Page 136 of The First Cut

“Can we get a new blender?”

He frowns. “Of course. But what’s wrong with the one we have?”

“It’s gonna have dick juice in it.”

His eyes light up. “You’re gonna put his dick in the blender!”

“Say what now?” Gunther asks from the doorway. He looks from me to Hannibal before he shakes his head.

“I need more caffeine for this,” he mutters before walking back out and closing the door behind him.

We look at each other for a beat before we crack up laughing again.

It’s later in the morning and I’ve just managed to force some breakfast down my throat. Hannibal's giving me what I can only assume is the PG version of what happened last night, when the door opens and Millie walks in.

“Did you seriously forget your daughter?” She stands with her hands on her hips, glaring at Hannibal, whose lips twitch.

“Of course not. I called, and apparently, you were fast asleep. I was planning on waiting for you to text me that you were awake so I could get one of the brothers to drop you off here.”

Her shoulders drop, her anger dissipating as quickly as it arrived. “I’ll allow it.”

“I see you didn’t forget the sass this morning.”

“I’m a teenager. I’m eighty percent sass and twenty percent sarcasm.”

Hannibal opens his mouth to argue but ends up shaking his head.

“No, she’s right.” I chuckle, beckoning her over so I can look inside the huge bag she has slung over her shoulder. “Tell me there's some real food in there.”

Millie grins. “Would I let you down?” She rolls her eyes, sits on the edge of the bed, and places the bag in my lap

I dig through it like it’s Christmas. Honestly, I feel a little emotional that she went through all this trouble for me. I pull out a couple of books that have been on my list for ages.

“Oh wow, I can’t wait to read these. Thank you so much.” I keep digging and find a bunch of snack cakes, candy, and chips. I probably won’t be able to eat most of that because my throat is sore, but I’m sure Millie can while she’s with me. At the bottomof the bag, I find some puzzle books, some playing cards, and a travel-sized version of Scrabble.

“This is all awesome, Millie. Thank you so much.”

I reach for her and give her a squeeze. She holds herself a little stiffly to start with. I don’t know if it’s because she’s still new to me hugging her or if she’s worried she’ll hurt me, She eventually relaxes and hugs me back gently.

When she pulls back, Hannibal stands up and kisses me on the lips before kissing Millie’s temple. “Well, now that you have company, I’m going to head back and grab a shower. Jolene packed you a bag, so I’m going to grab that and bring Evan for a visit. I know Jolene said she would, but it will give her and Germ a break.”

“Okay, see you later.” I watch him leave

Before the door can close, Elmo pokes his head in. “I’m taking over for Gunther for a bit. I’ll be right outside if you need anything.”

“You can come in. I don’t mind.”

“And intrude on the sanctuary of girl time? Never.” He winks at Millie, who laughs as he closes the door.

She turns back to me and bites her lip.

“You okay?”

She nods.

“Is being back here too much for you? If it is, we can do girl time when I get home. I don’t want you to?—”

She reaches out and squeezes my arm. “Chill out, Lola. I’m okay. Mom…she was sick for a while. It was shocking when we first found out, but it wasn’t shocking when she died, if that makes sense.”