Ava looks at me coyly. ‘I’d love nothing more, but only if you think it’s right. I’m sticking around Cillian. Whatever happens between us, I’d never walk out on Phoebe. Ever. I’ll never abandon her, she’s the most awesome six-year-old I know. I’ll be her friend for life if you let me. And so much more if you want.’
‘I believe we already talked about “more” and we’re living it right now.’ I place my hand on her sternum, feeling the quick beat of her heart.
‘Speaking of more,’ she eyes me provocatively. ‘I believe you promised me two rounds before dinner, so what are you waiting for old man? Do I need to text my parents and ask them to drop up some of those blue magic pills they pop like smarties?’
‘Oh, baby, I’ve got you covered.’ I nudge my thickening cock against the inside of her thigh.
‘Halle-fucking-lujah.’
My mother FaceTimes us just as we’re having dessert. Actual dessert, after the rehearsal dinner, not each other. Though I’m hoping that will be on the cards later too.
I swipe to accept, and my daughter’s stunning face fills the screen. ‘Daddy!’ she squeals and my heart melts. She’s still in her school uniform and she should definitely be in her pyjama’s now, but I guess it’s her little break away from normality too.
‘Hi Princess, how are you?’
‘It was The. Best. Day. Ever! We spent nearly all day practicing the nativity play. You will be home for it, right?’ She sticks a candy cane in her mouth, and I try to not wince. If she’s bouncing off the walls instead of sleeping, there’s not a lot I can do about it from here.
‘Of course, I’ll be home. I wouldn't miss it for the world.’ I promise, taking Ava’s hand beneath the table. Her parents are sitting across from us watching everything like hawks.
‘Is Ava with you?’ Phoebe’s nose comes so close to the phone I can see straight up both nostrils.
‘Yeah, she’s next to me. Want to say hi?’
‘Hell, yeah!’ my daughter screams.
‘Language.’ I scold, handing the phone over to Ava, shaking my head at a sniggering Frank and Penny Jackson.
‘Ava, I’ve missed you so much!’ Phoebe screeches across the phone. The fact Ava gets a more enthusiastic greeting than me flips the inside of my stomach, not with envy, but with excitement. This is real. This is happening. And for once in my life, I’m going to trust it.
‘I missed you too, sweetheart,’ Ava coos, beaming into the phone. ‘Are you having a nice time with your granny?’
‘Yeah. She doesn’t force me to eat broccoli like dad, in fact she brought me to McDon—
‘Phoebe.’ My mother’s fake-stern voice cuts across the line. ‘That was supposed to be our secret.’
I lean over Ava’s shoulder so Phoebe can see both of us. ‘Mother …’
‘What? You were brought to McDonald’s as a kid, and you didn't die.’ My mother’s immaculately made-up face appears on the screen next to Phoebe’s. She smiles when she sees Ava.
‘Mam, you remember Ava.’
‘How could I forget? You’re not the only one she’s knocked off their feet.’ Mam winks and blushes. ‘Sorry, Ava, that I wasn’t especially gracious about our unusual meet-cute.’
Ava flashes her pearly whites. ‘I am so sorry about that. No wonder you were taken aback, literally.’
‘Perhaps when you’re home, you’d like to join us for dinner?’ my mother offers Ava, but it’s Phoebe who answers for her.
‘Yes! She’d love to! And can I come?’ Phoebe bounces around the screen excitedly.
‘You never need an invite, pet.’ My mother kisses Phoebe’s head.
Ava presses a palm over her heart. ‘I’d love to. Thank you.’
‘And will you come to my nativity on Friday?’ Phoebe asks, fiddling with her braids. ‘You know it’s supposed to only be Mams and Dads allowed in, but seeing as Mam has gone again …’ My daughter’s voice trails off and my heart bleeds right out on the floor.
Ava doesn’t hesitate. ‘Are you for real? I’d love to come to the nativity! You’ll be the star of the show. It’s a privilege to be invited.’
Phoebe positively glows as she whispers, ‘what does privilege mean?’ to my mother.
