It was Friday morning, and I had a few hours until my afternoon shift at Brown’s. Teddy and I spent them at thesmall children’s park on the village green when the weather permitted.
“Not too high, girls; Emily almost broke her arm last time,” Heather called as the twins raced toward Teddy on the swings. “You’re texting my brother?”
“No.” I locked my screen. “Just Cameron.”
“What’s Chef Dickhead up to now?”
I laughed at the moniker. I’d not realised before, but Heather and Alistair were so alike: straight-talking and hilariously petty when it came to defending the people they cared about. “Something good for once actually,” I said. “He just paid for Teddy to go on the school trip.”
I wanted to tell Alistair, already anticipating his “About fucking time.”
Heather scoffed. “Are we giving out gold stars for bare minimum effort now?”
“No.” I jerked a little at her tone.Was I doing that?“I’m just celebrating the small win. I kept putting my foot down, and he eventually stepped up for Teddy. That’s what matters.”
“You’re right. Sorry, I’m projecting.” Heather’s hand curled around mine, her skin cold despite the warm breeze. “I just hate seeing him mess you around.”
“I know.” She didn’t talk about it much, but I knew Mike’s abandonment had left its mark on her. The same way Cameron’s betrayal had on me. “You’re a good friend.” I let my head fall on her shoulder, and we both watched in silence as the girls laughed like little maniacs, taking turns to push each other on the swings. God, they were adorable. Despite the shit that had happened since moving to Kinleith, all the tears and the hurt . . . it was worth it, if only for moments like this. “I’m so glad we have you.”
I hoped I never lost this.
Her fingers tightened around my hand. “In that case, can I ask something that I’m sure is just me being an anxious worrier, but I have to ask it anyway?”
I stilled at her tone, lifting my head. “What is it?”
Had she figured out Alistair and I had been lying this whole time?
“I’m being an idiot. Overthinking. But . . .” She bit her lip. “I’m sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable at lunch the other day. It seemed like it went so well but then . . .” She shook her head. “I’ve barely heard from you since . . . and you didn’t even tell me you were struggling to pay for the trip—”
“Because I was embarrassed.” I said quickly, forcing the words through my tight throat. “Not being able to provide for Teddy. Begging Cameron for scraps – it’s embarrassing.”
“Screw Cameron,” she spat. “You have nothing to be embarrassed about. He’s lucky you aren’t suing him for child support.”
“Alistair said the same thing . . . but I couldn’t do that.” I wouldn’t even know how.
“Some might say you should.” She looked at me. “I know a great family solicitor who does pro bono work.”
“No.” I shook my head. “Not when he’s finally being helpful.” I also didn’t want to involve a solicitor. I was proud of the fact that I’d got through to Cameron all on my own. I might not be able to give Teddy much, but I’d give her a healthy, civil relationship between her parents.
“The offer’s there if you change your mind,” she said.
“Thanks.” Shoulders loosening, my attention strayed back to the girls.
“I’m sorry for being sceptical about you and Alistair in the beginning. I’m starting to think you guys are perfect foreach other. We alldo. Mum hasn’t been able to stop talking about you after lunch last week.”
Guilt sliced through me, and I squeezed my eyes shut. Unable to hear another word.
“What—” She broke off. “Oh,shit. Has something happened with you guys?”
“No,” I assured her quickly. “Nothing’s happened; Alistair and I are great. Everything’s perfect.”
Lunch had been perfect. His family were perfect. The way he’d pressed me up against the wall and wanted to go to battle against Cameron was perfect.
That was the problem. I could so easily see Teddy and me slotting into that life.
We hadn’t spoken about the near kiss in his bedroom. Just swept it under the rug, like everything else. But the undercurrent of it was still there. A live wire crackling beneath my skin.
If the glances and small touches he kept giving me were any indication, he felt it too.
