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“I promise you it happens.” She rolled her eyes and stood up. “I’ll go and start the pasta for tea.”
“No Zak tonight?” I asked, secretly hoping she was staying home so we could all watch a film or a comedy together. I wasn’t sure how many more of those kind of nights we would have if she changed her mind and went away to uni, so any opportunity was gratefully received by me.
“No, his mum and dad are out so he’s babysitting his sister.”
“He didn’t want you to join him?”
“No, Dad, because contrary to what you think, we’re not joined at the hip.” She leaned down and gave Maya a gentle hug. “I’m glad you’re okay and look much better today, and I’m glad you’re staying.”
As she left the room, I wasn’t sure I could speak. The lump in my throat was huge. The gratitude I felt for Maddy caring about my girlfriend was more than I could express. Then, when I glanced at Maya and saw her swipe away a tear, I knew she felt it, too. To be honest I think we both needed more sleep.
“You okay?” I asked, rubbing a hand up and down her leg.
Maya nodded and sniffed. “She’s so lovely.”
“I know she is.” Maddy made me proud and glad that I hadn’t been the drop out that I’d thought I was seventeen years ago. “She makes great chicken pesto pasta, too.”
“I’m not sure I’m hungry.” Maya’s lips pouted; she knew full well I’d make her eat.
“Not happening. She can make you a small bowl.”
She gave me an eye roll and then a little smile. “Okay, just a small one.”
“Good girl.” I patted her leg, which earned me a disgruntled sigh.
“I’m not a five-year-old who’s just finished her greens, William.”
That made me chuckle. I knew she would have stamped her foot if it hadn’t been resting in my lap.
“Okay, Maya, duly noted.” I leaned closer and gave her a quick kiss. “Right, I’m going to help Maddy. Will you be okay?”
“Fine. You’re only a few feet away if I need anything. Want to get some walkie talkies so we can keep in touch?”
“Okay, I get it. I’m smothering you.”
At least she laughed. “Go and I’ll take a snooze while you do.”
I narrowed my eyes on her. “I knew you were tired. Have a sleep, and I’ll wake you when the food is ready.”
As I left the room, she had already snuggled down. What was great was that she didn’t wake until the next day, not even when I carried her to bed and tucked her in with a kiss to her forehead, or when I stood in the doorway, watching her sleep and being grateful for her coming into my life.
Chapter Sixty-One
Maddy
“What’s he going to do?” Zak asked, his arm around me, and his thumb softly rubbing my shoulder.
We were at the party of some boy Liam knew from his football team. Even Ana had come with us. The atmosphere was still a little bit frosty, but she’d thawed enough to agree to come out.
“He said he’s not going to do it, but I know he’s starting to feel guilty.”
“You can’t just give a kidney to someone you don’t know.” Zak frowned and shook his head. “It’s flipping bonkers, isn’t it. I bet your dad’s head must be mashed.”
“His dad turning up is one thing, but him asking for his bloody kidney is…” I shrugged, unsure how to find the words for what was going on.
“You wouldn’t offer yours would you?”
I couldn’t help but laugh at his worried tone and the deep crease between his brows. “No way. I don’t want Dad to do it, it’stoo dangerous.” I leaned in and gave him a quick kiss. “So, stop worrying.”
