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Henry enquired, “Is it Damian? Trust me, he has no issues with our dating each other. I have already spoken with him.”
    Elaine wanted to give a very unladylike snort at that. If only he knew how much in favour of their being together Damian actually was. He had called her back from Scotland so this meeting between Henry and herself could take off without delay.
    But did Damian tell Henry the truth about her orphaned past? It wasn’t a well-kept secret, but she wanted nothing hidden.
    “Henry,” Elaine moved her eyes down to her worrying hands. “Has Damian said anything of my-”
    She didn’t even need to finish her question before Henry gaged what she wanted to ask.
    “Yes, as much as he knew. But I was wondering how you felt coming to a big house? A wealthy and distinguished family? Must have been scary for a young girl, intimidating?”
    Most in Henry’s place would have considered an orphaned girl only to be too happy and fortunate to have found herself in the lap of luxury, not intimidated. But Elaine had had seen far too many of these girls return from these adoptive homes more broken than ever.
    “Yes, it was frightening, and overwhelming.” She looked out the windshield as if the dim moonlight there gave her a glimpse into the past. But she kept a tight rein on her emotions from reflecting on her face.
    “Trevor took instant dislike to me. Though Damian, at twenty-six, shouldering the weight of McBain Industries for eight long years as their father’s legacy, was too sophisticated and proud to be spiteful of a teenage girl only fifteen. Good thing was, nearly twenty-one and in college, Trevor was rarely home. But on the occasion when he was..”
    Talking about Trevor was enough to unsettle her composure. And if she continued, there was no guarantee how much of their stormy history her traitorous tongue might spew, and Henry was too astute to miss anything. She decided it was better to steer clear of mentioning him again.
    “I think Damian decided I didn’t exist for him.” Elaine turned her guarded eyes to meet Henry’s, pleased to find amusement there rather than pity for her. “However, when their mother passed away two years later, he, albeit grudgingly, acknowledged me as yet another addition to his ever burgeoning load of responsibilities. Still considers me as one.” She ended with a shrug.
    “But can’t he see you need no looking after? You’re no longer a hapless orphan child.” Henry said emphatically. “You’re smart, independent, beautiful young woman.”
    “I’m grateful for everything that family did for me. And I appreciate Damian took me as an Intern at McBain Industries. We both know how many will kill to be in my place. To be able to associate your name with any of their prestigious companies would change your life.”
    “But you’re so good at what you do. I’ve seen your work. The use of colours-”
    “I’ve learnt a very important lesson, Henry.” Elaine reclined on her seat. “Art may suit one as a recreation, but it doesn’t cut enough to pay an artist’s rents and bills.”
    “It’ll happen. Give it time. A talented, beautiful girl-”
    “Careful Henry, or I may actually take it in my head that I’m beautiful. If I did, I can’t be blamed for the vain shrew I may morph into.” Elaine teased wearing a mask of bright smile, needing to divert the topic. She didn’t have the energy left to rehash her life at this moment with practically a stranger.
    “You still doubt my feelings for you?” His voice softened, finding the new turn in their exchange far more exciting.
    ***
    E laine used her set of keys to open her apartment. Kerry, her roommate, was on a weekend trip with her boyfriend so the house was washed in darkness.
    Through this darkness she sailed across the living room straight for the refrigerator. Habitually aware of every obstacle, every hurdle in her path.
    As she opened the fridge, its glow bouncing off her silver-grey dress scattered an