Page 31 of Anteros' Return

“Sweets, ice cream, whatever you want.” I paused for a second. “On the condition that you eat them after lunch.”

He laughed mischievously. “Done. Prepare to be bankrupt.”

“Haven’t you been here before? That gives you an advantage.” I questioned.

“Nope. I don’t come here with Mum. I usually find it boring.” He smiled, his lips pursed as he handed me the basket.

“You hold the basket. It’ll just slow me down.” He handed it over as I juggled it with my crutches. “What do we need?”

“Peppers, onions, chicken, pasta, tomato paste, and chilli powder.”

“Got it!” He beamed, his competitive side shining through as he readied himself to race off down the aisles.

“Alright. Ready, set, go!” I smiled as Liam darted off in the direction of the vegetables.

I watched him as he grabbed everything in record time, dumping the vegetables in the basket. He hurried towards theother items. Within thirty seconds, he was back, his arms bundled with the rest of the ingredients.

“That was a record speed. I thought you said you had never been to this one with your mum?”

“Is that what I said? I meant I come here all the time.” He glanced over at the confectionary aisle. “So, can I spend my points now?”

“I mean, I should deduct a few points but go for it.” I couldn’t help myself. It was the first time I got to treat him.

“Thanks!” And with that, he ran off to enjoy himself.

After we paid, Liam was over the moon with his sweets and ice cream. He insisted on carrying that bag home.

“So, you seem like you had fun with someone you don’t really like?”

“Yeah, well, Mum asked me to behave,” he teased. “Besides, I’m surprised she let me out with you alone. You must be a pretty good friend.”

“Yeah, something like that.” Knowing Emily trusted me with her pride and joy warmed my heart, and I appreciated her for that.

“I’d race you up the hill, but we know I’d win.”

“For now, little man, but we’ll see after I get this cast off and get back to full fitness.” He smiled at me, and it was as if we just shook on it.

Emily was waiting at the door when we got back. She hurried towards me, taking the bag of ingredients from me without hesitation.

She eyed Liam’s bag. “What on earth did you get?”

“Beckett got me some snacks, but I can’t have them until after lunch. That was the deal.”

“That sounds like a pretty good deal.” She reached out and squeezed Liam’s shoulder in reassurance before following him inside.

I made my way to the kitchen where Liam was eagerly waiting for me.

“Let’s get on with lunch then. You still want to help?” I asked Liam who was already pulling out his apron from the bottom drawer under the oven. “I take that as a yes.”

“Mum, will you set the table, please?”

“How about we do that after we’ve got the sauce on? Your mum can take a break or do some sketching." Her eyes widened the moment our gazes locked, a flash of recognition mingled with disbelief. She was clearly taken aback that I remembered what she enjoyed. What she probably didn’t know was that I remembered everything about her. From the spot of every freckle, no matter how small, to every scar from baking.

“Are you sure? I don’t mind.”

“We’re sure, we’re good. Aren’t we?” I looked to Liam, hoping he would back me up.

“Yeah, we’re good, Mum.”

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