Naomi replied in an American accent. ‘Cock just doesn’t do it for me anymore, honey.’ She laughed out loud. ‘Actually, that’s probably a lie. It’s all that goes with it that doesn’t. I have had it with men.’
‘Does Jack know?’
Naomi was sharp in her reply. ‘Of course he doesn’t and he won’t. Unless something serious develops, of course.’
Leo smiled. ‘This little fella’s sure gonna have to grow up when it’s time to reveal all, isn’t he?’
‘He’ll be ready, it’ll all be fine. I just want to protect him for now.’
‘I hear you. It’s cool. Even if I can maybe just pop and see you a few times a year, so I don’t miss him growing up? I’d like that.’
‘That’s what I was going to suggest. I’ll send you photos and email you updates too. And who knows, maybe the time will be right to tell him earlier than I envisaged.’
‘Yeah. Maybe this dog will have had his day and no one will remember who I am.’
‘I very much doubt that; I mean, look at George Clooney.’
‘We’ll see. It could be time I duck out anyway. I’ve made my millions, Naomi. I’ll want for nothing for the rest of my life. It makes me laugh that all the kids nowadays want just the fame, for fame’s sake. I tell ya, it gets to be a pain in the butt after a while.’ He looked around them at the open fields and woodland areas. ‘This is just exquisite out here, so peaceful and not a soul in sight.’ As if on cue, a dark brown cow mooed her appreciation of the gorgeous weather.
They both laughed.
Leo started taking photos of the beautiful scenery on his phone.
Jack came belting back towards them and he took one of his son.
‘Handsome just like his dad.’ Leo flashed a film-star smile at Naomi.
Naomi tutted. ‘Anyway, I’m hungry. What’s in that bag of yours?’
Noms called to Jack to join them and settled him under a big oak tree as Leo laid out the five-star feast.
Jack scoffed mini open sandwiches and cream cakes.
‘Isn’t that scooter a bit little for you?’ the lad asked Leo eventually with a burp.
‘Jack, what do you say?’
‘Pardon me. Well?’ He looked to Leo.
‘Jack, don’t be so rude,’ Noms scolded.
‘He’s fine. Actually, I was thinking maybe I had grown out of it. Seeing as you seem to be doing so well on it, would you like to keep it?’
‘Yes, please!’ Jack got up and started running around the oak tree, his arms out wide like he was flying. Despite Noms never being short of money, she had never spoilt him.
‘You wait till I tell my mates, they’ll be dead jealous. Thank you so much.’
Noms looked at Leo knowingly.
‘Can I have another go, please?’ Jack asked his mum.
‘Go on, then, but make you sure keep to the side of the road. We’ll sit here for a bit in the sun and wait for you.’
Leo poured Naomi a glass of champagne. She lay back against a big tree root. ‘This is the life.’
Leo groaned in pleasure. ‘Isn’t it just? You can’t beat the English countryside. Every time I come here I’m more drawn to it. I’m thinking of buying a house here, you know, either in the countryside or possibly near to the coast. I could do with advice on good areas – if you have the time, that is?’
‘Sure.’ Noms sipped on her drink slowly as she was driving later and wanted to relish the one glass.
