MILLE hadn't seen her brother for almost a year. They had both been born in Edinburgh, but when Millie turned six her parents moved to London. Richard wanted to stay behind as he had just started secondary school and was settled in. So while Millie moved down South with her parents, her big brother stayed up North with their aunt and uncle.
Six months ago Richard left Edinburgh and was now renting a flat in North London, and had invited Millie over the forthcoming Saturday.
***
It was 1pm on Saturday when Millie rang the doorbell to Richard's flat. The door swung open and Richard greeted her with a grin. As she stepped forward he enveloped her in a big hug.
'Missed ya, wee sis.' Richard still had the Scottish accent that Millie had lost from moving away so young. She loved it, somehow it was comforting and made her feel secure. She hugged him back, breathing him in deeply. She didn't need to say she'd missed him, it was clear.
After giving Millie a tour of his place Richard suggested they do a bit of shopping and then stop off for dinner somewhere. Millie concurred that that was an excellent idea.
***
At about 3pm they were wandering around the shopping centre. As they passed La Senza, Millie noticed Richard look in and then glance at her, or at least she thought. Neither of them said anything and carried on walking.
'Are ya ready to go sis?' Richard asked.
'Erm', Millie stopped walking and did a mental run through her list, she didn't think there was anything she'd missed. 'Yeah, I guess so. Why are you looking at me like that?'
Richard was giving her an insinuating smile. She noticed the way only the right side of his mouth tilted up and for the first time she really understood why so many girls fancied him. Suddenly realising she was staring, Millie broke the silence. 'Shall we go?'
'How about we make one more stop?' That sly smile again.
'Sure, where?' By way of response Richard flicked his head as if to say, behind you. Millie turned around, they were standing in front of Ann Summers. She looked back at him.
'In there?' She didn't even try to hide the shock in her voice.
'Yup', Richard replied confidently and strolled off. A few seconds passed before Millie moved to follow, Richard had already disappeared inside the shop.
Hesitantly Millie made her way passed matching lingerie sets, frilly nighties and feather bowers. She wasn't sheepish because she was an innocent lamb, but shopping for this kind of thing with her brother was a first. She found him at the back of the store amongst various vibrating, swirling, knobbly objects. There was a couple back there with a toddler in a pram. Hmm, Millie thought, not really the place to come with your kid, but then it wasn't the typical place to go with you big brother either. Then they were gone and Millie and Richard were alone.