Page 136 of Fractured Future
“I said neutral colours, Ax! What is neutral about orange paint?”
“You could’ve gone to the DIY shop yourself.”
“And you know I had to go see that idiot, Richards! You are such a fucking dick.”
“I thought a bit of orange would brighten up the place. I even started painting for you.”
“And that’s why you’re a fucking dick!”
“Language,” I call into the hallway. “Little ears present.”
Both of them falling into a hush, footsteps precede their heads poking around Ember’s bedroom door. Axel straightens with a massive smile when he spots Luke yanking off his shoes.
“Hey, man! You’re back.”
“Uncle Ax! Uncle Ax!”
The pair run at each other to exchange a hug. The moment Axel joined our team and our lives, my son took a fast liking to his pranks and endless energy for playdates. They adore each other.
“Why are you covered in paint?” Luke asks the big oaf.
“I was helping out our new friend.” Axel shrugs, placing him back on his feet. “She’s redecorating her new bedroom.”
Thefriendin question has emerged from her room to join us at the edge of the sunken living area. Ember shoots me a terse smile, visibly uncertain of how to proceed.
It’s been awkward between us since the boxing ring. We’ve worked our way through several more training sessions before I handed her over to Axel for his help, but we haven’t touched again.
“Ember, this is Luke.” I gesture towards him.
“Your son?”
“The one and only. He’s here tonight. Sorry, I should’ve said.”
When her face lights up in that effortless smile that I’m slowly becoming obsessed with, I let my tense muscles ease. She wanders over to Luke and offers him a high five.
“Hey. I’m Em.”
“Luke.” He eyes her suspiciously. “Do you have girl germs? My dad said you don’t, but I’m not sure.”
A hand propped on her hip, Ember quirks an eyebrow at me. I shrug wordlessly.
“That depends.” She lowers her raised hand. “Do you like pizza? Because Uncle Ax owes me an apology pizza. But we don’t have to share if you think I have germs.”
“I like pizza! I’ll share!”
“Alright, then. I guess I don’t have girl germs. Go get your credit card, Uncle Ax.”
Mumbling a curse under his breath, Axel rolls his eyes then vanishes to locate his wallet. I watch Ember lead Luke into her bedroom then follow them in a state of shock.
True to his word, Axel certainly did start painting. The entire back wall behind Ember’s pushed aside bed has been badly painted a lurid, disgusting shade of orange.
“Oh.” Luke covers his mouth with his hand to laugh. “That’s so gross.”
“Right?” Ember titters.
“I hate orange!”
“Me too. What colour should I paint it?”
