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.
Millie stood beside Richard without saying anything, she didn't know what to say. He systematically picked up, tested out and rejected each of the items on display until he got to the last one. Millie watched him pick up the anal beads. He put down the display and turned to Millie. Just at that moment a shop assistant rounded the corner.
'You alright there guys?' she chirped and gave a practiced smile. Millie suddenly felt like a child who'd been caught drawing on the wallpaper. She was convinced the girl would realise they were brother and sister.
'Aye, we're fine thanks darlin'.'
'Ok,' the shop assistant blushed, 'just let me know if you need anything.' Millie was used to that reaction, apparently she wasn't the only one who appreciated her brother's accent.
'I think I'll wait outside,' Millie said.
'Aye, ok wee sis,' Richard replied distractedly.
Five minutes later Richard appeared with a bag, Millie was more than a little curious but didn't dare ask what was in it.
***
After dinner Richard suggested they spend the night in and watch a film. Millie followed him with her eyes as he took down a DVD from his collection. What was that about earlier? she wondered. What did he buy?