“Come on, everyone knows it,” he said, grinning. “You never stick with one woman for long. You get bored, you move on. It’s practically your brand.”
My jaw clenched. Dad’s expression hardened.
“Ben,” he warned, but my brother kept going.
“Don’t get annoyed with me for saying what everyone already knows. This one won’t be any different.”
“Don’t talk about her like that.” My voice came out sharp — darker than I intended.
Ben blinked, surprised. “Wow. Careful, Henry. You almost sound like you actually care.”
“God, you can be a dick sometimes.” I locked eyes with him, anger coiling hot in my chest.
“Yeah, well,” he said, standing, “I learnt from the best.”
Dad sighed as Ben grabbed his coat. “It was good to see you, son,” he said gently.
“You too, Dad.”
The door shut a moment later, and I exhaled hard.
“Sorry,” I said. “I tried.”
“I know you did,” Dad replied, rubbing his temples. “I just wish you two could find some peace before I’m gone.”
I gave a weak laugh. “Let’s not order the coffin just yet, yeah?”
That got a smile. “Anyway,” he said, leaning forward, “you’ve been avoiding my questions. What happened with you and Matilda after the awards? I’m not stupid, Henry — just patient. And my patience is running thin.”
I groaned, rubbing the back of my neck. He wasn’t wrong. I’d been avoiding it because I didn’t want to jinx it. What if we burned out fast, or she changed her mind? I couldn’t bear to disappoint him.
The truth was, she’d consumed me — every thought, every breath. I’d never wanted someone like this before.
“Well,” I started, “we went for a walk. Ended up at King’s Cross. Talked for a while. Got a cab home.”
Dad frowned. “Why do I feel like that’s about ten percent of the story?”
I sighed, sinking back into the chair. “Because it’s… complicated. I don’t even know how to explain it.”
“Try,” he said softly. “Tell me how you feel about her. Be honest.”
I stared down at my hands, exhaling slowly. “I’ve never felt this way about anyone. That night after the awards, when we kissed… I knew I was in trouble.”
Dad’s grin spread wide. “You kissed?!”
“Yes, Dad, we kissed,” I said, rolling my eyes — though I couldn’t stop my own smile. “It wasn’t the first time, but it felt… different. Like something shifted. And yeah, it scared me. But instead of running from it, I wanted to hold on tighter. Which, I know, sounds ridiculous.”
“Not ridiculous,” he said warmly. “It sounds like you’ve met someone real. When I met your mother, it was the same. Everything just… aligned. You can’t control it, and you can’t ignore it. But I get the sense you’re trying to fight it.”
“I’m not,” I said quickly, then softened. “At least, I don’t think I am. It’s just… early days. And I’ve got four years of being an arsehole to make up for.”
Dad chuckled, sipping his tea. “Well then, son — you’d better get started.”
Thirty Four
Matilda
Nearly two weeks after my interview with Sharon, her name finally appears in my inbox.
