Delectable Benefits

Seven

Anya found herself stranded in the house, and closely felt like a prisoner. Whatever book she needed from the library was brought to her. What ever she needed before she knew she needed it was brought to her.

Pam and Paul frowned at Anya's lack of social life and wondered when her friend was going to snap. It was just like home when she was stuck in the kitchen and her parents would share their ideas regarding recipes with her. This time it was Brandon and Aunt Gabby, they were all going over the possible questions of the cross examination and Pam could tell it was exhausting Anya. Their lawyers were relentless.

"Are you taking notes?" Pam asked one time.

Anya shook her head, "Don't need to, all of the inquisition, mock cross examinations we've had, all recorded. I feel like I'm the one who did the crime."

"Yeah, can't believe they dug out that much information about us," Paul remarked.

"Have you spoken with Mr. Kingsley?" Paul asked, he seems cold to you.

Anya frowned, "What do you mean? We talk all the time."

"Not lately, before the case, he's always around you but right now, I don't know, something's cold between you guys," Pam said.

Anya noticed that as well, "Yeah, I'll ask him tonight."

Later that afternoon, Nick was seated next to his aunt and Anya was making a simple American dish of pot roast and cornmeal and vegetable salad for their dinner. It was one of those rare times when they had the house to themselves and they were not working on the case.

Brandon joined her as she sliced the bread. "I missed your cooking," he said.

She smiled at that, "What does your fiancée say?"

"She says she wishes to see you on our wedding day, she is thankful for agreeing to make the cake. Your invitations is in your nightstand," he said and looked at her. "What happened to Nick?"

Anya sighed, "I don't know, he's just cold all of a sudden."

"Nick, we need to talk," Chadwick called out.

Nick appeared a second later, when he saw Anya, he frowned. "About what?"

"Anya needs to talk to you, I have to go, I'll be back for dinner. Aunt Gabby and I will buy some ice cream, we'll take your rust bucket." Chadwick said and immediately walked out.

There was a long silence between them, Nick noticed Anya's eyes were wide and she was blushing. "Is there something you want?" he asked.

Anya shook her head. He nodded and started to walk away, "Wait," she began. When he was looking at her, she took a deep encouraging breath. "Did I do something wrong?"

He shook his head, "No."

She bit her lower lip, "Are you sure?"

"Yes," he said and walked out.

Now Anya was sure something was certainly wrong. He didn't smile at her, he used to smile at her. She wondered if it was the case or it was simply her.

Anya was studying in her apartment later that evening thinking she needed to give Nick some space. He was quiet during dinner and barely spoke a word. She was thankful for Chadwick, he kept the table conversation going about his son Caleb. After dinner, Nick cleaned the table and washed the dishes, after that he retreated to his room.

"Are you sure you two talked?" Aunt Gabby asked.

Anya nodded, "We did, but he didn't tell me the truth. Something is bothering him. Perhaps he needs a man to man talk."