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Raina rolled the ball back and Anya threw it again. This time it shot past her and bounced against the wall.
‘Way to go! Victory dance?’ Alistair got to his feet. Together he and Anya did their victory dance, and Raina laughed, clapping her hands together.
* * *
Anya had used the arm for about an hour and then Alistair had decided she’d had enough. After lunch, another session with building bricks, when Anya had unexpectedly used the prosthetic arm to support herself as she climbed to her feet.
‘I don’t know how to thank you.’ Raina stood with him in the doorway, wishing he didn’t have to go.
‘I’ve had a great time. I should be thanking you.’ He slung his weekend bag over his shoulder. ‘You’ll try her again with it tomorrow?’
‘Yes. I hope I can get her to wear it.’ This meant so much to Raina. She wasn’t sure that she’d be able to be as patient and relaxed about it as Alistair had been.
‘Just offer it to her and if she doesn’t want it then put it to one side. You’ll bring her in on Tuesday?’
‘Yes, what time?’
‘I thought lunchtime. I’ll take you both to lunch and then we can go somewhere.’
‘Haven’t you got work to catch up on?’ Raina dismissed the thrill that the idea of spending a whole afternoon with Alistair provoked. ‘You know...all the things you haven’t done this weekend.’
‘That can wait. I think it’s important that we keep up the momentum and consolidate the progress we’ve made.’ He smiled, mischief dancing in his tawny eyes. ‘And I had such a great time this weekend.’
‘I did too. Let me bring some lunch.’ Raina couldn’t afford to take him out for an afternoon tea, but she could make something nice. ‘Then perhaps we could go to the Science Museum?’
He chuckled. ‘Is this an outing for me or for Anya?’
‘She’ll like it too.’
‘In that case, it’s a deal. I can’t wait.’
He turned to go, and Raina reached out, touching his arm. Before she could stop herself, or think about the consequences, she’d stood on her toes and kissed his cheek. ‘Thank you, for all you’ve done for Anya.’
The look in his eyes wouldn’t let her free. As Raina brushed her lips against his, she felt him shiver.
‘What’s that one for?’
If she told him, she wouldn’t be able to go back. If he knew just how much she wanted him right now, maybe he wouldn’t be able to go back either.
‘That one’s just from me.’
He nodded, his fingers brushing his lips, right where she’d kissed him. ‘Then I’ll treasure it.’
Alistair turned and walked to his car. Raina watched him go, waving as the car drew away. The house seemed so quiet now without him. She tiptoed upstairs and into Anya’s room, leaning over to kiss her forehead.
Before Anya had gone to bed, Alistair had checked thoroughly and proclaimed the room entirely monster-free. Maybe if Anya woke, she’d think of him and be reassured. And if Raina managed to sleep at all, maybe she’d dream of him.
* * *
Raina sat on the park bench, sunshine filtering through the trees that surrounded the small square outside The Watchlight Trust’s offices. Anya was running around the small square of grass, letting off steam after a play session with Kaia, and Alistair had gone to fetch coffee.
It had become an afternoon ritual. The high railings around the square meant that it was safe for Anya to run around if Raina kept her eye on her, and she and Alistair could get some fresh air and talk.
He sauntered towards her, two cups of coffee in his hands. So like it had once been... Raina dismissed the thought and accepted the coffee with a smile.
‘So... How’s it all going with Kaia?’ He sat down on the bench next to her.
‘Really well. She has a nice way with Anya, and she loves working with children. Her understanding of the way the prosthetics are made means that she’s able to be very responsive to Anya’s needs.’
