I pause.‘Do what?’
‘Type so fast.I’ve never seen anyone type as fast as you.’
‘Oh?’I ask, breathing a laugh.‘I get so in the zone, I’ve got no idea what’s going on around me.’
‘I see that.How’s the book coming along?’he asks.
‘Great!I was a little stuck for a bit, especially after the feedback I received.I mean, it was very true, but it just wavered my confidence for a bit.I feel like I’m back in full force now, though.Thanks to you.’
He looks pleased as he grins, nodding.‘So, you mean, when I see this book out in the world, I can tell people I inspired some of the scenes?’
‘Yup,’ I answer.‘Sure can.’
‘That’s hot.’
Smiling, I return to working.It doesn’t take long to get home.The house smells of baked goods when we step inside.Mason is laid out on the lounge, watching TV, and Anya is floating around the kitchen.It smells divine, whatever she’s cooking.
‘Oh no …’ Zayden trails off, holding his arm out across my chest to stop me walking any further.‘Anya’s in the kitchen.Should I call the fire department now, or wait until the house is up in flames?’
‘Hey!’Anya protests, looking offended.‘I’ll have you know, this time I followed the recipe.’
Mason stays quiet with an amused smirk on his face as he watches the two siblings.Zayden half-turns to me, shaking his head.‘Last time she made muffins with salt instead of sugar.My mouth’s still recovering from the betrayal.’
‘That was one time!He’s never let me live it down,’ she complains, but her tone is playful.
‘I’m scarred for life.What are you making this time?’
‘Banana muffins.’
‘My advice: get Mason to try them out first,’ Zayden mutters, but it’s loud enough for everyone to hear.
‘You’re so dramatic.You’ll be tucking into these the moment they’re out of the oven, just you wait.’
‘Oh yeah?’he counters, raising a brow.‘The only thing I’ll be being hooked to is the machines at the hospital.’
‘Zayden!’I snort.
Mason laughs.‘They do this a lot.You get used to it.’
‘Yes,’ Anya agrees, sighing theatrically.‘Zayden is a bully.’
‘Just calling it like I see it.’
‘How was your weekend?’Anya asks, leaning back on the counter.
‘It was good.Showed Nora around.Caught up with Mum.’
Anya doesn’t hide the look of surprise that passes across her face.Mason and her exchange a glance.‘Oh, you did?How did that go?’
‘Yeah good.’
‘That’s it?’she asks, offering him a deadpan expression.‘That’s all you’re giving me?’
‘I mean, it was difficult when I first went over.Neither of us knew what to do or say.I’ve decided I need to put it behind me.He’s not here anymore, he’s not our problem.’Zayden runsa hand through his hair.‘We went out for dinner so she could meet Nora.’
‘Oh!’Anya smiles, beaming at me, looking thrilled that Zayden introduced me to their mum.Her cheeks are touched with her signature pink blush as her smile widens.‘How was that?’
‘Your mum is lovely.I can see the resemblance to both of you.’
