“Yeah. He came back for coffee.”
My chest burns at the thought and I scratch my stubble jaw, hoping it was just coffee and nothing more.
“Anyway, I was beat by then, so I left.”
My eyes widen, but I stop myself from asking why she left them alone. I didn’t send Connie as a chaperone, although inside, I could smash something. Did they kiss? What time did he leave? That’s if he left. Fuck. I’m going over there.
“Was there anything else, Tommy? It’s just that I planned a playdate for Oz and Josh today.”
“No, you go ahead,” I say, a little lost in my thoughts. “But make sure Oz is back by three. We’re going swimming.” I smile at my boy and he gives me the biggest grin.
Connie gets up from her seat at the table and Oz does the same. “Say goodbye to Daddy, then go inside and brush your teeth. I’ll be there in a minute.”
“Okay,” he sings, skipping towards me. “See you later, Dad.” Since when did he call me Dad? My little dude is growing up too quickly.
“Bye, buddy. Be good today.” I kiss the top of his head before he runs inside.
“Is everything okay?” Connie asks.
“Huh? Oh, yeah, all good,” I answer, still lost in thoughts of Angie. “Are you and Angie taking the boys somewhere special today?” I ask while she clears the breakfast bowls.
“Oh, Angie isn’t joining me. She has a lot of work to do, so I’m doing her a favour and taking Josh with us for a few hours. I’ve discovered a new indoor play barn in town. Should be fun, and I hope to meet a few other nannies too.”
My ears prick up at the first part of that sentence. Angie will be on her own all morning, so now is the perfect opportunity to get over there and put my mind at rest. The thought brings a smile to my face.
Before I leave, I should grab a shower. After sleeping all night on the floor, I smell like shit. I bet new guy never smelt like shit in his life.
ANGIE
“You’re such a star for taking Josh today, Connie. Thank you.”
“It’s no problem at all.” She packs Josh’s things in her giant bag, then picks up his car seat with minimum effort. “I’ll just fix this in my backseat.” She might be tiny, but Connie seems incredibly strong.
I scan over the boys playing in the garden, which is more like a giant sandpit. They’re hard at work digging a hole.
I focus on Ozzie for a moment, thinking how much he looks like his dad. He has the same tiny glint in his eye when he smiles.Watch out future women of Braebeach or prepare to have your heart broken by the mini rockstar.
“I think I’m all set now,” Connie says from behind me.
I swing around. “Oh, thanks.” Then I focus back on the little ones, who are giggling. It’s so cute.
I step outside, opening the garden gate. “Boys, come in now. Connie’s taking you out today.”
“Yay,” Josh squeals, running inside with his arms out to the side. Oz copies his exact move.
“Josh, take Ozzie and wash your hands, then we can load you both up.”
“Yes, Mummy.”
They nod in unison, and I watch them happily run off, and I hear Connie say, “Well, someone’s keen.”
Following her line of sight out the window to the front of the house, I see Fraser’s car pull up outside.
“Oh, no.” My stomach somersaults, and not in a good way.
“Are you expecting him?” Connie asks.
“No. I wasn’t.”
