Page 21 of Reid's Fixation
Chapter 4
Mila
She could feel her face heat as they walked in and her family was all seated at a table in the middle of the diner.
Even Nana and Gramps. She looked up at Reid, and when he winked down at her, she knew it would be fine.
Her mom grinned over at them and Mila pulled Reid to where they were all sitting.
Normally the diner was busy, but she must have missed the rush and was grateful that they had.
She couldn’t imagine having the entire town staring on while this happened.
“Hey, so, um, this is Reid. Um, Reid Collins. He is my, um? Boyfriend?”
He chuckled at her side, “More than that babe. I am going to marry this girl soon.”
Her mom and Nana gasped, and her dad’s eyebrows lifted in shock.
Mila hissed a whisper at him, “You can’t just say stuff like that.”
He kissed her softly, “I sure can, if it’s true.”
Then he turned to her family, “As my girl said, I’m Reid Collins. I am twenty-three years old, never been in a relationship because I have been waiting on my one and know with every fiber of my being and soul that Mila is it. I like food of any kind. I’m a cop and am currently on leave due to an injury that has required physical therapy. And I have no criminal record.”
Her mom stood, laughing. She held out her hand, which Reid took after letting go of Mila’s hand.
“Malena. It’s a pleasure. Really. Mila has been so quiet about dating and boys that we weren’t sure it would ever happen. I am glad it's with a guy who loves her.”
Reid grinned down at her, “I sure do. It may seem soon, but in my mind, it’s not soon enough.”
Malena gave a small laugh, “Well then. That is good to know. Come on over, you can meet everyone else.”
She pointed to her husband who stood, “This is Matias. My husband.”
Matias stood and shook Reid’s good hand, and looked at the sling on the other shoulder, “What happened? You must be the friend that Mila is taking to physical therapy.”
Reid coughed out a laugh, “I sure am. I was caught in the explosion from a homemade bomb.”
Malena gasped, “Oh my goodness. Are you okay now?”
He nodded, “I'm fine. Just a little beat up still. I have one more surgery I think and a few more weeks of physical therapy. Otherwise, I’m fine.”
Nana stood, “You're Kian’s brother, right?”
Reid nodded, “I am.”
Nana hugged Reid carefully, “That boy took my new waitress to claim her mom’s remains. He didn’t want her to go alone and he is so sweet to her. Any friend of his is a friend of ours. What can I get you from the kitchen? Maybe you could tell us the tale of the bomb? I know Trace said a little, but that man is sure quiet.”
Reid nodded, “That he is. Trace is a good man.”
Nana nodded and pointed to the two chairs left at their table.
Reid sat next to Kenzie who smiled over at him, “Are you hungry?” Nana asked and Reid nodded, “I am. I haven’t been able to eat as much as I did, but I would kill for a good burger.”
Gramps stood, “On it. Pleasure to meet you Reid.”
He winked and pulled Nana into the kitchen, “Be back soon.”
