‘What did you say to him?’
‘I just reminded him that everyone deserves second chances.’ She signed it again as she spoke.
Jayden laughed out loud at something he was watching, the argument already forgotten.
The doorbell rang and Gabi couldn’t help but think it might be Walker. ‘I’ll get it,’ she said, slipping off the stool. She ran her fingers through her hair and pulled her dressing gown around her before setting off down the hall.
Alex stood on the doorstep, shy grin on his face, guitar on his back. Gabi felt her shoulders drop but managed a smile in return. It wasn’t like Walker would be running round first thing in the morning, was it? He might be getting ready for work for all she knew.
‘I’ve got something for Jayden,’ Alex said, holding up a plastic bag.
‘Come on in,’ Gabi said. ‘They’re in the kitchen.’ He followed her down the hall, chatting about the dinner the day before.
As he entered the kitchen behind her, she saw the look on Amber’s face, and knew she’d done the wrong thing. She stopped dead and Alex bumped into her back.
‘What are you doing here?’ Amber asked, eyes wide and flicking quickly from Alex to Jayden and back again. Jayden remained absorbed by his film, spooning the remnants of his cereal into his mouth. He didn’t look up.
Alex smiled hopefully at Jayden before turning to Amber, but on seeing her expression, the smile disappeared. ‘I brought the egg boxes. . .’ He held up the bag as if showing evidence. Amber frowned.
‘You mentioned last night Jayden needed some for a school project. . .’ he trailed off and dropped the bag back down by his side. Amber moved directly in between Alex and her son. If Jayden looked up, he would only see her back and not be able to read her lips. You could cut the atmosphere with a knife.
‘He does,’ Amber said carefully.
Alex shifted under her gaze and a flush was creeping on his neck.
‘We had loads so I thought I’d drop them in.’ His voice wavered, and Gabi felt a rush of sympathy for him while simultaneously wishing she was anywhere else than in the kitchen with them. Amber took the bag and managed it without touching Alex at all. He stuffed his empty hands back into his jeans pockets and rocked on his heels.
‘I wondered if you guys wanted to come to the park?’ he asked. ‘We’re doing an afternoon set from the bandstand.’
Gabi wondered if Walker would be there. Perhaps they could all go. But any thought of that was dashed by Amber with the next sentence.
‘Not happening, Alex.’ She crossed her arms and shook her head. Gabi was impressed. Amber was a protective mother above everything, even if she and Alex had just spent the night together.
‘It was just a thought,’ Alex said, adjusting his guitar strap as if it was throttling him.
‘Well, don’t have any more of them.’ Amber held his eye. ‘This isn’t anything serious. To be even more clear, when I think of you, I think fun. Not family.’
Alex slumped, looking deflated.
‘I think you should go now.’ Amber nodded towards the front of the house. ‘We don’t want to confuse the two.’
Alex nodded. ‘I don’t want to confuse him either, Amber. I’m sorry.’ He dipped his head in deference to her decision.
‘See you around,’ said Amber, turning away to the kitchen sink. Her back was bristling and her head held high. He was dismissed.
‘Hope so,’ Alex replied quietly, just as Jayden lifted his face from his screen. Gabi watched as the little boy’s face split into a grin to see Alex there, and Alex beamed back.
Alex signed something across the kitchen, putting two fingers to the base of his throat and then pointing at the boy. Jayden looked shyly surprised and then repeated the sign back, before glancing at his mum, making sure she hadn’t seen.
Alex waved at Jayden, smiled sheepishly at Gabi and was gone. Gabi once again wished it had been Walker that had turned up before heading off to get dressed and get on with her day.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Walker
He’d managed to avoid Gabi all week, but eventually Walker ran into her at the gym. Literally. He turned the corner to get to the free weights section and rushed smack bang into her, knocking her flying and having to grab her to keep her upright. He’d forgotten how tiny she was as he steadied her in his hands. And he couldn’t help but let his eyes skim that body in her gym kit.
‘Hi.’ She smiled up at him and he averted his gaze. ‘How are you doing?’
