‘That wasn’t your fault.’ I cup her chin and tilt her eyes to me.
‘It’s taken me almost seven years, but I’m finally beginning to realise that. Did you call Lucas?’ Her hand moves to the base of my neck, threading through my hair.
‘Not yet. It wasn’t a conversation I wanted to have in front of the girls.’ I readjust Savannah on my lap to reach for my phone in my pocket.
‘You know I’ve been thinking…’ She sucks the inside of her cheek. ‘I was wondering if I should do it after all?’
‘Seriously?’ I flip her around to face me, positioning her legs either side of my hips.
‘Yeah, I mean, it was my big break. And I worked so damn hard to be ready for it. I hate the fact that… he,’ it’s like she can’t even bring herself to say his name, ‘is the one to take that from me. And with my Single Sav business collapsing around me, the money might come in handy too.’
‘Don’t worry about the money. I’ll take care ofeverything.’ I sweep my hand over her thigh in a reassuring motion. ‘You’re not Single Sav anymore,’ I remind her.
‘It’s not just about the money, Ro. If I don’t do the shoot, it looks as if Coral Chic is condemning me too, when in reality they’re the only company that gave us the chance to speak out.’
‘I know. I get that. But can you seriously stand next to him and smile for the shoot?’
‘No, I can’t.’ Silver flecks sparkle in her irises. ‘But I don’t plan to. He’s got away with far too much, for far too long. And it stops today.’
Chapter Forty-One
SAVANNAH
The day of the shoot dawns bright and warm. As far as summers go in Ireland, it’s the best we’ve had in a decade. For that, I should be grateful. At least the sea conditions are good. I thought facing the water was going to be the biggest challenge of this job, but facing my ex is so much worse.
Finn must know I’m the female model. It’s been all over Instagram.
Is he stupid enough to think we can work together amicably?
Or does he think I’m too meek to protest?
I’ve run over every possible scenario in my head. What he might say when he sees me. What I might say. What Lucas will say when he realises the connection between us.
I could have called Lucas, explained the situation. I could have told him that Finn is the father of my children, but he said it himself, my reputation is in tatters. If Finn denied it and Lucas believed him over me, I’d have lost the Coral Chic contract and the chance to defend mine and Ronan’s romance. Plus, Lucas needs to know what type of a snake he’sdealing with, and after all these years of staying silent, it will give me immense satisfaction to tell him.
Even though it’s terrifying, deep down, a part of mewantsto confront him. Wants to ask him why he never once enquired about his children.
I jog down the stairs to where Ronan is giving the girls their breakfast. ‘You sure you don’t mind taking the girls to school again?’ I check for the hundredth time.
‘I may as well get used to it.’ Ronan is leaning against the kitchen counter in a pair of dressy shorts and a fitted white t-shirt that sculpts his pecs to perfection, scrolling on his phone.
‘Mammy, did you pack me a dress to change into at Phoebe’s house?’ Isla asks over her Coco Pops.
‘Yep, sure did.’ I ruffle my daughter’s dark hair. ‘I packed you the pink unicorn one and Eden, I packed the purple unicorn one for you.’
‘Thanks, Mammy.’ Eden and Isla beam with excitement.
A buzzing sound catches my attention and I pause, listening for the source. It’s coming from Ronan’s pocket. He pulls his phone from his pocket and stares at the screen, but makes no move to answer it.
‘Who is it?’
‘Unknown caller.’ He tilts the screen towards me.
‘Maybe you should answer it?’
‘No. If it’s important, they’ll leave a message.’ He shoves it back in his pocket. When the vibrating starts again, he continues to ignore it.
I shake away the niggling insecurity. Today is a big day with the shoot and understandably I’m jittery.
