Suddenly, Rowan’s phone lit up on the coffee table, buzzing loudly. He brushed off his hands and leant over to grab it. I startled when he jumped up from the sofa.
“Whoa, where’s the fire?” I gasped.
“It’s Teegan.” Rowan stared at the phone in his hand.
“Answer it then! Go into the bedroom for some privacy if you like.” I sat up, closing my laptop.
Rowan shot me a grateful smile and held the phone to his ear. He strode off to the bedroom but not before I’d heard him say:
“Hey, beautiful.”
I took a deep breath, praying silently that this was the beginning of Rowan repairing the relationship with his daughter. I burnt to know what was being said, but I remained on the sofa. Rowan would tell me anything he wanted me to know, I was certain of it.
He stayed in the bedroom for at least ten minutes, before joining me back in the living room. I sat forward, keen for an update.
“So?” I asked, unable to decipher Rowan’s expression. “How did it go?”
“She’d like to come over to talk.”
I sighed, a wide smile breaking out on my face.
“That’s good news. A step in the right direction, at last. When?”
Rowan glanced at his watch. “Christina is dropping her over in about half an hour.”
“Oh, this afternoon?” I gasped. “Okay, that’s cool. I’m glad. Shall I get out of your way for a bit?”
“Not at all. She’s asked to speak with you, too,” Rowan replied.
I felt a nervous sweat break out on my palms and I fiddled with the zip in the back of the sofa cushion.
“Me? What for?”
Rowan shrugged. “I don’t know, but you are a part of all this Max. I think it’s important you’re here.”
“Of course. Whatever you and Teegan think is best.” I opened my laptop, but I couldn’t focus. What would Teegan want from me, I wondered? How much did she already know about my relationship with Rowan? I was a big believer in honesty being the best policy, but how honest wastoohonest?
“Max?” I looked up at Rowan and he smiled at me. Despite my nerves, my stomach flipped. “Relax. You look tense.”
I sighed, my brow furrowing. “Sorry, I’m just worried about what to say.”
Rowan leaned in, pushing my laptop closed once more as he kissed me. “Just be yourself. I’m keen to start this new chapter with my family with honesty.”
“Good,” I breathed. “I’m no good at lying.”
“I know, it’s one of the things I like most about you,” Rowan replied.
“One of?” I smirked.
“There’s a lot of things on the list, Max.” Rowan kissed me again. “This being another.”
“Mm, that’s definitely in my top five, too.” I smiled, kissing him back.
We passed the time waiting for Teegan tidying up the flat. It wasn’t untidy by any means, but I figured both Rowan and I needed something to keep our minds off the imminent meeting with Teegan.
As it turned out, Rowan was easy to live with. He kept things mostly in order, though I wasn’t sure if he was just being courteous as he was a guest in my flat. We rubbed along nicely, rarely disagreeing. It was still early days, of course, but I couldn’t help enjoying having him living with me. After months of sneaking around and rushed visits, it was refreshing to come home with him every night. I wished it was under better circumstances, but I was beginning to grow attached to having him around. I didn’t like to imagine my bed without Rowan in it one day.
Soon, Rowan’s phone buzzed, and he excused himself to collect Teegan from outside. I sat on the sofa waiting, with my knee jiggling up and down nervously. Rowan let himself back in with Teegan trailing behind him. She met my eye and I smiled kindly.
