Chapter 90

Atticus's way of speaking was similar to Henry's, but a lot smoother. He was more teasing. With Henry, Elise could trade barbs and stay on even footing. With Atticus, it was safer to keep her head down and smile. Say too much, and it might start sounding like something else entirely. "You've got some nerve smiling like that. All this happened, and you didn't breathe a word. What's that mouth for? Just eating and not talking? Maybe I should cut your tongue off." Stanley boldly kicked Atticus. "Eat somewhere else." Atticus picked up his plate and squatted down off to the side. He was clearly used to it. It seemed like he had done that since he was young. Elise felt a little embarrassed on his behalf. She served him some meat. "Have some more, Atticus." Atticus shrugged it off, a faint smile playing on his lips. His eyes sparkled with affection. "Meat tastes better when Elise is the one serving it." Stanley looked ready to explode again, but Elise quickly spoke up. "Please don't ge