‘That’s what I thought. But I’d like us to stay friends. We’re going to be tied to each other for life, given we share a son. The least we can do is try to get on for his sake.’
‘I’d like to see him.’
‘Of course. We’ll have to work out some sort of custody arrangement. Given we’re now living a little way from each other, it would work best if you had him on weekends. How often is something we can decide on later. How does that sound?’
‘Very reasonable. Olivia, I know I’ve not always been the best dad to Bertie, but I’d like to do better. I’ve missed him these past few months. It’s surprised me just how much.’
I smiled at Rob, thinking how much nicer he seemed now I didn’t have to be married to him. I could imagine a future where we stayed friends. Perhaps we could meet up for Bertie’s birthday celebrations, or for Christmas. We didn’t work as a couple, but there was nothing to say we couldn’t co-parent successfully.
With nothing left to say for the time being, we said our goodbyes, agreeing to each instruct a solicitor and arrange a time for Rob to visit Bertie. I left the pub with a spring in my step. There was someone I needed to see. Now I was as good as a free agent, there was nothing to stand in my and Seb’s way.
Chapter Thirty
After calling in to the farmhouse and confirming Bertie was asleep, I borrowed Harry’s Land Rover and drove as fast as I could down to the lake. I ran to Seb’s cabin, hammering on the door and peering through windows.
‘He’s not in,’ came a voice through the twilight.
‘Oh, Pat, you made me jump.’
‘Sorry. I heard all the banging. Is everything all right?’
‘Yes, I just need to speak to Seb. It’s quite urgent. Do you know where he is?’
‘Out on the lake, I think. I saw him heading down there with his fishing gear.’
Fishing? There was so much about Seb I didn’t know and couldn’t wait to discover. ‘Thanks, Pat. I’ll go and find him.’
‘Good, good. I need to get back to my chess set. I’m practising again for the first time in years. Your son is coming perilously close to beating me, and we can’t have that.’
I laughed, thanked Pat again, and ran down to the water’s edge. Squinting through the fading light, I could make out therowing boat bobbing in the middle of the lake. Seb had his back to me, staring out at the water, a fishing rod in his hands.
‘Seb?’
He spun around, and the boat wobbled. I watched him raise his hand as though shielding his eyes from the sun which had long since set. My arms scooped through the air.
‘Liv?’
‘I need to talk to you.’
‘What?’
I cupped my hands around my mouth and shouted as loud as I could. ‘I need to talk to you!’
‘OK. But I need to pack up here.’
I paced the jetty in frustration. Adrenaline coursed through me. My skin tingled like I’d fallen into stinging nettles, and I could feel the thump of my heart as it pumped blood through my veins. It was no use. As Seb took an age to carefully pack away his fishing gear, I felt like my body was on the verge of spontaneous combustion.
I kicked off my shoes and pulled my jumper up over my head. Hopping from foot to foot, I peeled off my tight jeans. When all that was left was my bra and knickers, I balanced on the edge of the jetty before plunging into the water below.
I emerged screaming and realised this was the first time I’d dunked my head. It was not an experience I’d repeat anytime soon, pain searing through my skull as my brain froze with cold. I trod water for a minute, waiting for the effects of the cold to flush through my body, then I began strong, fluid strokes, gaining ground on the boat.
Seb leaned over the edge of the boat and grabbed my hands. ‘What are you doing, Liv? You’re completely mad.’ He was laughing and struggled to pull me out of the water. I clung onto his hands, using my feet to push against the boat and gainsome traction. With one last heave, I flopped into a heap on the wooden floor, my knee catching on the bench.
‘Ow,’ I said, rubbing my red skin.
‘You’re crazy,’ said Seb. ‘I’ve got no towel, no blankets. You’re going to catch your death.’ He removed his jacket and wrapped it around my shoulders. With the sleeve of his hoodie, he wiped the water from my face and smoothed back my hair.
‘Now you’re going to get cold too.’
