Free The Accidental Life of Greg Millar by Aimee Alexander Page B

he whispers back.
    ‘Someone will hear.’
    ‘Have you seen how thick the walls are?’
    ‘Hilary’s next door.’
    ‘Hilary doesn’t have bionic hearing. Now, wait till I show you this little trick.’
    His little trick shatters my resistance.

    Afterwards, we lie in silence, a film of sweat covering our bodies; the air so heavy, it’s hard to breathe.
    ‘Greg, you need to get air conditioning.’
    ‘What do you think I am, a philistine? When in Rome, live like the Romans.’
    ‘I’m sure plenty of the “Romans” have air conditioning.’
    He turns to face me. ‘This villa’s designed for the heat. And the Millars are a tough breed. Don’t want us becoming soft.’
    ‘How about a few electric fans, then?’
    ‘Wimp.’ He smiles. ‘We’ll get some tomorrow.’
    ‘Greg?’
    ‘Mm-hmm?’
    ‘Do you think Rachel will come around – eventually?’
    He raises himself onto an elbow and tucks a stray strand of my hair behind my ear. ‘Of course. Once she gets to know you. Right now, it’s the idea of sharing her life with you she doesn’t like; not you personally.’
    I sit up. ‘I thought that maybe Hilary might put in a good word for me with her. But I think I annoyed her today. You know, got in her way or something.’
    ‘No. It’s a good idea. If Rachel listens to anyone, it’s Hilary.’
    ‘Might be unfair to ask, though; I’m not sure she likes me.’
    ‘Hilary? Of course she does. She’s just focused on the kids. She’d do anything for this family. Want me to ask her?’
    ‘Ah. No, not for the moment. Just let me get to know her a bit better first, OK?’
    ‘OK.’
    We’re quiet for a while. ‘Greg?’
    ‘Uh-huh?’
    ‘Could you drop me at the airport, tomorrow?’
    ‘Leaving already?’ He smiles.
    ‘I want to rent a car.’
    ‘A car? Why?’
    ‘Just to get around.’
    ‘Sure, I’ll take you wherever you want to go.’
    I smile. ‘I know. And thanks. But you’ve the kids. What if I have to go back to Dublin for work and you need to take them somewhere?’
    ‘I’ll figure something out.’
    ‘I don’t want you to have to. My being here is putting you all out already.’ I pause. ‘And, Greg, I really think that, for the moment, we should try to remain a bit separate, you know?’
    ‘How do you mean?’
    ‘Well, I don’t think it’s a good idea for me to be a constant presence at the villa.’
    He scratches his head. ‘I know what Rachel said to Toby sounds bad, but I think it would be a mistake to overreact, here. The children need to get used to you being around.’
    ‘I know, Greg, but slowly.’
    I feel his disappointment.
    We say no more on the subject until he’s dropping me off at the apartment.
    ‘We’ll get that car tomorrow, then,’ he concedes.
    I smile. ‘Thanks, Greg. It’s the right thing.’
    ‘And I’ll pick you up for breakfast at the villa in the morning?’
    I wonder if I got through to him at all.
     

11.
    N ext morning, I wake early and walk to the villa, taking in the scenery and getting some exercise. It seemed like a great idea, until I arrive at the front door and can’t decide what to do. I have a k ey, but if I use it, it might seem pushy. If I don’t, it’ll just seem stupid. Everyone knows I have it. Oh, what the hell. I slip it in.
    I’m heading for the living room when, from inside, I hear Rachel say, ‘She talks to us like babies. Is she some kind of dork or something?’
    I stop; my stomach twists.
    ‘She’s probably just not used to kids,’ Hilary says.
    ‘I don’t want her to get used to us. I want her to get lost.’
    ‘Rache, remember when I came first? You didn’t like me either.’
    ‘I did so.’
    ‘No, Rachel, you didn’t. It took a long time. But you did in the end. Lucy seems nice. Maybe you should give her a chance.’
    ‘Why? I don’t want a stepmother. Did anyone ask me? No. He never asked, Hilary. He never checked. He always checks big decisions with us. Always.’ She breaks down.
    Oh, God. I