Cold shower it is, then.
I drag myself out of bed and pad to the bathroom, turning the water to arctic. The shock of it against my skin makes me hiss through my teeth, but it does the job. By the time I’m done, I’m shivering and my cock’s gone from proud soldier to deserter.
Back in my room I pull on shorts and a T-shirt, then I check on Isla. Still fast asleep, curls spread across her pillow. I wake the Dexcom receiver on her bedside table—5.8 mmol/L, nice and steady. My phone would’ve alerted me if her blood sugar went wonky in the night, but I always double-check anyway.
I head downstairs, glancing at my phone. There’s a message from Sophie.
Sophie
Mei said yes to moving in
Something tightens in my chest—just for a second—before I shake it off. Not my house, not my life. And this is good news. Great news, actually.
Struan
Congratulations
When’s it happening?
Sophie
Two weeks
Two weeks? Christ, that’s soon.
I catch myself. What’s wrong with me? This isgood news.
Sophie
How’s Isla this morning?
Struan
Still asleep. Will wake her for breakfast soon
Sophie
Remember to count her carbs!
I shake my head, smiling. What is she like? I may play the relaxed, fun dad, but when it comes to Isla’s health, I don’t mess about. Sophie knows that.
Struan
Got it
Sophie
I’ll give her a call later
I shoot her another thumbs-up emoji, then set my phone down on the kitchen worktop and grab the eggs to make French toast. Isla’s favourite.
I crack them into a bowl, whisking as my mind wanders. Mei moving in—itisa good thing. Sophie deserves to be happy, and Isla adores Mei. Besides, it’s not like anything’sreallychanging. Mei’s already there most evenings anyway.
Lost in thought, I fumble one of the eggs. It slips from my fingers and splats on the floor.
Smooth, Walker.
Right. Focus. Happy thoughts. French toast. Weekend with my girl.
