When I sit down opposite Lizzie, I give her my sole focus, handing her snacks and juice, listening to her chatter on and praising her colouring. I try my hardest not to notice the adults on either side of her, I can't bear seeing them look so happy and in love right now. I don't want to stay, but I can't think of an excuse to leave either. So I sit, and I keep my tunnel vision on my girl whilst feigning contentment.
“Blaze,” Brad's hand tentatively touches the back of mine on the table. “Are you alright? You look a bit peaky.”
I blink out of my daze to see his furrowed brow, and notice that Larissa is no longer sat at the table.When did she get up?
“Hmmm? Oh, yeah, I'm fine. Just a bit tired. Where's Larissa?” I look around, slightly confused. Seriously, when did she leave the table?
“She's in the loo,” his concerned expression hasn't waned, if anything, his frown etches deeper into his skin. “Are you sure you're alright? I'm worried about you. Do you want to go lie down upstairs?”
On your bed where you probably fucked Larissa recently?No thanks.
The thought makes my stomach riot. “No, no. I'm good. I'll just have a nap when I get home. In fact, if you want to keep Lizzie for the day so you and Larissa can spend time with her alone, then I can go now, and you can just bring her over later?”
His frown morphs into shock. “You...you'd be ok with that?”
Not even a little.“Yes, absolutely!” I stand to neck the rest of my now-lukewarm tea and make my way around the table to pick Lizzie up. “You be good for Daddy and Wissa, ok, baby? And I'll see you later.” I smother her gorgeous face in kisses as she squeals, but as I pull back, her little face scrunches into a frown that matches her father's.
“Mama stay!” She places her tiny hands on my cheeks and squishes them together. I use the duck pout she's giving me to kiss her again on the nose.
“Mummy's just got to go home and do a few things, baby girl, but I'll take you home later. You can stay and play with me and Wissa!” Brad rubs her back, and his big hand makes her look even smaller. He's standing so close to me I can smell the sunscreen and cedarwood that seem to be permanently etched into his DNA, and it makes my lashes flutter with nostalgia. Which is ridiculous because I see him every day.
With a pout of her own, Lizzie adamantly states, “Mama, stay! We play.”
“It's ok,” comes a small voice from behind us. We seem to turn as one to find Larissa hovering in the hallway, her eyes flicking between us uncertainly. “If she wants to be with you, it's ok. We've at least met and spent some time together now.”
“No, she wants to stay, she just wants me to stay too. She'll be fine once I've left.”
Turning back to the little madam in my arms, I rub my nose against hers and whisper, “You stay with Daddy and Wissa and play and do some colouring, and when daddy brings you home later, we'll have a picnic dinner. Ok? And we can watch The Little Mermaid.”
Her gorgeous face lights up at the mention of her – our – favourite movie and she nods emphatically, “Lil Mermay!”
With a grin, I pepper her face and neck with kisses once again, and hand her to Brad. “Bye, baby, I love you and I'll see you soon.” I shift my attention to Brad, who hasn't yet stepped away to widen the space between us, and tilt my head back so I can look him in the eye, “You sure you're ok to drop her back? I can always come get her later.”
“No, you rest. I'll bring her over after I drop Larissa home. Maybe I can join you for picnic dinner and The Little Mermaid?” he asks quietly.
“Lil Mermay! Lil Mermay! LIL MERMAY!!” Lizzie screeches in his face, making us laugh.
“Sounds like Little Miss would love that. Ok, text when you're heading over.” I turn to Larissa, feeling guilty that we've effectively left her out when today was meant to be about her and Lizzie. “You could always join us, if you like?”
She looks unsure of herself but cracks a small smile as she glances at her sock-covered feet. “Thank you, Shari. That's really kind of you to offer, but I'll leave you to your family time sinceI get to spend a couple of hours with Lizzie now. Maybe next time?”
“Definitely. I'll see you soon?” I turn my attention back to Lizzie, “Be good for Daddy and Wissa, remember? Love you.”
“Luvoo, Mama.”
“See you soon, Blaze.”
“Bye, Shari.”
And as I get into my car, leaving two-thirds of my heart in Larissa's hands, I'm irrationally annoyed that I can't even hate her. Because she's genuinely lovely, and I stupidly wish she were a bitch.
27
BLOODY INSET DAYS
LARISSA
26th December2025
