Page 38 of Isolation

“Not yet,” Mia sighs.

“Do you need help?”

Our chitchat is cut short by a chair that’s dropped in the empty space between Brandon and I.

Milo plops down on it and casually drags the placemat that’s holding Brandon’s place setting, till the plate and glassware are in front of him.

You can almost smell the male testosterone in the air.

Luckily, our parents don’t notice the silent drama, and despite the random odd vibe, the boys let go of their ego battle once our parents settle into their seats.

However, two people notice the odd exchange. I watch Alexa look between Milo and I. Mia simply looks frozen and stares blankly at Milo.

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“We are going for a walk.”

I look up from my design book to find Milo at my doorway.

When I don’t immediately answer, Milo follows it up with, “Let’s go.”

After breakfast today, I found a box of my favorite chocolates on my side table, along with a note asking about my plans for the day.

In typical Milo fashion, he didn’t wait for my answer. Instead, he interrupted me without so much as a hello and then barked an order at me.

Did I always let him walk all over me like this?

Goddamnit. I did.

I used to follow him around like his lost puppy, doing his bidding. Later, I was too scared to ever voice an opinion. But now things can be different.

“Hello, Raven. How are you? Would you like to go for a walk?” I reword his previous comment to show him how he should have phrased it.

Milo grins at my attempt. “Hello, Raven,” he says with a crooked, smile.

“Oh, hello, Milo. I didn’t see you there,” I play along.

“How are you this fine afternoon?” He mimics my tone.

“I am excellent. Thank you for asking. How are you?”

“I am fine too. Pray tell, would you be ever so kind as to escort me on a walk around this beautiful city?” Milo is wearing a cocky smirk, very much enjoying his own sarcastic spin.

“Why?”

“Because I enjoy your company. And now that you have had time to think about our conversation, I am hoping we can work on that camaraderie thing we had discussed.”

“The last time I agreed to go somewhere with you, you lied about our destination. You took me to your condo under the pretense of going to the pharmacy,” I point out his deception.

“I didn’t lie. I added a detour to our outing. But I promise there will be no detours this time. We are going for a walk, that’s it.” Milo casually gives me a scout’s honor sign, but his muscles are tense. He is masking his nerves and holding his breath while waiting for a response.

I sigh and stand up. “Well, since you asked so nicely.”

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We walk silently till we come to a standstill at the entrance of a park. The park is eerily quiet and devoid of people.

“Do you think your handicapped leg can handle a short hike?” Milo teases.