“You’re not a failure. Far from it. Why the hell would you say that?”
I place my head against him and notice the hammering beat in his chest. My heart is doing the same. “Chris told me I’m doing the business more harm than good.”
Tommy’s arms tighten around me. “He actually said that?”
“Not exactly, but that’s what he meant.”
My tears soak his shirt; I just can’t stop them from falling, but the warmth of his body against mine and his well-chosen words, give me the comfort I need.
“Let me tell you something. You are one of the strongest people I know. You gave birth and brought up your son on your own. You put all your spare energy into a business you knew nothing about and you’ve singlehandedly put a roof over your family’s head.”
He always manages to find the right thing to say. “You seem to know a lot.” I sniff, looking up into his eyes and he meets my gaze.
“I’ve seen it all for myself.”
Our eyes linger for longer than they should and I feel my cheeks flush.
“I’m sorry I haven’t been to see you. I’ve had a lot on.”
“Yeah, I can see that.” Despite his answer, he seems hurt. “Don’t worry about it.”
“Thank you for looking after me. I’m sure this is the last thing you needed today,” I say, snuggling back against his chest.
I hear the smile in his voice when he says, “Anytime.” Then he hugs me closer. “Nothing is more important than looking after the people I care about. I learnt that lesson the hard way.”
I feel terrible. He’s going through hell with his wife and his band, yet he’s here, listening to my ridiculous problems. Perhaps he needs a friend as much as I do.
Tommy follows me into the hallway of my cosy home. I love this place. When I couldn’t find a property to buy after Scott died, I bought a piece of land next door to Calla and Ash and built my own. It’s not huge. There’s just enough room for me and my growing boy, but I think Scott would approve.
“Josh is reading quietly in bed, so please don’t make any loud noises,” Agatha barks without so much as a ‘good evening’ to either Tommy or myself. In fact, she takes no notice of him as he stands behind me when I step into the kitchen. His casual stance is a far cry from the stiff and starched posture of my nanny.
“Wait, you’ve given him his bath already?” I ask.
“It’s getting late.”
“It’s not quite six, which is his usual bath time, and isn’t it a little early for bed?”
Her tongue runs around the outskirts of her top teeth and she pouts. “He was getting under my feet.”
“I beg your pardon?” I sense tears forming in my eyes again. I can’t help being so weepy. It’s been one hell of a day.
Thankfully, Tommy steps in. “I think Angie is a little tired.”
“And you are?” she grunts.
He beams back at her. “Tommy Graham,” he says, offering his hand.
Agatha eyes him suspiciously but refuses to take his peace offering. “This has nothing to do with you, Mr Graham, and I’m acutely aware of Mrs Knox and how tired she is. It’s apparent in her lack of timekeeping.”
“What did you say?” I ask, knowing full well what she said, but I want to highlight it.
“Why don’t you knock off early, Angina.” Tommy grins.
Wow, does he know how to wind people up. I purse my lips tight. I’ve gone from sad tears to holding back my laughter and find the only way to hold it in is to put my hand over my mouth.
“It’s Agatha.”
“Yeah, whatever. Look, babe—” Jesus, did he just call herbabe? I’m dying inside as he continues, “—why don’t you collect your stuff, and I mean all your stuff, and take an early bath yourself.”
