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“What has Milton told you?”
“He told us enough. But if it makes you feel better, Peter and I were looking for a place to retire anyway. Now. Bacon? Eggs? Or both?”
“Oh, are you su—”
“That’s both then.” She goes over to the fridge with a smile. I relax as she sets to work quietly, thankfully not pulling me into any more conversations.
Taking out my phone, I’m a little disappointed that Milton hasn’t texted me back after my earlier message. Pathetically, I can’t help opening our chat and typing a new message.
ME:Your dogs are much friendlier than you.
Milton is calling…
My eyes bulge, and I grapple to answer his call. “H-Hello?”
“Goodbyes aren’t my thing.”
Hilary ignores that I’m talking on the phone, which I’m grateful for. “You’re right. Disappearing and popping out of thin air is your thing.”
“We should take this slow.” My eyes close briefly. Slow? I don’t want that. “Heidi?”
“Hilary and Peter are nice,” I change the subject, but my voice is rasped with disappointment. “Barnes is a bit scary, and Cole is….”
“Is what?”
“Nervous?”
He grunts. “So he should be.”
“I knew it. He can’t even look at me in the eye.”
“He doesn’t need to look at you. If the boy wasn’t so highly recommended by Barnes, he wouldn’t be there.” There’s a voice in the background, and Milton sighs. “I’ve got to go…And Heidi?”
“Yes?”
“Touch yourself even once in my absence, and you’ll wish you never taunted me by sending me a nude.”
A nude? Is that what they’re called? “It’s not like you’ll know—”
“Believe me, I’ll know.”
He hangs up, and my eyes immediately dart to the ceiling, searching for the hidden cameras he’s practically told me are there. I don’t see any. Scowling, I put the phone on the counter, even though I have no desire to do anything without him anyway. Loneliness isn’t exactly a turn-on.
“Here you go.” My body flinches as Hilary puts a plate in front of me. She laughs and puts her hand on my shoulder. “Bless your heart. I didn’t mean to startle you.”
Smiling weakly, I don’t have the energy to tell her it’ll probably be a while before I’m used to people entering my personal space. Even if she is friendly, giving me breakfast that I should’ve made for myself. This is beginning to feel a little surreal.
After eating, the doorbell rings, and Hilary leaves the kitchen. A few minutes later, she returns with another woman. “Heidi. This is Zara. She’s a doctor and here to speak with you.”
“Good morning, Heidi,” a small woman with short brown hair and massive glasses says. Unlike Hilary’s patience, this woman gives me the impression that she’s here for business. Shedding her long coat, she drops a leather bag on the table as Hilary excuses herself. “Mr. Hood sent me to put you on birth control.”
“Wh-What?”
“Birth control,” she repeats, giving me a once over, making me feel like she’s sussing out if I’m malnourished or naturally thin. “There are a few options. I have everything with me today. Anything long-term can be done in the comfort of your bedroom if you’d like.”
“Can you just…give me a moment, please?”
“I’m guessing he didn’t tell you.” She sighs. “Typical of him. Go ahead. I’ll wait.”
