Page 8 of Finding Solace
Quinn picks up one of the doughnut boxes and tucks it under his arm, "I'm gonna get. Go easy on her, Reid. She's only here to do her job," he says, "See ya later,brother."
"See there, your cranky ass is running everyone off," Charley pointsout.
I take my coffee back to the table, set it down and run my hand down my face. He's right. My moods are all over theplace.
"You need to get your head out of your ass and stop feeling sorry for yourself. That's where all this shit is coming from… self-pity. Your dad didn't raise you to treat a woman with such little respect. Even though it's her job to care for you, she doesn't deserve that kind of behavior. I came here thinking I could have a nice visit with my godson, but now I have a bad taste in my mouth and that's because of you." He snatches the other box of doughnuts off the table, "and I'm taking these with me." he walks towards the door, "I'm always here for you, son, so when you decide to pull that stick out of your ass, you give me acall."
Left sitting alone in my kitchen, I think over the word beating I just received. He's right; Dad would be mad as hell right now. Taking myself to my bathroom, I stare at my reflection in the mirror. I do look like shit. I haven't shaved since being in the hospital, and I usually keep all my facial hair trimmed short. I grab my beard trimmer and get to work. Once I'm done I forgo a shower because the more I look at the tiled bench, the more I think about Mila being right about not trusting that slick tile. Some deodorant and cologne will have to do for now. I wheel myself to my dresser and pull a shirt from the drawer and slip it over my cast and myhead.
Knowing I need to show my gratitude and apologize, I decide to furnish the spare room for Mila and her daughter. Grabbing my laptop, I go into the living room. Sitting the computer on the coffee table, I position my chair as close as I can get it to the couch and slide myself over onto it. Opening my laptop, I get to work. I'm not entirely sure what her or her daughter will like, so I pick things out and hope for the best. Once through with my purchase, the furniture store emails a confirmation that they should have everything delivered late thisevening.
Realizing I forgot to give it to her before she left, I grab my phone from the coffee table and text Mila the security code, so she can come and go as she pleases, then realize I don’t have her number. No problem. I open a new window on my computer screen, go into a few systems and snag her cellnumber.
Me:This is Reid. Security Code to get back in 52469. Remember it then delete the text. I'll be downstairs the rest of theday.
I wait for her response,which I receive about three minuteslater.
Mila:I'm not going to ask how you got my number. I'm done at the store. I'll cook you something to eat when I getback.
Unsurewhat to say I don’t reply. I take myself and my coffee downstairs to my office, hoping I can get my mind off Mila for awhile.
Engrossed in my work the time seems to pass quickly, and before I know it I'm smelling something delicious and my stomach rumbles. Closing everything down, I load up on the elevator and head back upstairs. I find Mila ladling what smells like chili into a couple of containers by the stove. Lifting her head, she watches as I wheel over to the kitchenisland.
"I didn't know if you like chili or not, but I made a small batch. I left some for you to eat now if you like, and the rest I'll put in therefrigerator."
Finding my words, I thank her, "I appreciateit."
I watch her place the leftovers in the refrigerator and then load the dishwasher. "You staying? I mean- you want to eat something too?" I fumble over my words.Shit, what am I ten yearsold?
"No, I need to go pick up Ava and start getting things ready for us to come and stay here. That is if you still want me to. I called my supervisor earlier, she is more than happy to send another nurse for the night who can help you out for awhile. If you need it." She tellsme.
I think I want to be alone for the rest of the night. Besides, it gives me time to get her room set up. "You go on. And I'm still willing to give this a try. I'll call InCare and let them know I won't need anyone tonight. I'll give Quinn a call. He'll come sack out on the couch and be here if I need anything." I let her know as she's gathering her purse andkeys.
"Then I'll see youtomorrow?"
"Yeah," I nod myhead.
She gives me a slight smile, "Okay. I'll see you later,Reid."
Again, I'm left alone, which is what I thought I've wanted forweeks.
The truth is… I don't want her togo.
CHAPTER FOUR
Mila
Today is the day. The day I move in with Reid. No big deal, right? It's only for a few weeks. I know Reid was reluctant with me staying, considering I had Ava, and if he said no, I would have understood. I'm aware not too many people would have been willing to accommodate a live-in nurse with a small child. I can't believe Kate would even suggest me for the job. What the hell was she thinking? After leaving Reid's place yesterday, I almost called my boss. I wanted to tell her she should find someone else, but the bigger picture is I need the money. I have bills and responsibilities. It's because of Ava and Grams that I'm going to suck it up and do the job. Kate wouldn't have chosen me if she didn't think I could handle it. I need to learn not to take Reid's attitude personally. I mean who can blame the guy. My job is to help him get better, and that is precisely what I am going to do. If Reid Carter thinks I can't handle his brash words and sour attitude, then he's sorelymistaken.
Growing up the way I did has given me a thick skin. I can take whatever he throws at me. Besides, I have a feeling what I saw yesterday is not who Reid is. I don't know all the struggles he has faced in his life, but I know lost when I see it. I'm only there to help him recover, that's it. I have enough problems of my own than to be worried about that man. That gorgeous sexy… "Ugh, stop it Mila." I chastise myself. "He's not that sexy," I lie to myself while looking down at the suitcases I have open on top of my bed. And never mind the fact that my stomach flutters every time he calls meKitten.
This morning I explained to Ava the best way I knew how what was happening. I told her we are going to stay with a friend for a little while, so Mommy can help him get better. She looked at me for a moment then asked if she could bring her princess pillow and princess blanket. When I told her of course, she happily went back to eating hercereal.
An hour later she was dropped off at preschool, and I came back home to finish packing. After staring at these suitcases for the past fifteen minutes, I decide what I need is a pep talk. And I know just who to talk to. Pulling my phone from my back pocket, I fire off atext.
Me:Want to grab acoffee?
My phone pings seconds later.
