Page 7 of The Fighter
“That’s right, but who says they’re willing to talk about Dina now?”
Mila had a point, and either way, I couldn’t just waltz in and ask the ruling family to answer my questions. “It would be so much easier if I had the same kind of access to them as you do.”
“You mean because I live here at the Gray Manor?”
“Yes, you see them all the time, and they’re your family.”
“I don’t know, Raven. They treat you as family too.” Mila looked thoughtful. “Remember when I suggested that you should stay here while you work at Station Seven?”
“Yes.”
“Well, didn’t you say that you felt a bit old to be living with your parents? I mean, you know there are plenty of empty rooms here and that you’re always welcome.”
A smile grew on my lips as a thought formed in my head. “Living here would give me a better chance of asking questions and finding clues.”
Mila returned my smile. “You know I’d love to have you closer, and I’ll find you a nice room close to mine.”
As we walked down the hallway, I linked my arm with hers. “Will you make sure I get a nicer room than Jonah? You know, because I’m your bestie.”
“I didn’t think something as mundane as a room mattered to you. Didn’t you just tell me they were all the same?”
“It doesn’t, but I know it matters to you. If you give him a nicer room than me, I’ll know that he has taken my spot as your closest friend.”
“Raven.” Only Mila could say my name like it was a protest against my craziness.
“No, Mila, I’m warning you, woman. If you like Jonah, you’d better give me the nicest room because otherwise I’ll challenge him to fight for the spot as your best friend, and we both know I’ll whip his ass.”
“I doubt Jonah has ever fought in his life.”
“Then I’ll battle him the Motlander way.”
“With words?”
I raised my thumbs. “I’ll declare a thumb war and defend my rightful spot as your best friend.”
Mila’s sweet laugh had always had a calming effect on me and I smiled back at her.
“You know I love you, Raven.”
“But do you love me more than Jonah?”
“Where is this coming from? I’ve known you for a decade while Jonah and I met less than a year ago. Besides, he lives in the Motherlands.”
“I know, but anyone can see the two of you are like magnets and he makes you laugh.”
“Jonah is easy to be around and I enjoy his company, that’s all. You make me laugh too.”
“Hmm… admit it, he’s your new girlfriend.”
Mila stopped and took my hand. “Raven, just because I love you doesn’t mean I can’t love others too. I have infinite love in my heart and I don’t rank my friends from best to worst.”
Tilting my head, I squinted my eyes. “Fair enough, but if you did, I would be on the top, right?”
Mila’s melodic laughter filled the hallway as she walked on with one word hanging in the air. “Obviously.”
CHAPTER 3
Keeping in Shape
