Chapter 22 A Perfect Match

Cressida spun on her heel, ready to leave the suffocating office. She had said her piece, and the rest was up to Luther. Just as she reached the door, before she could even reach the doorknob, it swung inward from the other side. Standing there, Natasha held a dainty insulated lunch box. Her expression was one of carefully measured surprise. "Cressie? Lud? Did I… come at a bad time?" She poked her head in, timid and cautious, as though terrified of intruding on something important. The door wasn't really closed the whole time. Staring at her, Cressida knew full well what she was trying to do. Natasha walked in and placed the lunch box delicately on the coffee table. Her every motion was soft with practiced gentleness. "Mom specially made soup for Lud. She asked me to bring it over to keep him well-nourished." She opened the lid. A rich aroma filled the office. "Oh, by the way, Cressie." Natasha ladled out a bowl and carried it to Luther, gently blowing on the spoonful of soup