He intrigues me I won’t lie but at the same time, heconfuses me. It is extremely disorienting to know that Milo is his Dad because they are so different. They both have a good sense of humor but Meadow is just… rougher.
There is still a resemblance between them, wanting to help others the moment someone is in need.
He is not bad, just, maddening. He knows how to strum on my weaknesses so fucking easily. It’s disturbing and mildly attractive.
Our session lasts for three hours and when I finish the final line, I shut down the machine. “You can run and show it to Donna.” I grin from ear to ear. It came out so good, I’m so happy with this result.
I take a picture before I wrap his arm and avert my gaze back to him. Tears well in his eyes and my confidence falters.
I fucked up.
“Did I forget something..?” My heart hammers and the veins in my cheeks boil. “It’s not what you had in mind?”
Shit!
“It’s not that,” he shakes his head sideways, “It’s perfect.” He grins, wiping the tears away, “Just like my family.”
I exhale a breath of relief, feeling lightheaded as I grab the bottle of lemonade and gulp it down.
After my session with Milo, I went for a short rideand I’m back now, surrounded by the loud noises traveling fromThe Garagebehind me.
My gaze is locked on my black-converse as I finish my smoke and stride inside the convenience store. All I want is a cold Pepsi as I extract one from the cooler.
It’s been a weird day.
My thoughts are all over the place and my appetite is gone.
I see Meadow behind the counter, working the cashier and squeezing Milo’s shoulder, “I’m happy to help.” He wears a helmet with a bunny cover and his black riding jacket.
Ugh, he looks adorable right now.
Despite the nice show, he is still an ass when he wants to be and I know how to be one myself, especially around him.
Noticing my arrival, Milo winks at me. “Don’t let him fool you, he’s a softy deep inside.”
“It’s buried six feet under,” I nonchalantly reply and manage to make Milo snort a laugh.
“He also pretends to help but I had to quench his thirst with my precious bottles.” He curves his hand around the corner of his mouth as if whispering a secret. “Your dad and I drank them together in the back while telling jokes and stories about the good old days. You can have one if you’d like.”
“I had to work for this and she gets one like that?” Meadow teases. “I need a smoke.”
Milo pushes him with his elbow jokingly and shows him his hand, “She gave me a tattoo and you need to slow down.”
“You need someone to kick your ass,” I can’t keep my mouthshut, “Sorry, Milo.”
“By all means.” Milo laughs again and looks at Meadow, “I like her. She’s a good sport.”
I respond to his previous mention, “It has always been my Dad’s favorite time of year.” Mine at the boot camp and his in these meetups. “Save me one for later. I’ll call Dad on the phone and we’ll chat with him. He would love that.”
“That’s a great idea,” he gives me a proud nod that lifts a grin on my face. “You can learn a thing or two from Blakely here.” Nudging Meadow’s shoulder, he jokes again. “His moral compass needs a tweak or a full repair, occasionally. If you have any tools, please, be our guest.”
We all chuckle in unison.
“You’re off the clock, Frodo.” Milo wiggles his eyebrows suggestively. “He had a cloak. You have a helmet.” A tiny curl inches higher at the edge of his mouth.
“Hide your precious,” I add with a smirk.
“Nice!” Milo shakes Meadow’s head and shoves a pack of cigarettes into his front pocket.
