Chapter 2
As Gina drove Elliot and Reese home, she noticed how tense Elliot was in the passenger seat. She reached over and took Elliot's hand, squeezing reassuringly. 'Elliot did get out of a car accident recently.'
"Thanks," Elliot mumbled, not letting go unless Gina needed to make turns.
"Anytime, El," Gina smiled, focused on the road. "You don't mind that nickname, do you?"
Elliot smirked, "Better than pillow princess."
Gina glanced at Elliot before teasing, "Did your husband call you that? He did all the work?"
"Terrance did," Elliot grinned with sad fondness in her eyes. "It was one of our inside jokes. I have a knack for...let's say collecting and sleeping on pillows besides not responding to his best pleasurable efforts at times. Oh, nearly home now."
Gina's eyes went a bit wide. "So how many floors?"
"Four if you count the den/basement," Elliot replied. "I hope you're ready for the tour. I have a three-bedroom guesthouse behind that with a garage."
"Show off much?" Gina huffed as she pulled onto the driveway. "What shall we do with Reese?"
"We can leave her in my bedroom since that's where we'll be working," Elliot answered. "Although, I'll need help carrying her up."
/ - / - /
"So where will all these clothes be donated to?" Gina asked as she hung one more outfit on the donation rack.
"There's a foster children community building not far from here," Elliot answered. "Those kids could utilize the clothes for job interviews and whatever else they need. I donate regularly to help them get what the staff needs to support the children that go there."
"So you do give back to the community," Gina hummed. "Is that the only place of charity you donate to?"
"There are small clinics, no-kill animal shelters, and other places," Elliot smiled as she checked on Reese. "Hey, baby girl. You sleep okay?"
Reese yawned and rubbed her eyes, "Mama, I miss dad."
Elliot sighed and pulled Reese onto her lap. "I do too, sweetie. How about we go get some milk and cookies?"
"Cookies?" Reese beamed and Elliot nodded in confirmation.
"We'd better go after her," Gina giggled when the young girl scrambled off towards the stairs to get to the kitchen.
Elliot smirked, "We do but I'll need some help getting up."
Gina stepped in front of Elliot and offered her arms out. She steadied Elliot as she assisted her off the bed.
"Thanks," Elliot grinned. "It would have taken me longer without help."
"Were your legs pinned down in the accident?" Gina questioned.
Elliot shrugged, "That's what they told me. I am a deep sleeper."
/ - / - /
"Thanks for all the help today," Elliot beamed at Gina. "Please get home safe."
Gina chuckled and leaned down to hug Elliot. "I will and it was a pleasure to help."
"Bye, Miss Gina," Reese waved.
"Bye, little one," Gina smiled, hugging the little girl too. "Take good care of your mama."
Gina knew there were more things to sort out but she did promise Elliot that she'd leave at 5 pm on the dot. She hoped that Elliot would be okay after everything bad that had happened.
Meanwhile, Elliot and Reese watch Gina leave from the safety of the windows. Elliot had to guard her secret well because most people wouldn't understand it. Terrance protected her but now he was gone.