Page 60 of By His Play

Do not think about anything else, Effie…

“Motherfucker,” Kieran barks, and I gasp.

I didn’t tell him there wasn’t any hot water.

A cackle erupts as I think about him hopping around in ice-cold water.

It’s evil, but I can’t help it.

Forcing myself to move, I pad through to the kitchen in my fluffy socks, shorts, and zip-up hoodie.

Putting some milk in a pan to heat, I hop up onto a stool at the island and stare down at the pile of cards that accompanied the gifts Kieran brought in earlier.

They’re all addressed to me. It’s humbling to know how many lives Grams affected, and also how many people care enough to reach out, to send me their love and support.

I’m still trying to decide if I want to open them or not when Kieran appears in the kitchen, wearing a pair of sweats and a t-shirt.

I don’t want to say I’m disappointed that he’s covered up, but…I am a little.

“Good shower?” I ask, putting on my best innocent face.

“Hmm,” he mumbles before walking toward the stove to check the milk. “Are you going to open those?” he asks, distracting me.

“I don’t know,” I confess, staring back down at them. “I really appreciate that people have sent them, but…” I sigh. “It’s just another bit of evidence that she’s really gone.”

He turns back to me. My skin tingles with his attention, but I don’t look up.

“Then don’t. Wait until you’re ready. There is no right and wrong right now.”

“I know,” I mumble as he makes our hot chocolate.

“What do you want to do?” he asks, bringing two steaming mugs over.

It’s late now, but while I might be exhausted, I don’t want to go to bed. I’ll only lie there thinking.

I shrug. What is there to do?

“Movie?” he asks. “I’ll let you choose.”

“Sure,” I say, slipping from the stool and walking out of the room.

We settle on the couch, and Kieran passes me the remote control.

“Oh, the power,” I tease.

“Make sure you choose wisely,” he mocks, knowing full well the kind of movie he’s going to end up watching.

I don’t need to search very far; Grams and I used to watch old romcoms whenever I visited, and they’re all there in her recommended section.

Kieran groans as I scroll through, and I can’t help but laugh.

“We can just watch ESPN if you want,” I offer.

“Absolutely not,” he states firmly.

“Okay then. Miss Congeniality it is,” I say, pressing play on mine and Grams’ most-watched movie. Grams used to fantasize about being a badass like Gracie Hart. She’d have made a great FBI agent.

“Wonderful.”

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