Anastasia reached Zoey and gently took her hand, offering her a warm, comforting smile.
Atticus didn't like the sound of that.
He turned to Zoey, but she only smiled and said, "I would be delighted to spend the day with you, Mrs. Ravenstein."
"Call me Anastasia."
Atticus could only stare as Anastasia carried Zoey out of the room like a prized trophy.
"Well, that was fun," Caldor said, grinning at Atticus as he got up to leave the dining room.
"Where are you going, Caldor?"
Caldor turned to see Avalon looking straight at him.
"You're doing the dishes."
Caldor's eyes widened. "Why?! Atticus was the one who snuck a girl into his room!"
Atticus gave Caldor a baffled stare at his shamelessness, but the man only shrugged.
"Don't forget I've received all your complaint reports from the military, Caldor. You've done worse. Shall I elaborate?"
"Oh. Right." Caldor scratched the back of his head. "No, no. I'll do the dishes."
