“We can’t deprive men of the fun! And you’re always telling us we need more vegetables in our diet. I think a thank-you is well deserved for my help,” she argues, still using her sweet-as-honey tone.
The man looks like he’s two seconds from blowing his top, and apparently, this interaction is more than he can handle. Without replying, he promptly turns around and exits the conversation, while muttering something that sounds an awful like “This is why I’m balding so early.”
Ethel cackles at his departing back, then turns to us. “Bob is a sweetheart, but a bit of a prude. This new rule won’t last a week.”
“My question is, who did you send to do your bidding? I can’t imagine it being easy to get that many zucchinis here all at once. Not to mention the condoms and lube,” Milo comments and glides to her side. He loops his arm through hers.
“A lady never gives away her secrets,” she says mysteriously, then turns to me. “Well, c’mon, then. We need to grab lunch now if I’m going to make the afternoon bingo game. That old hag Stella has been stealing my seat—thebestseat in the entire room. I won’t let her get to it before me today!”
I run after them, afraid of what might happen to me if Ethel doesn’t get her way. I watch their backs, wondering how in the world I’m going to manage two agents of chaos.
Milo is engaged in conversation with Ethel as we walk, and the easy happiness that comes off him makes me think that maybe a little chaos isn’t all that bad.
12
Milo
Spending time with Ethel is always a delight, but even more so this time since I learned a very useful fact. Rowan likes baked goods. Helovesthem, croissants specifically. And I’m going to use that to my advantage.
It’s the reason Jack is giving me weird looks as we peruse the closest grocery store. He doesn’t ask, because heneverdoes, but I know he’s wondering why I’ve taken it upon myself to do the shopping.
Well, to answer the question that was never asked, it’s because I’m going to make Rowan freshly homemade croissants that will surely steal his heart, and I was too excited to stay home and wait for a home delivery.
I know, I know, Rowan made a huge deal about us being friends, and how that’s all we can be, but he’s completely wrong. In fact, his show of self-restraint is what made me realize that he’s not someone to take advantage of the heat of the moment. And as someone who lives on the wings of spontaneity, it makes me like him even more.
The grocery store is a maze. Rows of products listed in a vague order I can’t decipher, and Jack is perfectly happy pushing the cart while somehow still managing to look like an unmoving statue.
The not-talking is also part of his statue persona, which is another reason I wanted someone who’d converse with me as my next bodyguard. Jack is good at his job and caring in his silent ways, but he’s not much of a companion, which Iknowisn’t his job, but a man can hope!
Rowan is a great companion. It’s day two of his break, and I’m missing him terribly. He’s kind, hot, willing to put up with my antics, and did I mention hot? In fact, I’m one hundred percent sure he’s the perfect companion for me.
Companion, life partner, same thing, right?
At least that’s what I’m hoping to convince Rowan of with my croissants. Nobody can resist a confession from the heart. If I survive this grocery run, that is…
It’s been years since I last entered one, and thankfully, there aren’t many people here this time of day. Nobody seems to have noticed me yet, though my head is covered by my large hoodie, and the leather jacket I’m wearing is like a protective shield that amplifies my anonymity.
I don’t dare risk being exposed by asking a store clerk where anything is, so I’m left walking down each aisle to find what I need. Which, for a pastry that is said to be hard to make, doesn’t really need a lot of ingredients.
An hour later, I’ve finally found everything I need, so we check out and head home. Jack helps me bring everything upstairs, and I’m surprised to find him hovering over me when I was expecting him to head home to his family right after. I’d already told him I planned to spend the rest of the afternoon at home, so I didn’t need an escort. He usually doesn’t stay unless there’s an event planned.
“Did Ray add something to the schedule and not tell me?” I ask him with a bit of panic in my voice. That would totally ruin my plans of having the croissants ready when Rowan returns tomorrow.
Jack hesitates. “No, but I think I should stay…just in case.”
“Why? Do you think someone’s going to break in?”
I’m genuinely confused about why he’s worried. The security in the building is top-notch, and I’ve never had an issue in the years I’ve been living here.
“I’m more worried about a problem arising from…inside the home,” Jack says cautiously.
His expression is neutral, but he glances at me, then at the kitchen. I may live in my own little bubble, but even I can see his distrust of my cooking abilities.
“Ye of little faith!” I shout and push him toward the elevator.
Despite being in his fifties, I can see why Jack is still one of the best in the field. He doesn’t have Rowan’s height, but he’s still an immovable rock, and I’m ashamed to admit how much effort I used to get him moving. I’m pretty sure the only reason he does is that he takes pity on my poor excuse for strength.
“I know how to use an oven. I have tons of oven-ready meals under my belt, so I’m not going to burn the place down. Don’t worry!” I tell him when I finally maneuver him to the elevator.
