“He wasn’t furious with you, Libby. But he was angry at Simon; there’s no doubt about that.”
“I’ve never seen him like that.”
“Dylan won’t tolerate bullies. Especially not when the person being bullied is someone he cares about.”
“Simon’s not really a bully, though. I mean, he behaved appallingly the other night, but he’s not a bad person.”
“Did Dylan ever tell you about his parents?” Frank said.
“No, why?”
“I’m afraid it’s not my story to tell. But I will just say that Dylan’s reaction to Simon makes a lot more sense when you know what he’s been through with his family.”
Libby leaned back on the bench. “What am I going to do, Frank?”
“Have you spoken to Dylan since Saturday?”
“No, he’s not been in touch.”
“I imagine he’s giving you some space. Dylan’s not the kind of person who’d want you to feel pressured.”
“I thought he might be avoiding me after what happened. Maybe he regrets what he said?”
“I’m almost certain that’s not true. I think it’s much more likely he’s being respectful and giving you time.”
“Oh god, what a mess,” Libby said, putting her head in her hands. “I have to move out of Rebecca’s place soon, so I need to make a decision. What should I do, Frank?”
“Only you can make that decision, my dear. But before you do, I strongly recommend you speak to Dylan. Why don’t you text him now and see if he’s around this afternoon?”
“Now?”
“No time like the present, as they say.”
“Okay.” Libby pulled her phone out of her pocket and typed out a message, then pressedsendbefore she could change her mind.
CHAPTER
35
Libby received a reply from Dylan within half an hour, telling her he’d be over soon. There was no “x” at the end of the message, but as Libby walked home from seeing Frank, she still found herself feeling lighter than she had done since her birthday. Frank was right: she had to talk to Dylan before she made any decisions. Because what if he hadn’t changed his mind? What if he still meant what he’d said about wanting a relationship with her? If he did, then perhaps there was a way Libby could be with Dylan and still let Simon be involved in the baby’s life. Yes, it would be complicated, especially given the two of them had got off on such terrible footing. But surely they could all make it work, for the sake of the baby?
As she approached the house, Libby spotted someone sitting on the front steps, reading a newspaper. She felt a rush of excitement and was about to call out Dylan’s name when the figure lowered the newspaper.
“Libs!” Simon’s face lit up when he saw her.
“What are you doing here?”
“Sorry. I know I should have called you first, but there’s something important I need to talk to you about.”
“This isn’t a good time,” Libby said. What if Dylan were to turn up while Simon was here? That wouldnotbe helpful.
“I’ll be quick, I promise. But please, I’ve come all the way up here. Can I have five minutes?”
“Okay, but only five minutes.”
Libby climbed the stairs and unlocked the front door, then hung up her bag and led Simon down to the kitchen. She poured herself a glass of water and turned to face him across the island.
“All right, then, what do you want to say?”
