‘You could have stayed in London.’
‘I know. I need to stop getting triggered by Rory.’
I pause and wonder whether I should say what’s on my mind. Taking a deep breath, I decide to go for it. ‘Think about Alfie. He doesn’t need arguing adults around him. Kids pick up on that sort of thing.’
He goes silent for ages, and I nibble on my thumb. Have I said the wrong thing? I’m about to open my mouth when he says, ‘You’re right. I should think of Alfie.’
I smile at the pillow wall. Oliver might be starting to listen to me.
‘Shall we talk about?—’
I interrupt him. ‘John and Mary.’
He chuckles. ‘Okay. John and Mary have been meeting in the private communal garden to kiss after dark. John is falling hopelessly in love with Mary.’
‘Really?’
‘As I’ve said before, she’s different. One night, under the light of a silvery moon, he begs her to tell him her secret. At first, she remains guarded and tight-lipped.’
‘That’s how she’s survived,’ I whisper into the darkness.
Oliver pauses and then continues. His voice softens. ‘She says to John, “There’s something I need to tell you. I’ve lied to everyone here.”’
I gasp.
‘“They think my wages are for my mother,”’ Oliver says in Mary’s voice. ‘“But it’s for my boy. If I’m lucky, I see him once a year. He’s growing and I miss him. I can’t go back as I have nothing to offer him.”’
‘How does John react?’
‘He cups her cheek with his hand and says, “You’ve carried that alone?”’
My heart is beating so loud in my chest.
‘Mary tries to pull away as she thinks she’s unlovable. John takes her in his arms and says, “You’ve shown more courage than anyone in this house. How could I not admire that?”’
I wipe away a stray tear. Would Oliver admire me for carrying my secret?
* * *
He’s standing outside the bathroom when I emerge after my morning shower. Luckily, I have found the cord for my robe, and there’s no danger of it coming apart this time.
His hair is tousled, his dark eyes are shining and he’s ditched his pyjama top, which means his muscular, tanned chest is back on show. I can feel myself being drawn to his sexy smile. He’s like a powerful magnet, and I am a helpless little paper clip.
‘Good morning,’ he says, taking my hand. It makes me hold my breath in case a vision appears, but there is nothing. We gaze at each other, and the chemistry between us sizzles up my arm. He pulls me towards him and tilts my chin up to meet his coffee-coloured eyes. They dazzle with affection as he kisses me. The kiss is sensuous and ignites a fire within me. We both start to giggle and he kisses me on the forehead before going into the bathroom.
After getting changed we sit at the kitchen table and have coffee. He holds my hand, which still feels odd. ‘Did you have a nice birthday?’
‘One of the best,’ I murmur before he leans over for a kiss.
When we come up for air he asks about Aunt Polly. I explain she’s struggling with the effects of the chemo. He strokes my hand. ‘Did you find out about what happened between your aunt and Hilary?’
‘I’ve been so wrapped with helping her and going swimming.’
His face lights up. ‘Swimming? Really?’
I nod. ‘Margo Lane’s book worked. I love being back in the water.’
He kisses me again and I must tear myself away from him or I will never get to work.
