I get out of my car and burst out laughing. Mila is shuffling along the path with her index finger pointed at me like she’s an angry old lady.
This morning was her first session with Jason.
“It went well, then?” I ask when she reaches me.
“You are a knobhead, sir.”
God, I love her like this. “You think you hurt now? Wait until tomorrow.”
“Everything is broken. I can’t even sit on the toilet seat. I have to hover. Hover!”
I cover my laughter with my hand and a cough.
“This isn’t funny.”
“I’m sorry but it is. Do you want to come in?”
“No, I want to go back in time and slap you when you recommended Jason.”
“If I recall, and I think I do, you were the one who said you wanted to go to him.”
“Well, stop recalling and help me.”
“Help you do what? Sit on the toilet?”
She narrows her eyes. “I obviously need a strong drink.”
“I just asked if you wanted to come in.”
“Stop being funny and pour me something.”
Mila walks ahead when I let us into the house. She goes straight into the living room and slowly lowers herself onto the sofa.
“You really do hurt.”
“Reid, I swear.”
“I’m getting the rum.”
“That’s what dads drink.”
“You have much to learn,” I tell her before I go to the kitchen. It was good enough the night she was drunk here, but I don’t think she remembers much of what happened before she sobered up.
When I arrive back in the living room, Mila is lounging on the sofa, frowning with her eyes closed.
I place two rum and cokes down on the coffee table.
“I think I’ll just stay here for the next four days,” she says.
“The best thing to do is keep moving.”
“Bullshit.”
Chuckling, I sit beside her. “Open your eyes and drink this.”
She tilts her head, and amber eyes flick to me. I clear my throat as heat floods my body.
“I don’t like the gym,” she says with a pout.
“No, it’s evil. Drink.”
“It’s rum, though.”
“I’ll get you something else if you don’t like it.”
She pushes herself up so she’s sitting straight, wincing as she does. “Okay.”
I watch her raise the glass to her lips. She doesn’t take her eyes off mine.
“Well?”
“It’s okay, I suppose.”
That means she likes it but doesn’t want to admit that I’m right.
I sip my own drink. “Yeah, it’s all right. How was uni this afternoon?”
“Awful. I walked like a granny. If you make a joke about how I’m technically a ‘mature’ student, I will kick you.”
“Can you even move your legs?”
“Ugh. I’ll kick you in a few days. I should be able to move before next week. I can’t turn up at Wilson Press walking like an OAP when I need to impress them.”
“You’ll be fine. I take it we’re not going out on an adventure tonight?”
“I’m not moving from this sofa.” She takes another sip of rum. “Can I just live here until I don’t hurt anymore?”
Yes. “You’re so dramatic. It really is best to keep moving.”
“I can’t see how that’s right.”
I shake my head. “Drink up and I’ll pour you another one.”
“Alcohol helps.”
“You’re a nightmare when you’re in pain. I’m making kebabs tonight. Have you eaten?”
“You’re asking if I want dinner?”
“Seems like a dick move to only make it for myself.”
She smirks. “You’re making kebabs?”
“Not the ones you have after a night out. Mango chicken, salad, and pita bread. It’s one of Jason’s recipes.”
“Jason can fuck off.”
“Dinner, Mila?”
She smiles. “Yes, please. Can I help?”
“You can make the salad.”
“That’s the job you give to a kid.”
“I don’t share my kitchen. You’re lucky you’re getting to do that much.”
“Bossy,” she mutters, downing the last of her drink. “All right. Let’s get another one of those and start dinner. I’m going to slice the best salad you’ve ever had.”
I stand and wait. She puts the empty glass on the coffee table and places her palms on the sofa, ready to push herself up.
“Mila.”
“Have you never hurt this much?”
“Sure, at the start.”
“Then stop enjoying this.”
Laughing, I hold my hands out. She hesitates for a second before placing her hands in mine. I pull her up easily. She doesn’t weigh much. Her breath blows across my face as we stand almost chest to chest. One step closer and I would get to feel her body against mine.
“Reid,” she whispers. “You might have to carry me.”
Laughing, I step back and slowly pull her along to my kitchen.