The Affectionate Player - Part2

Chapter 6

Wasn't love meant to be easier than this?

One thing though that I have learned is that leaving solves nothing and for once in my life, I've decided I'm going nowhere. Becoming a mother has taught me that.

"Gracie?" Pulled from contemplation, I hear the sound of Olivia's voice. "Do you have a moment, darling?"

"Of course," I sigh. Standing, I follow her along the torch lit path nearing the edge of the garden and out of earshot of everyone else. She's nervous. It's evident that she wants to talk and from the impression of her body language, it's not going to be an easy conversation. Clearing her throat she nervously opens her mouth to speak.

"What is it, Olivia?"

"How are you feeling, now? I mean with your head injury. What did the doctor say on Friday?"

"Really? You took me from the party to ask me this?" She nods her response.

"She said the swelling has reduced as expected. She carried out an MRI and some routine reflex tests and thankfully has found nothing to suggest there'd be any long lasting damage. So, I believe I'm out of danger."

"That's a relief. Did Max go with you?"

"You know he did but he waited outside."

"Why?"

"Because I asked him to and I don't think he's in any position to argue with me, do you?"

"I suppose not." Scratching her nose, she chooses her next words carefully. "I'm sure you've guessed already that I'd like to talk to you about where you two are headed in the future."

"I'd be a liar if I said I hadn't worked that out. What do you want to know?"

"Nothing, actually. It's more about what you need to know." Oh, here we go! Can't they all just let me figure things out for myself? I'm doing quite well on my own without the complication of a relationship. Aren't I?

"My son has been hurt so much by no one more so than myself and I live with that regret every day of my life, Gracie. I can't change the past but I can try to prevent you from making the same mistake."

"Is that right?" I'm certain she means well but she needs to butt out.

"Yes. His agreement to your arrest was vital in Monty's return."

"What agreement?"

"He'll explain if you give him a chance. He wants to."

"Don't Olivia," I interrupt.

"Don't what."

"Make excuses for him. He's your son and I'm pretty sure you'd do anything to protect him but please don't insult me. You weren't there on Monday night. He sat quietly the whole time while they forced me to the floor in front of him. He said nothing and did nothing, even when I begged him to help me."

"I'm sure he..." Stopping mid conversation, her eyes travel beyond my shoulder and spinning around I see Max behind me, his expression solemn.

"Do you want to talk about this, Gracie?"

"No. I told you I don't." A frown forms across his brow and without taking his eyes from mine he addresses Olivia.

"Then this conversation is over, mother. Now, please leave Gracie alone. This is not your problem to solve."

"But I can't bear to see you both like this!" She cries. "Your happiness and those children mean everything to me. I love you, sweetheart."

He crosses the path taking her in his arms and kisses her cheek. "I know mum and I appreciate it but now is not an appropriate time. Gracie isn't ready." He glances my way offering a reassuring smile and for the first time in what feels like forever, I accept his sentiment.