded. “I know deceit is not in my nature. But, I needed to talk to you alone – it’s a concern about Angel.”
Cordelia stepped back. “Miss Twittle, I assure you. Angel has been great. I’m safe here.”
Miss Twittle held up her hand. “Dear, I’m not doubting Angel’s precautions or his intentions. My concern is well…”
Cordelia cocked her head at Miss Twittle’s hesitation. “Miss Twittle?” Her eyes widen as a flicker of discomfort crossed Miss Twittle’s face.
Then Miss Twittle’s shoulder’s braced and she took a deep breath. “Cordelia, in my experience, young couples that face danger together,” Miss Twittle paused.
Cordelia fidgeted, wishing that she had a clue about what Miss Twittle found so hard to say.
Miss Twittle took another deep breath. “They develop feelings for each other that are centered in the danger and act on those feelings without thinking about the consequences or even if the feelings are real –”
“Miss Twittle –” Cordelia interrupted, suddenly realizing that Miss Twittle was worried that she and Angel were going to become a flash in the pan soap opera couple.
Miss Twittle held up her hand again. “Please let me finish.”
Cordelia shifted her weight and nodded, deciding that it would go quicker if she stayed quiet.
Miss Twittle nodded in return. “I just want you to be aware that for every action there is a consequence. You are an intelligent young woman but Angel is very attractive and seems to be your savior in your time of need. But, you must be careful that you don’t confuse your gratitude and his chivalry for love. It is very rare that such relationships stand the test of time without the danger. Luke and Laura, of course, were an exception — theirs was a true love. But –”
“Miss Twittle.” Cordelia had to stop her. “Angel and I aren’t confused as to why we are together. It’s a necessity because of Damien that’s all. I promise.”
Miss Twittle studied her for moment. Cordelia refused to fidget. She just kept nodding hoping that Miss Twittle would accept her words and stop.
Finally, Miss Twittle nodded. “I will trust your judgment.”
Cordelia refused to let out a loud sigh, and just smiled. “Well, then I will say good night,” Miss Twittle, said.
Cordelia watched her as she went to her car. She was over the top odd, but Cordelia couldn’t help but appreciate that Miss Twittle cared. Cordy just didn’t understand why. “Miss Twittle?”
“Yes, dear?”
“You didn’t like me when I first started working for you, so why do you care so much now?” Cordelia asked.
Miss Twittle walked back to her. “Because one should always help a person in need and,” Miss Twittle lifted Cordelia’s chin, “You’re much more than your first impression. There is a lovely heart hidden within you, isn’t there, Cordy?”
“I… I don’t know.” Cordelia scrunched up her forehead. “But thank you.”
“I do know and you’re welcome.” Miss Twittle smiled.
Cordelia surprised herself and impulsively wrapped Miss Twittle in a tight hug. “Thank you,” she said again. Cordelia suddenly straightened. She was squishing the shoulders pads in Miss Twittle’s suite. “I’m sorry.”
“That’s quite all right, dear. Good night. Call me tomorrow.” Miss Twittle patted Cordelia’s cheek.
Cordelia waved. Once the red taillights disappeared, her shoulders slumped. Miss Twittle was right — she wasn’t deceitful by nature. Nausea overwhelmed Cordelia. She, on the other hand, was such a fraud.
Chapter 66
Angel mechanically cleaned the kitchen but his thoughts were on the two women outside. He had left the doorway when it became clear that Miss Twittle’s need to talk wasn’t a threat, but rather a need for more melodrama.
***
Angel wiped the kitchen again. He was getting impatient. Miss Twittle’s flare for the dramatic was keeping Cordelia from him.
Finally, he heard the door open. He folded the dishtowel over the edge of the sink and went into the living room.
He studied Cordelia as she wandered into the room. He frowned at Cordy’s dejected demeanor. It wasn’t the reaction the he’d expected.
He took a step forward. “That went well, I thought.”
“Yeah, great.” Cordelia hugged her body as she moved to the couch.
“Cordelia?” He sat down next to her.
Cordelia wrapped her arms around her knees. “Miss Twittle is actually very sweet,” she sighed, her eyes downcast.
Angel was still puzzled by her demeanor, but waited for Cordelia to say more.
She looked up at Angel. “I bet liars are right up there with tax evaders on her top ten list of evil.”
“Cordelia, she didn’t suspect anything.” Angel paused. “Or did she say something to you?” Angel shouldn’t have been so quick to stop eavesdropping.
Cordelia sighed again, shaking her head.
“Then what’s wrong?”
Angel didn’t like the way she rolled her eyes at him. “You mean other than the fact that I’m a big fact liar?” she grunted.
The tension that had begun to build up in Angel’s shoulders eased. Cordelia was just feeling guilty. “Cordy, I know you’re tired of lying, but –” Angel stopped as Cordelia grunted again and shook her head.
“You heard what she said.”
The tension was coming back. “Um…no,” he quickly lied.
“You were in the kitchen. You had to have heard her.”
Angel furrowed his brow. He thought back to the many conversations that had occurred during dinner. “About the Richardsons?” It was after that conversation that Cordelia had become inexplicitly upset.
“Do you think they’re horrible and treason-worthy?” She stood, agitated.
“Why does their story upset you so much?” Then it hit him. “Your parents.” He gazed at Cordelia. “That’s why they left.”
Cordelia slumped back on the couch. “She’ll hate me.”
Angel cupped Cordelia’s chin, bringing her face within inches of his. “Miss Twittle has many odd notions, but she isn’t stupid.” Angel took a breath. “She cares about you. You have to know that by now.”
“What about you?”
Angel stared at the white teeth that worried her bottom lip. “Me?”
“I lied to you, too.”
Angel shook his head, amazed that she was concerned that her parent’s actions would affect his feelings about her. “Cordy, paying taxes isn’t really something I’ve concerned myself with over the years. And as a sin – it doesn’t quite rate with what I’ve done. Though, parents abandoning a child-“
“No.” Cordelia put up her hand. “They did give me a choice.”
“They did?”
She took a deep breath and leaned back into the couch. “They did. They woke me up to tell me they were selling everything, running and waiting for the lawyers to figure it all out.” She edged closer to him. “I wanted to stay. I still kick myself every day for that decision.” She took another deep breath.
“My goal now is to leave Sunnydale, but then -” Cordelia shook her head. “All I could think about was how I couldn’t leave.” Cordelia looked up at Angel. “I wanted to graduate with my class.” She shrugged. “It’s kind of silly when you think that my friends aren’t really the best type to have. But I’ve known most of them, even Willow and Xander, since kindergarten. I saw them more than I saw my parents.”
She shook her head and then she let out a small chuckle. “It’s really stupid, considering I had no idea what no money meant.”
Angel cupped her chin, bringing her gaze to his. “You aren’t stupid. You just care more than you let on. That’s a wonderful quality.”
“You think?”
“Yep.” Angel nodded at her unsure smile. “I know.” He pulled her against his side and draped his arm around her shoulders. She was still tense. “You know you were right,” he cocked his head towards her.
“About what?”
He put his feet up on the coffee table. “It’s perfect here.”
“I told you so,” she giggled, imitating his actions.
Angel smiled as her body relaxed against him.
“So, you think the night went well,” she asked him.
Angel nodded. “But, if I’m wrong, I’ll tell Miss Twittle I’m a vampire.”
“Wha-” Cordelia jerked back.
Angel pulled her to him again. “You have to admit that would get her mind off your parents,” he deadpanned.
“You.” Cordelia slapped his chest. “When did you get a sense of humor ” She arched a single brow.
Angel puffed out his chest. “I’ve always been funny. I was voted the funniest-“
“At the Funniest Vampire Pageant?”
Angel narrowed his eyes. “At my village’s fair. I was quite the rambunctious youth.”
“Ah.” Cordelia’s scoff clearly stated her opinion. “‘Rambunctious I can believe, its the funny that I’m having some difficulty with.” She lightly punched his chest.
“Whatever.” Angel pulled her fist down to his lap and wrapped his hand over it.
Cordelia’s feet settled on the floor as she scooted away and faced him. “You did not just say whatever – it’s so unvampy-like.”
Angel exaggerated the roll of his eyes as he pulled her back to his side. “Just goes to show you that vampires are misjudged.”
“Pfft,” Cordelia spit out in laughter.
Angel breathed in the scent that wrapped around him and relished the feel of her body. He moved subtly, inching her closer.
Cordelia yawned. “Nice fire,” she said, blinking at the flickering flames.
“Would you believe that Miss Twittle made me promise that I had the chimney swept before I rented the place?”
Cordelia titled her head up to meet his eyes. “Did you?”
“Actually, I think I may have pushed Spike up it, but it seemed to have worked out anyway.”
Cordelia laughed. “Geez. No wonder Spike was so irritating. You were a mean sire.”
Angel snuggled her closer. “Grand.”
“Even worse.” Cordelia rested her head on his chest. “Meanie.”
“But, you like the fire.” He cuddled her closer.
“Um, hmm. Thank you, Angel.” She said softly, as closed her eyes and relaxed further into him.
“You’re welcome.” Angel’s fingers brushed at the brown silk of her hair. The night hadn’t ended with her in his bed. But, he had solidified her trust. Soon, she would not only admit that she wanted him, but that she also needed him.
Angel wetted his lips as his thumb brushed her cheek. Then he would have her in all the ways he could imagine.