Page 143 of Solanum

"I need these every day of my life," said Nora, cradling the brownie in her palm like a delicate flower.

Anita laughed at her, shaking her head. "Silly."

"Very." I kissed Nora's cheek and she smiled. "Make some for Maya when we go to her place for dinner on Sunday."

"I will make…sure we stop at this market and get some to bring." Nora grinned and I laughed. "Can we go to the munch?"

"If you'd like, sure." I ran my fingers down her arm. "It's closer to Sali's. We can head back there after if you like."

Nora nodded, her smile everlasting at that point. "I miss Maggie."

"Not Sali?" I laughed and propped my elbows on my bent knees. "I'm gonna tell her."

"Car! Don't you dare." Nora laughed and shoved my shoulder. "I miss her, too."

"I might tell her myself." Anita chuckled. "That would be an interesting conversation."

"Meanies." Nora huffed then leaned back against the sofa in a grand slouch. "I'm stuffed."

"What?" I let out a theatrical gasp. "And you haven't eaten a single chocolate bar yet."

"Those are for later." She waved me off and yawned. "Can we nap and snuggle?"

"Who exactly are you asking?" I laughed and pointed between myself and Anita. "Because the last person you snuggled wasn't me."

"You!" Nora squealed and swatted my foot. "But since you're clueless, I'm snuggling Anita." She scooted closer to her, then rested her head against her leg.

Anita smiled and stroked her hair gently, as if she were made of fragile glass. "I'm a little sleepy, too."

"Snuggle and nap with me." Nora shot her a playful smile. "You know you wanna."

"Oh yes. I go home every night wishing to snuggle Nora Brody." Anita let out a dramatic sigh, the back of her hand pressed to her forehead. "My life is so unfulfilling without her."

"Jerk." Nora snickered and pinched her foot. "Who you kidding? You don't go home every night."

"These days I do…to stacks of boxes and no furniture."

"Do you sleep at the hospital?"

"Only if I'm on shift, which now it's three days a week, twelve hours each. Then two days in private practice," answered Anita. "Eventually, I'll tip more toward the latter."

I finished my lunch while listening to them, settling into the comfort of a casual afternoon. Nora's contentment fueled mine and I listened to her and Anita chat about their changes and their lives. Eventually, Anita spilled some of her worry over Sali and Maggie looking into some missing persons cases recently, and I made a mental note to talk to them about it on the sly.

My phone chimed and I lifted it to see the work group chat scrolling with conversation as usual. I ignored it for now, flipping to some of my other notifications. Sam's message lingered on the screen, quiet since last night. I tapped her name and shot her a text.

Don't murder anyone on your way back, Doc.

I'll try not to, she responded, relatively quickly.

You okay?

Yeah. Uncle isn't here. Just Mom. Not bad. Still want to watch that spanking.

My girl's ass is ready for you.

Told Owen we're showing up tomorrow.

Good. Nora's in.

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