Maisie’s gaze came back to my face and she gave me a small smile. “I didn’t expect you to get down on one knee and propose, Sam. I also didn’t expect you to jump around with excitement. I knew that this would probably be the outcome, I hoped though that you might want some involvement in your child’s life.”
“I can’t Maisie. It’s not me and I know that makes me look like the biggest shit on the planet, but you’ll be glad I’m not around to let him or her down, honestly you will.”
She looked unsure, but smiled anyway.
“You’re probably right. As for supporting the baby, you don’t need to, we’ll be fine.”
I shook my head. “Nope, no way. I’m doing it, even if you choose to put the money away for their university, or their wedding, or whatever, I’m going to contribute.” So, it would take me longer to save the money to buy the business from Hazel, but I was sure she’d be okay to hang on a little while longer. “I guess we should consult a solicitor.”
“You think so? Can’t we do it between ourselves?” Maisie chewed at her lip and I almost reached up a hand to stop her. Her lips were perfectly shaped- a deep pink and far too pretty to be chewed.
Instead, I pulled my hands away from the table and stuffed them into the pockets of my jeans.
“I’d rather we get something official written up,” I replied. “I want you to feel secure financially.”
I heaved out a breath as Maisie watched me. Her brown eyes warily searching my face and I wished I wasn’t so closed off to having a relationship with her, but I couldn’t allow myself to be distracted from my aspirations again. I couldn’t put myself in a position where I might end up feeling torn apart again. I wanted to buy the business and nothing was going to stop me.
“Because?” she asked.
“Because, that’s all I can give you. I’m sorry. I have things I want to do; I want to buy my boss out. Nothing can distract me from that and I don’t want to be a dad.”
Pressing her lips together, Maisie nodded and then reached down for her bag with one hand, while the other felt behind for her jacket on the back of the seat.
“Okay,” she said, pushing to the edge of her chair. “If you want to get something organised, I’ll do whatever needs doing – I don’t know, sign papers, organise my own solicitor – just let me know.”
“Will do,” I replied, my voice flat.
“You’ve got my number, from the note?”
I nodded. “Did you save mine from my text?”
Maisie looked at her phone and nodded before she dropped her phone into her bag and stood up.
“I’ll be in touch,” she said as she pulled on her jacket. “Unless…well unless you don’t want to know, or…”
“Yes, that’s fine,” I interjected seeing she felt uncomfortable. “Keep me updated and I’ll let you know about the solicitor thing.”
She nodded, gave me a small smile and was gone, leaving me to wonder why I hadn’t stormed out or called her a liar like I’d always thought I would if ever a girl gave me that news again. I felt surprisingly calm, despite what I’d just found out. There was definitely a sense of fear within me for what this might mean for my future, but knowing that Maisie was being sensible and cool about everything helped. All I had to do was decide whether to tell my parents and my brother who was in his own pit of hell.
Maisie
the present
As soon as I let myself into my parents’ house, Frankie shot past me and down the hallway into the lounge.
“Grandad,” he yelled at the top of his voice. “I’m going to be in the school play.”
Mum popped her head out from Dad’s little study and grinned. “Was that whirlwind my grandson?”
“He’s a little excited,” I replied, taking off my coat and hanging it on the coat rack. “He got a part in the school production of Charlie and The Chocolate Factory.”
“Wow.” Mum came into the hall and gave me a hug. “That’s ambitious.”
“I know, but they’re not doing a Christmas play this year so they can put all their efforts into it.”
“Your dad will be disappointed, he always enjoys the Christmas play.”
“He’s got three months to get used to it.”
