We exchange a look that says I already knew this.
Angie continues to stroke my arm as she leads me to the kitchen table. She’s calming my temper, something she’s good at doing when I get a little wild.
“Let’s sit down and talk about it. Shall I get you a drink?”
“Yeah. Coffee would be good.”
She seems surprised. “You sure? I wouldn’t blame you for taking a shot or some whiskey if that’s your preference.”
I huff out a deflated laugh. “It’s too early and I’ve cut back on drinking since having Oz full-time. I need a clear head.”
“Very admirable.” She grabs two mugs from the cupboard and sets up the coffee machine.
With her back to me, she continues to talk, but I sense her mind is ticking over.
“When did Max tell you about Chelsea, if you don’t mind me asking?”
And there it is. She’s trying to piece everything together.
“Just after Brett left the band. I don’t know what Cal witnessed, but Max drew a graphic picture,” I say, scratching my forehead.
“Were they—” She stops, almost afraid to say it.
“Fucking? Yeah.” Bile rises to the back of my throat as realisation sinks in. Not because it was my wife. Not because it was my friend. But because I’ve come to the conclusion they wanted to get caught and couldn’t give a shit about theconsequences of how it affected the people around them. Selfish pricks.
“I’m so sorry,” she says, shaking her head.
“Maybe the worst part for me was realising Max knew for a little while before he finally told me. It’s going to sound stupid, but it hurts. If that was me, I wouldn’t hesitate.”
Angie turns to face me and rests against the cabinet. “You don’t know that, Tommy. Not until you’re in that position, which I hope you never will be. It’s hard telling someone you love news like that, which is why your friends found it difficult.” Angie half smiles. “So, what happens now?” she says, picking up the coffee mugs, placing them on the table, and taking the seat next to me.
“I file for divorce. I’ve been mulling it over, but now there’s no point in hanging around.”
“But what about the fuss she made when she demanded to see Oz? I thought she was happy for you to take over.”
I shake my head, raising a brow. “All for show. Maybe she’s realised that once her affair gets out, and that she hasn’t seen her son in weeks, she won’t be too popular.” I shake my head. “I don’t know. I thought sorting custody out for Oz would be a good thing so he never has to worry about where he belongs or if he’s going to be left with the nanny for days on end. Not that Connie isn’t amazing, but he needs his parents, and Chelsea has to learn it isn’t a job she can pick up and drop whenever she chooses. Ozzie needs boundaries. He needs routine, and most of all, he needs both parents in equal measures. I’m just not sure Chelsea will ever be willing to give him the kind of love and attention he deserves from her.”
Angie leans forward, placing her hand on my thigh. My muscles tense under her touch, her beautiful blue eyes lock with mine and the air crackles between us. “You’re an amazing father, Tom. I hope you know that.”
I nod. “Thanks.” Our connection never breaks. Fuck. Here we go again. We’re locked in the moment, just the two of us, and when her tongue brushes across her bottom lip, my eyes drop to her mouth. I can’t help it.
I wish I knew if she had just an ounce of feeling left for me and, if so, would she act on it? Would she let me in?
Maybe this shouldn’t happen; it’s all kinds of wrong. Scott was Ash’s best friend. Would Ash hate me if I acted on my feelings for her? And the guy she’s seeing, what about him? I’m trying to fight it. With every argument I can muster, I try to find reasons why this should not happen. But what if there is more than one soulmate out there for everyone? What if this was always meant to be, but the stars had to align perfectly? This girl has always been special to me. Everything about her is beautiful; the way she fights, the way she cares, and especially the way she loves. My heart hammers against my chest while a sense of euphoria is ready to burst out of my body. These feelings don’t happen every day. In fact, for me, the last time it happened was a long time ago. With Angie. Jesus, I’d forgotten how she made me feel. Now those feelings are all coming back, but this time, I’m not afraid of them.
On instinct, my finger slides along the outline of her jaw, and her breath hitches while our eyes remain connected. I urge her closer. She’s just a moment away and her gaze is so intense, like she’s waiting for me to deliver a silent promise.
Slowly, I push her long hair away from her neck and over her shoulder. Her chin lifts a little, as if she’s giving me permission to go ahead and place my lips to her skin.She wants this too.My senses take in her soft scent, like spring flowers, while I comb my fingers through her long blonde hair, cupping the back of her head. We gaze into each other’seyes while my heart beats out of my chest. If I didn’t know better, I’d swear I can hear hers too.
My hands slip down her arm, finding her hand before I pull her onto my lap and when she circles her arms around me, the rapid rise and fall of her chest, becomes obvious.
She cups my jaw, bringing me closer still. Her lips almost brush mine. Almost. I don’t force it. I want to take this at her pace.
My eyes search hers once again and I’m about to finally press my lips to her mouth, when a noise upstairs jolts our bodies apart. Without warning and all too quickly we hear footsteps.
“I’ve settled Oz down for a nap and Josh is watching a movie. They’re exhausted…”
Connie’s voice fades as Angie practically jumps up from my lap and strolls over to the window.
