The Affectionate Player - Part2

Chapter 6

"Why don't you go inside and prepare the cake, mum? We'll follow you in a moment." We watch as Olivia reluctantly makes her way back to the house, joining the guests on the patio.

"Thank you for rescuing me. I'd have been okay, though." Feeling suddenly cold, I shiver and in seconds he's by my side. Removing his jacket he places it over my shoulders and as he does his signature scent floats from his clothing. Instinctively, my eyes close and just for a moment, I permit myself the luxury of his affection.

"I think I did, Gracie. She's devastated for us and I didn't want you ending up in an argument with my mum. I don't want you upset especially on your birthday. You've been through enough."

"You haven't told Granny Mac, have you?" I whisper, opening my eyes. Shaking his head he grows uneasy and I can't help but sense his reasons.

"Not yet," he confesses. "She's just so fragile at the moment."

"I know, Max, but of all of our family and friends, she knows us the most. She deserves our honesty."

"You're right. I'll talk to her tomorrow. I promise."

"Thank you." Shivering once more, I stifle a yawn. It's after midnight and suddenly I feel exhausted.

"Cake and cab?" There are few more enticing words than these when you're in need of comfort and bed.

"Yes, please."

"Come on, sleepy head. I'll sort it."

****************

Rolling unto my side in semi consciousness I stretch my arm across the pillow and reach for Max. It's been my ritual every morning since moving in with him and it's now become habit, like breathing. Sighing heavily, I remember that he's in the guest room and am irritated once more by how this makes me feel. It should be simple to hate him for what he's put me through and it had been all of last week, but each day I've spent with him and our babies has surprisingly for the most part brought me some element of joy.

The anger inside me I know lies deep, and I can't imagine that it will ever completely subside but for some reason I am unaware of, it appears to have stilled and I've never felt more confused in my life. There's no denying that he's a part of me but he's proved he's no good for me. I can't trust him to  protect me and the thought is depressing.

I turn unto my back thinking of last night and smile to myself as I recall the effort he'd gone to in an attempt to make my 40th memorable. The celebrations had been amazing and I can think of no other way I'd have preferred to have spent it. He'd thought of everything. My family and friends, all the people I love had been there, all at his invitation and all for my enjoyment. Everything had been prepared to perfection - the music, the bar, the food, my cake, those wonderful floral arrangements and all with such thought. The lump that has threatened now swells hard in my throat and a lone tear escapes.

I miss him.

******************

The days following my party had flown by and we'd enjoyed the time together with the children. On Sunday Max cooked, surprising me with a delicious roast dinner and later we all watched Toy Story; Monty's favourite. Days like Sunday are when a woman can forget her anger, and let family and love content her.

Monday though, wasn't quite so stress free beginning with social media speculation about my involvement in Monty's kidnapping which had been prompted by yet another far fetched article in the newspaper. My aim of course had been to avoid all media channels but this had proved difficult, especially when Caitlin had texted urging me to read the updates, followed by DI Brookes dropping by after lunch.