Sat watching Victoria with River in the swimming pool amongst other mothers and babies isn’t what I want to be doing today. I should be out earning my place in the club. Luca gave me my mission but yet, I’m here with the stench of chlorine filling my nose. Though getting the chance to see a bunch of half-naked women never hurt the eyes. All different shapes and sizes, it’s like a version of Heaven I don’t mind entering when my time comes.
“Sorry, excuse me,” I hear and look away from the pool.
A cute brunette is waiting to get past my chair to get to the table beside mine. Clutching a small baby on her hip, she’s flustered, and I don’t make her day harder by not moving.
Sliding my chair out of her way, she falls into the seat at her table and dumps a bag from her shoulder onto the floor.
The kid drops his rattle and I bend down and pick it up for him, but it’s his mom that takes it from me.
“Thanks. I’m having the worst day. I couldn’t even make it here on time and by the looks of it, they’re nearly done.”
It takes me a moment to realise she’s talking to me. I look over my shoulder to make sure.
My silence doesn’t put her off. “You’d think I’d have my shit together by now.” She bounces the kid on her knee and when I really take her in, her eyes are filled with tears, and she looks like she’s five seconds away from really losing her shit.
What the fuck do I say?
I’m no good with women on a good day, let alone when they’re upset. One thing I’ve learned from my mom was I never knew what to say, and never at the right time. There were many times during my childhood when my mom would be crying over a guy, and I’d try to soothe her but would most of the time get my head bitten off because my advice that the guy wasn’t worth it or that she’d be better off without him wasn’t what she wanted or needed to hear.
“I’m sorry, I’m rambling. It’s what I do when I’m trying not to cry.” She inhales and then asks, “Which ones are yours?”
“I’m here with the woman in the black swimsuit and little boy in blue. But they’re not mine. I’m a family friend,” I explain. Before she continues, I offer, “Why don’t I grab you a coffee?”
“That would be great, thanks.”
Over in the café area, I order two coffees and wait. The moms and babies end their class and Victoria motions that she’s going to get changed. I nod once and she disappears into the changing room.
I pay for the drinks and return to the woman who only looks a little less edgy than she did five minutes ago.
I place her coffee on the table and take my seat.
“I’m Pippa by the way.”
“Konan.” I tip my chin at the kid. “What’s this one’s name?” I don’t know why I asked but it’s out before I can stop myself.
“This little one is Oliver.”
I turn back to my coffee, but she continues, “Thanks for the coffee, I can’t remember the last time…” She stops talking when the kid starts to cry.
She rearranges him on her lap and jiggles him around; it seems to help.
I look around, hoping Victoria isn’t much longer.
The kid throws his toy, and it lands in the water with a splash.
“I don’t think your mommy is jumping in to get that back for you, kid,” I find myself saying.
“Oh, I’m not his mom. He’s my nephew, his mom died and now I’m his sole guardian.” She catches herself and adds, “Sorry, I don’t know why I just told you all that. It’s really none of your business.”
“It’s fine.”
What else can I say?
I’m saved by Victoria walking out of the changing rooms. Before I can join her, she heads over and asks, “Who’s your new friend?”
It’s hard not to roll my eyes, but I remind myself this is my president’s old lady and if she wants introducing to someone, I’ll do it.
“This is Pippa and her nephew Oliver.” Turning to Pippa, I say, “This is my friend Victoria and her son River.”
