‘Perfect,’ he answers, the sound of leather soles beating the path getting closer.
‘And you?’ Gregory asks, his question full of genuine concern. ‘Are you OK?’
Miller answers with the exact same word. ‘Perfect.’
‘I’m glad.’ He gives me a small smile and pecks my forehead. ‘William called me.’
I don’t even flinch. I know that means William has filled Gregory in on . . . everything, my thoughts only confirmed when my best friend lets his eyes slip down to my tummy. He smiles a little but manages to stop himself from saying anything further on that matter. ‘She’s waiting for you.’ He steps to the side, as does Ben, and opens up the route to my grandmother, but I don’t get to proceed with caution, as the sound of a car pulling up to the kerb distracts me.
I swing around, knowing what I’ll find, and see her tentatively stepping onto the pavement, clutching the top of the open car door. She’s doing what I was a few moments ago, gazing up at the house, looking a little lost and overwhelmed. William joins her and slips a comforting arm around her waist, and she looks up at him, forcing a small smile. He speaks no words, just nods encouragingly, and I watch in fascination as Gracie seems to find a bit of strength from their connection, much like how Miller and I work. Her chest rises slowly and her cheeks puff as she exhales, her fingers flexing on the car door.
No one is saying a word. The atmosphere is delicate and thick with nerves, and not just mine. Everyone here loves my grandmother dearly. I won’t be silly enough to discount Ben, especially knowing he’s obviously spent some time with Nan. Everyone knows the enormity of what is about to happen. But no one seems to be the one who wants to lead. We’re all just standing on the pavement, waiting for one of us to make the first move, speak, anything to set the wheels in motion.
But it’s none of us out here.
‘Let me through!’ Nan’s demand pulls everybody to face the house. ‘Out of my way!’ Ben and Gregory are virtually tossed aside as she barrels through and lands on the doorstep.
She’s in a dressing gown, but her hair is perfect. She is perfect.
She halts on the doorstep, her hand reaching for the wall to offer a little support. I want to run to her, hug her, and tell her everything is OK, but something stops me. She steps forward, her old navy eyes looking past me, down the garden path. ‘Gracie?’ she whispers, visibly trying to focus harder, like she can’t quite believe what she’s seeing. ‘Gracie, darling, is that you?’ She takes another wobbly step forward, her hand now moving to her face where she covers her mouth with her palm.
My teeth clench from my tight jaw and my vision becomes compromised by the onset of tears. I sniffle hopelessly, ignoring Miller’s hand around my waist, and turn to see my mother. William is holding her up and she’s clinging to him for dear life. ‘Mum,’ she sobs, tears bursting from her eyes.
A painful weep yanks my attention back to Nan, and I panic when she stutters on her feet, astonishment mixed with happiness rampant on her old face. ‘My beautiful girl.’ She begins to fold to the floor, her frail body not able to keep her on her feet any longer.
‘Nan!’ My heart misses too many beats and I rush over to her, but I’m beaten to it.
Gracie intercepts me and seizes Nan, folding slowly to the floor with her. ‘Thank you, God, for bringing her back to me,’ Nan sobs, throwing her arms around my mother and clinging on tightly. They’re locked together, their cries muffled, buried in each other’s necks. Everyone leaves them huddled on the ground together, reunited after too many lost years. I spend a few moments casting a look to everyone here, seeing every set of eyes watery. Everyone is choked by the overwhelming reunion. I feel like the final piece of my broken world has just clicked into place.
Finally, I look to Miller and he nods his understanding, taking me gently by the neck. They need their time together. Just them. And truly, deeply, I know my spunky nan will be just fine without me for a little longer.
And truly, deeply, I know that Miller will not.
Chapter 24
‘Come here.’ Miller stoops to collect me in his arms when we enter the stairwell, but I tenaciously brush him off.
‘You’re wiped out,’ I object, ignoring the hint of irritation that flashes across his face. ‘I’ll walk.’ I begin to take the steps slowly so his tired body can keep up, but I’m soon swiped from my feet on a yelp. ‘Miller!’
‘You’ll let me worship you, Olivia,’ he practically snaps. ‘That will make me better.’ I relent easily. Anything he needs.
Even footsteps echo around the concrete shaft and I settle my arms around his shoulders, studying his face as he carries me up the ten flights. There’s no sign of exertion or strain, only level breathing and his usual impassive beauty. I can’t tear my eyes away. I’m reliving the moment in time when he first carried me up these stairs, when I knew nothing about this dark man, yet was taken by him to the point of obsession. Nothing has changed. My fascination will never die, and all of his particular ways are welcome in my life.
Forever.
For eternity.
And beyond that, too.
Miller once told me he was on his way to hell. That only I could save him.
We’ve been there together.
But we’ve clawed our way out together.
I smile to myself when he takes a curious glimpse out of the corner of his eye, finding me staring at him intently. ‘What are you thinking?’ he asks, returning his attention forward as we reach his front door. I’m placed on my feet with the utmost care before he opens the door and gestures me inside. I pad slowly into his flat and soak up the surroundings. I don’t question the sense of belonging. ‘I’m thinking that I’m glad to be home.’ I smile when I hear a quiet hitch of surprised breath from behind me, but remain in position, happily reminding myself of his palatial, perfect flat.