Delectable Benefits

Thirteen

Nick and Anya flew in early from their trip in France. His family was driving him crazy. They all made it clear they wanted Anya as a member of the family. He was afraid they wanted her because she could cook.

He shook himself and headed to her room. He saw her putting her clothes away. "Hey," he said and sat on her bed.

She smiled, "Hey, do you need something?" She asked.

He shook his head, "I would like to apologize for my family."

"Why?"

"I hope they haven't weirded you out, or anything," he said.

She chuckled and moved to sit next to him, "No, it's all right. I guess big families are crazy sometimes. Papito and I get crazy some times too."

"Thank you for understanding," he said and dropped back down on the bed.

She stood up and finished unpacking. "I've just realized I might have taken someone else's suit case."

"No, those are yours, mama stole some of your clothes to get your size since I don't know what your size is," he admitted.

"She really shouldn't have done that. I have my own clothes," I protested. The sighed, I couldn't return them it would make me ungrateful. I decided to get rid of my old clothes and give them to charity along with the new clothes I couldn't possibly wear like the thong.

They finished cleaning up the closet in record time and Nick decided to do the same with his. "Where do you usually spend your holidays?" He asked as we drove to the nearest shelter.

"In the campus, sometimes Pam would invite me then Paul," she said with a shrug. "But I usually spend the long weekends in the soup kitchens, and cook for the homeless."

"Just to keep the yourself occupied," he concluded. "About my sisters," he began.

She shook her head, "You don't have to keep apologizing for them. I completely understand where they are coming from. They are only protecting you from fortune hunters."

"But you're not like any of the women I've dated."

She shook her head. "I can imagine. And you are a perfect gentleman. I've heard your father wasn't able to hold out this long. Your aunts told me he could never keep his hands to himself."

He frowned, "Anya! You're disgusting. Who told you that my parents's private life is public?"

"Well, they were comparing you and your father. They said you have more control than he ever did. Given the fact your grandmother spiked your father's drink at some point into the relationship."

He knew that, his grandmother told him. "True, but still, they simply can't compare us."

"I also notice you take after your mother instead of your father in terms of personality. Although you have you do have your father's charm," I said and looked at him. "Your family is interesting, Mr. Kingsley. I'm glad I met them."

He smiled, "They're great, aren't they?"

Anya immediately agreed. "We'd better get going, sir. I do believe a lot of people are waiting in line for these clothes and in the soup kitchen."

A few hours later, Nick was working as a food server in the kitchen. He was the one tasked to refill the empty trays along with several others. Anya however wasn't cooking but she was cutting, peeling the ingredients. Her hands were like machines as she peeled the onions. But before each food passed the doors, she tasted them. She was also responsible for the taste. Those who did not meet her standards were sent back tot heir stations and she did whatever she could to revive it. They were't able to talk while they worked. As soon as dinner was over and the tables and plates had been cleaned were they able to sit down.