Page 51 of Slayer

“I'll let Gladys know how much you appreciate her food.”

Gladys is the type of woman who always wanted her own family to dote on. But she's spent her whole life caring for others and putting them first and neglected her own needs. She'll be a better mother to Porter than his own ever could be. It will be good for both of them. One day, Porter will have to meet my parents, although I'll put that off as long as possible. My dad is the formidable cartel boss, and my mum will show Porter that it's not just drugs that make bad parents. Any form of addiction does, and despite an addiction to money giving a better appearance, she cares just as little. I'm not complaining, I'll take my upbringing over Porter's any day. Mum thought she could buy our love with nannies and presents. It didn’t. It made me hard and determined, it's how I got where I am today. It made Carrie more dependent on others and crave affection in any form it came. I know I contributed to that, by trying to protect her. That was a mistake, just making her dependent on me. That's why she found a man Dad wouldn't let her have, and that's why she died. I see a lot of her in Porter. Clearly Tiffany took on the attention seeking role there by denying Porter his independence.

I need to keep Porter from meeting my parents for as long as possible; indefinitely would be good.

“You are a million miles away. Are you thinking about Soggy Bottoms, or should I be worried?”

“Soggy Bottoms?” I try to make light of it, but Porter backs away, placing his plate on the table like he's afraid something terrible is about to happen.

“The cow. I was…” He falls silent, shaking his head.

“Bog Cotton.” I give a laugh, but my one moment of random thought has undone all the bonding Porter and I have done this morning. “I'm sorry. Please don't worry. You just reminded me of my sister, and I was thinking about you meeting my parents and-”

“Meeting your parents?” Porter turns white as a sheet. My arm jumps forward to support him. “Wow. I thought you'd change your mind about me, that I was uncivilised because of the food.”

“Nope. Totally thinking boyfriend material.”

“That… I… It's…” And he's back to stuttering again. “I don't think…”

“You're not ready to meet my parents? That's what I decided while I was thinking. I'm sorry I worried you.” My hands take his, as I pray he isn't doubting the boyfriend part.

“Wow. I've never met anyone who wanted me anywhere near their parents.”

“Well, you just tell me when you are ready, and I'll make it happen.” Please don't let him think he is ready now.

“Sure.” He gives a small shrug. “One day maybe.” Porter has no idea how happy his reluctance makes me.

“I won't push you. There is no hurry. Absolutely no hurry for that one.”

“Why do you sound more relieved about that than me?”

“You'll know when you meet them.”

“Well, I'd rather talk about how good the food is.” Porter shoves the quiche against my lips.

“Brat,” I scold, biting at the food.

“Hey, mind the fingers.”

“After this, I'm taking you swimming. And don't worry, you don't have to swim naked if you don't want to.”

“Ah. Yeah, well I didn't start naked.”

I can't help the chuckle that I make.

“I told you there were clothes for you in the last wardrobe. That includes swimming trunks. I got everything you would need.”

“OK, I feel like an idiot now. I looked in the cupboard in the pool room.”

“I'll have a spare pair moved there.”

“It's fine, it’s fine,” Porter protests quickly. “You’ve spoiled me enough already. I can walk upstairs for them.”

thirty-five

Porter

WhileKnoxinsistedwedon't have to wait an hour after eating before taking a dip, I am adamant we leave it for twenty minutes.

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