Page 13 of Deception & Daylight
I shift in my seat as Miles watches me intently. “Nothing too salacious, I’m afraid. My best friend is here, and I thought I’d come for an extended visit.” I nonchalantly sip my tea, but on the inside I’m anything but settled.
“I didn’t peg you for a liar,” Miles says dryly, stuffing another sandwich into his mouth with an air of indifference that makes me want to punch him in his stupidly symmetrical face. I mean, really, who even looks like that? The chiseled jawline and perfect nose, blue eyes that could make your panties melt, and thighs that could crush watermelons. Then he pushes his shirtsleeves up to his elbows, giving me a glimpse of his chorded forearms, because of course he’s got those too. It’s disgusting. I want to wipe the smug expression off his face, but I settle for a furrowed brow and a middle finger — or two.
“Lucy, it’s been lovely. Thank you so much for the tea. Miles, I hope you choke on that fucking sandwich.” Narrowing my eyes in disdain, I rise from my seat, giving her a one-armed hug before making a swift exit. As I round the corner, I hear hushed voices drifting out of the dining room.
“What has gotten into you?”
“She’s not here for a visit, Ma. Someone hurt her.”
“That doesn’t give you the right to force her to talk about it. If she wants us to know, she’ll tell us. Until then, you need to leave her be. You’re not a woman, so I don’t expect you to understand, but Idoexpect my son to lead with empathy. She’s clearly been through enough, and she doesn’t need you prodding at her like a wounded animal.”
Miles exhales heavily. “That’s — That’s not how I see her,” he says, his voice sounding a little strained. “Maggie’s strong as hell. She’ll be okay.” Tears prickle behind my eyelids, blurring my vision, but I don’t let them fall. Raw and exposed, I force myself into motion, returning to the solitude of my empty room.She’ll be okay — god, I want to believe that so badly.
Chapter 5
Mags
? Big God - Florence and the Machine
2 years ago
Maggie: 2 weeks!
Miles: Gonna give me something to hold me over until then?
Maggie: What’s in it for me? Figured I’d at least have a dick pick by now.
Miles: ??
Maggie: That doesn't count.
Miles: Promise it’ll be worth the wait, little minx.
Maggie: Missed you today.
Miles: Me too, babe. How were your classes?
Maggie: Same shit, different day. What did you get up to?
Miles: Thought about you. About us.
Maggie: Yeah?
Miles: Yeah.
Maggie: Do you ever wonder what it would be like if we lived in the same town?
Miles: All the time. Would you ever consider moving to Oak Ridge to be with me?
Maggie: I’m not sure. Maybe you should send me a pic to entice me. ??
Miles: Nice try, little minx. The clothes stay on until we’re together. Then all bets are off.
Maggie: And the pants, too, I hope.
Miles: You’re a menace.
Maggie: Maybe. But I’m your menace.
