Page 59 of Even Ground

“I thought you would want to take the wheel.”

“I’m not keen on crashing.”

He slides into the driver’s seat. “Let’s get you home.”

It doesn’t take long for the gentle hum of the car to send me back to sleep.

* * *

“We’re here.”

I jerk as Wiremu elbows me in the ribs, and shake my head to wake myself up. Home has never looked so good.

Mum opens the door and steps out onto the landing, a broad smile on her face.

“What do you want to do with the bags?” Wiremu asks.

“I’ll grab what I need. Thank you for everything.”

He smiles. “You’d do the same for me.”

Climbing out of the car, I walk around to the boot and open it, grabbing my bag full of gifts. Thanks to Leilani, I don’t have any dirty washing, so all my clothes can stay here until I take them home with me.

Mum’s already inside when I reach the back door, so I kick off my shoes and step into the kitchen.

“I’m in here, my love,” she calls from the living room.

I drop onto the couch beside her, and she wraps her arms around my neck.

“I’m so glad you’re home safe.”

Leaning my head against hers, I resist the urge to close my eyes again. “I’m happy to be home.”

She drops her arms.

“How’s Delaney?”

I smile. “She’s doing so well. I think she was born for that life, Mum. She’s like a princess living in her castle with the handsome prince who worships the ground she walks on.”

“I’m so glad she fell on her feet. What about you?”

“What about me?”

“Did you meet anyone?”

This is what Mum does. Ever since Delaney and Josh got back together, my mother seems to think it’ll lead to a happy ending for me. Probably because Delaney and I have done so much together over the years.

“Mum, I—”

“You did meet someone.” She beams.

“Kind of.”

“And …?”

I shake my head. “Nothing will come of it, Mum. I like him, but I’m not sure he likes me enough.”

“Then he’s just not good enough for you.” She sticks her nose in the air and sniffs.

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