“What do you mean?” There was quiet on the other end of the line, so long that Libby began to wonder if he’d hung up. “Simon?”
“Look, this wasn’t how I wanted you to find out, but you may as well know. Olivia and I... Well, she’s moving in. Moved in, in fact. Yesterday.”
It took Libby a second to process what she’d heard.
“What do you mean, she’s moved in, Simon? All my stuff is still in the house.”
“Well, actually, it’s not. I put it all in the garage.”
“What?”
“It’s all right; it’s all in black bin bags, so it’s safe.”
Libby felt rage burn the back of her throat. “You put all my worldly belongings in rubbish bags and moved someone else into our home, and you didn’t even bother to tell me?”
“It’smyhome, actually,” Simon said in a whiny voice that made her toes curl. “It’s my name on the mortgage.”
“That might make it your house, Simon, but until very recently it wasourhome.”
“Well, how was I supposed to know you’d get yourself pregnant?” he said, his voice getting higher. “Olivia and I are serious, Libby. Do you have any idea how much she’s going to freak out when she finds out you’re having my baby?”
“Oh, I’m so sorry for the inconvenience.” Libby’s voice was thick with sarcasm, but Simon didn’t seem to hear her.
“I don’t know what to do with this information, Libs. I’m not sure I can deal with this right now.”
“Well, you’re going to have to deal with it, Simon, because it’s happening, whether you like it or not. Your only choice is whether you want to be involved or not.”
There was another long pause, and Libby felt sick. She knew what Simon was going to say, had known it from his very first reaction when she’d said the words “I’m pregnant,” but still she found she was holding her breath.
“I’m sorry, Libs.” His voice was barely a whisper. “I just can’t do it. I can’t be involved with this baby.”
And the line went dead.
Libby wasn’t sure if she wanted to scream, laugh, or sob. So much for her mum’s confidence that Simon would drop everything and come running back to her the second he found out. The man was a coward. Libby should have known he’d react like this. And how dared he throw all her belongings into bin bags, as if they were being cast off to a charity shop? Libby felt the heat of anger again. But behind it, there was something else. However much she hated Simon right now, she couldn’t ignore the sting of rejection once again. Simon had moved on with his life, and he wanted nothing to do with her or their child.
Libby’s phone buzzed, making her jump. She snatched it up again and pressed answer.
“What do you want now?” she snapped.
There was no response from Simon.
“I don’t have time for this. Either tell me or leave me alone.”
“It’s me... Dylan.”
Every nerve in Libby’s body fired at the unexpected sound of his voice. “Dylan, hi. I’m—”
“It’s fine,” he said, and his tone was cold and businesslike. “I wanted to let you know that there’s been an e-mail to the girl on the 88 bus account.”
“Oh, okay.”
“It’s from a woman who thinks she might have a lead.”
Libby’s breath caught. “Really? Who?”
“You should read it,” Dylan said, and his tone was still emotionless.
“I will. Dylan, I—”
