Rating: K
Petite Pictures #1
"Are you taking care of my daughter?" Martha Levinson spoke into the firelight that flattered the library.
Robert touched his whiskey glass to his lips and replied, "I like to think we take care of each other."
"Good." There was no resentment in it.
Still, Robert wasn't sure he'd get the chance to say it again. He had defended his actions on many occasions, though he wasn't sure defense would work on his mother-in-law. Digging deep into his limited knowledge of American sensibilities, Robert offered the truth.
"I am sorry, you know. For marrying her for the reasons I did."
Another sip.
"Ashamed really."
One more, for good measure; the drink bolstering him on.
"But, I assure you that it could not be more different now."
"I should think so. Cora's a hard one not to love." She shared a dim smile.
Then, tilting her head toward Robert, "But you loved her then."
His reaction must have conveyed the impact her words had on his heart. Disbelief or realization? He wasn't even sure, himself.
"Sure you did. You wouldn't have felt so guilty on your wedding day if you hadn't."
Martha watched him slip into another world, no doubt reliving that very day, with a sharp sigh accompanying a smirk.
Once he finally arrived back in the present she spoke, "You cared for her then, you care for her now. You loved her then."
Martha raised her glass to Robert.
"You love her now."
