It has to be hard for Ash too. Scott was his best friend, but then again, so is Tommy.
Calla looks at her husband briefly before she turns back tous. “There is just one thing you should know before you take my friend on permanently.” She nods towards me.
“Which is?” Tommy replies.
“If you ever mess her around?—”
“Shh. You don’t have to say a word, Cal. You'll cut off my balls if I hurt her. I get it.”
She smiles. “I was just pulling your leg, but seriously, I won't hesitate to chop them off if necessary.” Calla giggles before getting up and opening her arms wide towards him. “Come here, you.”
They’re both smiling while they hug, and Ash comes over to me with an equally big grin across his face. “Hey, bring it in, girl.”
“Group hug,” Max calls, and I silently thank God. Finally, I think everything will be all right.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
TOMMY
Chelsea ison her way here. It’s been a while. I wasn’t sure if I should ask my solicitor to join us or not, as Chelsea has a way of twisting my words, but today isn’t about us. It’s about Ozzie.
At least Connie is around if it goes tits up. It’s not that I don’t trust Chelsea, but it wouldn’t surprise me if her visit is more about her and less about our boy.
Connie and I are keeping Oz occupied with Pop-Up Pirate. He loves this game and jumps out of his skin every time the pirate pops out of the barrel.
As time goes on, we exchange glances, both noting every minute she’s late. In the end, I take him in the pool for a couple of hours, which he loves, but I’m glad I haven’t told him his mum is coming over today. This way, I’m not setting him up for disappointment.
We’ve pretty much given up on Chelsea, and Connie is in the middle of making dinner by the time the gate phone buzzes to life. She’s nearly four hours late, but at least she made it.
I hear Ray’s voice and Chelsea appears behind him asshe’s shown into the kitchen diner. By now, me and Oz are at the table, playing bug bingo.
“Is anybody home?” she sing-songs.
Oz looks up from the game. His tiny eyebrows squish together while he pouts. “Mummy?” It’s the first time I realise he’s losing his American accent. He also seems confused and his silence obviously shocks her.
“That’s right, Oz, it’s me. I’ve come to spend some time with you.”
Wow. It says a lot when your own kid needs an introduction.
Slowly, his face softens a little, and he climbs down from the chair. “That’s okay.” He seems a little put out but hugs her anyway. Maybe I should have warned him.
“How is my beautiful boy? Let me look at you.” She sets him down and steps back. “You’ve grown so much.”
Well, if she’d been here—I’ve got to stop with the negative thoughts. This isn’t good for my kid. It’s going to take a lot, but I should try to play nice.
She looks up at me as I make my way over to say hello. I lift my chin towards her. “Hey.”
“Hi, Tommy.”
“How's it going?”
“I’m doing okay, thanks.”
There’s no point asking her anything more. I've got no interest in how she’s getting on with my ex-friend.
“And how are you, Connie?” Chelsea asks, probably sensing I’m not in a talkative mood.
“I’m very well thank you, Mrs Graham.”
