I lean back, frustration building. “No, he’s not responding. I’m getting sick of this. If I can’t find him, Rose is gonna be in serious trouble. I can’t let that happen.”
“I know, I know,” he mutters, his expression softening. “Don’t worry, I’ve got my sources. We’ll find him.”
I run a hand through my hair. “I don’t like this, Dom. Not at all. Thank fuck she wasn’t on his flight.”
He looks like he’s about to say something, but then glances down at my shirt again. “Mate, I still can’t believe you’re going to a City match?”
I take a deep breath. “I’m trying to keep it together here, Dom.”
“I’ll find the bastard,” he says, but I can hear the grin in his voice. “You can relax at the game. A City match is the last place anyone would look for you.”
“Me, yes, but maybe it’s the first place he’d look for Rose and Angelos.”
“You’re smart enough to know if you’re being tailed. There’s enough security at these events. Try not to let it ruin your time with your son.”
“Thanks for the help. Seriously.”
Dom gives a half-hearted wave, his attention already back on his computer. “Yeah, yeah. Just don’t make me regret this, you traitor.”
I hang up before he can say anything else, leaning back in my seat and glancing out of the window as Rose and Angelos walk towards the car, the weight of what’s coming next pressing down on me. I have no idea why Magnus is in Manchester or what he’s up to, but I’ll be ready for it. For Rose.
As soon as Angelos slides into the back seat, I glance at him in the mirror. “Happy birthday, pal.”
He looks up from pulling his seatbelt on and gives me a wary nod. “Thanks.”
Rose settles in beside me, adjusting her bag. “How was school?”
“Fine.” He leans back, then frowns, his expression pensive. “Are you two, like… dating now?”
“No,” Rose croaks.
“But this is the second time this week Dan’s been with you?”
I arch a brow. “What, I need a permission slip to hang out with your mum?”
He shrugs. “Just seems weird. Mum never brings anyone around.”
Rose clears her throat. “Dan’s just a friend.”
Angelos doesn’t look convinced. “You don’t have friends.”
I chuckle as Rose glares at him. “Thanks, Angelos.”
He just shrugs again, unbothered. “I’m just saying. So if you’re not dating, what are you?”
I huff. “Complicated.”
Rose elbows me. “He’s joking.”
“Anyway, where do you want to eat? It’s only right the birthday boy gets to pick.”
“Can we get pizza?”
“Sure.” I turn onto the main road and head towards the city. My shoulders relax now I have them both in my sight. Is this what it’s like being a parent, living in a constant state of anxiety and worrying about their safety and well-being?
Rose shifts in her seat so she’s facing the back. I don’t interrupt while she and Angelos catch up and he tells her all about school.
I can’t help but smile as I listen to their conversation. My chest fills with warmth that I’m able to share in this and be part of his world, even if I am just his mum’s friend for now. Baby steps.
