Gemma comes home an hour later. She’s still cross. Banging around the kitchen, she makes a mess, not talking to me. I’ve had enough of this.
“Gemma!” I shout, but she continues to ignore me. Following her, I cage her in. She refuses to meet my eyes and pushes me away. I’m too old for this. “Talk to me.”
“Why should I? You didn’t speak to me.” She has a point.
“I’m sorry, but I’ve not seen Julia in ages, then she shows up here.”
“So, what?” She doesn’t understand.
“Gemma, we were married for years.”
“I know,” she yells. “But I am the one here. I am the one worried about you, looking after your children, not her. She doesn’t deserve your anger!”
“I’m sorry, but I’ve had to hold it all together. Last night... something broke.”
Gemma comes and takes my hand. “Alex, look at me. I’m here, me.” She wraps her arms around me. Holding onto her, I look out the window. The trees outside are losing their leaves, the cold nights are drawing in. Soon, winter will be here.
Chapter
Twenty
GEMMA
Winter has settled in.While the children are at their grandparents, I’m getting some last minute Christmas shopping done. I buy Eden the doll she asked me for and Ace a box of magic tricks for him to learn.
Alex, though, proves to be difficult. I want to show him how much I love him, but I don't want to overspend, because I know, for him, the value of the present doesn't matter. I peruse the shops, but I’m surprised when I bump into Brody, who has several bags of shopping.
"How am I not shocked you're at the shops instead of working?" he says with a sneer.
I frown. "It’s my day off. The children are with their grandparents, who wanted to spend some time with them. Not that it's any of your business."
"Are you buying something for your boss or your boyfriend? Oh, wait, those two aren't mutually exclusive. Talk about sleeping your way to the top, Gemma." My brother snorts.
I glare at him. "Everything always comes so easy for you. You wouldn't know what hard work is," I retort.
"And you do?" he questions, his eyes wide.
"I've learned." I’m pleased with how far I have come since Easter.
Brody seems to study me for a moment before he says, "Aftershave."
"Aftershave?" I question him.
“That’s what I would buy. If I was you.”
Is he trying to help me? This is Brody, though. Of course, he isn’t trying to be nice. He has to have an ulterior motive.
“What do you want?”
He rolls his eyes. “Fine, Mum and Dad miss you. I don’t know why. I know you have a new life, just don’t forget your old one. Maybe pop over and see them. It has been weeks,” he reminds me.
I had been caught up with Alex and the children; it was my job, after all. I nod. “I’ll be over soon, I promise.” Brody goes to leave. “Is there anything you want for Christmas?” I ask just before he leaves.
“Just be nice to see your ugly face.” He walks off before I can return the insult. He misses me.
Heading to buy Alex some new aftershave, I sample various types until I find the one I recognise. I purchase it and have it gift-wrapped before I leave.
Maybe I can squeeze in a load of laundry before I have to fetch the kids. I haven't shrunk anything in a week, so I'm definitely getting better at it.
