Riley
Imake it through the theatre door at two o’clock. I wasn’t sure about making it in to work at all today, I feel disgusting, but we’re organising a new show before Christmas and I can’t sit home and let the others do all the work.
I’ve got a fever and sore throat that means I can’t swallow – probably because of that storm, and the fact that I went to bed soaking wet and then…
Ian.
I close my eyes instinctively at the thought of him.
Okay, maybe the reason I came to work is to keep my mind on something else for a while - to think about something that doesn’t hurt me, doesn’t make me think about the pain that always comes back to find me, to remind me what I am and where I come from.
What the hell did I have in mind? Showing up at his house, letting him have me, the way that he took me… to think I might be able to forget about it, might be able to have someone like him, for myself.
God, am I stupid.
There’s nothing for me.
When I get to my office, Kate and Ray run over to see how I’m doing.
“You shouldn’t have come in, Riley,” Kate says, sitting down on my desk as I flop into my chair. “You look terrible.”
“Wow, thanks,” I say, blowing my nose.
“I’m going to get you something hot, how does a cup of tea sound?” Ray asks.
“Thanks, tea would be perfect.”
“I’ll be back in a bit, but ladies, do not utter aworduntil I get back.”
I look at him with an inquisitive eyebrow.
“You don’t think I’m buying that story about the flu, do you?”
“Ray!” Kate chides. “Can’t you see what condition she’s in?”
“I see, I see,” he says elusively, walking towards the door to my office.
“Oh wow…this is just what we needed today,” he says as I lift my head with difficulty from my desk.
I sigh in exhaustion. “What are you doing here?”
“No, what areyoudoing here?” Jamie says, walking into my office. “With that face, you should be at home in bed.”
“We told her the same thing,” Ray says, jumping right into the conversation. “But she doesn’t want to listen. Maybe if you…”
“Let’s go, I’m taking you home right now.”
“You can’t tell me what to do.”
“I’m your brother, of course I can.”
“I’m older.” I argue like an impertinent child.
“But now you need your little brother and I’m here to take care of you.”
* * *
We’re sittingon my bed with our plates on our laps. I’m trying to get some of this rice with shrimp down but my throat is clenched shut. I’d better make a show of it if I want that half a glass of wine Jamie promised me to convince me to come home, or I’m going to end up with my head down the toilet.
