For what felt like the first time that day, Charlie actually smiled a big 'ole genuine smile. "You're lucky that the only other person you have is such a good person." Maybe that's why I'm so attracted to him, she mused. I don't have anyone else period. I want someone else. I've always wanted someone else. And Royce is the kind of 'someone else' I think I've always wanted.
Rosemary may not have been Royce's natural sister- Alexander Crowne helped her figure that out- but she was his chosen sister, which was probably more important. Royce defended her, played with her, and was there for her just like any real big brother. Charlie should have realized sooner that she'd feel a little threatened by this new girl that Royce was spending more and more time with. Thinking about her dad, Charlie could even relate in a way.
Beeping from the oven drew her attention away from her past, and she moved automatically, reaching for the oven mitt hanging off of one of the drawers. Inside, she was surprised- Have we really been talking and brushing for a whole hour?
A peek through the window assured her that the meat was browned and sizzling with the sweet ketchup-and-brown-sugar glaze dripping down the sides. Good. She popped open the oven, removed the loaf pan, shut the door and set their dinner on the stove to cool next to the macaroni and cheese she had prepared earlier. Mashed potatoes were promised, but her only potatoes had rotted, and the macaroni was easier anyway.
And, as if like clockwork, there was a second knock on her door.
Charlie brushed her hands against her jeans and tossed the oven mitt in the sink. After a moment's thought, she grabbed the remaining cookie dough from the fridge and set it in front of Rosemary.
"Look, I don't want to hog anyone from anyone else," she told her. "And if it looks like that's what's happening, I promise I'll do something."
"But," she added, glancing towards the door at the second knock, "you have to promise me you won't tell your brother about anything we talked about. About my family or the nice people stuff or anything. I don't... want him to know. Not yet. Okay? Please?"