The Affectionate Player - Part2

Chapter 22

"What?!"

"I said..."

"I heard what you said!" I wail on the edge of tears.

"Please don't be angry with me, beautiful."

"I can't help it, Max! I'd hoped you'd take time off after the wedding to be with us - to settle into our new home. We won't be able to afford that luxury if you hold on to this place."

"Nonsense." He grins knowingly. "Look, Gracie. The fact is if we sell up in London now we might never afford to buy in again at the same level. We're on the edge of Holland Park and Notting Hill, and that's not to be sniffed at." With concern etched on his face he walks toward me taking my chin between his finger and thumb.

"What are you afraid of?"

"I... I just..."

"Tell me. Please." With words sincere and full of hope my eyes meet his and taking me in his arms he eases me to his chest, his musky scent calming me.

"Oh Max, I just wish for once we could finally start afresh without the King's dictating our future."

"You're still worried about Jonny?"

"Of course, I am. Aren't you?"

"Not so much these days but that's because he hasn't shown any sign of life for the last four months. No card use, no sightings – he's not even contacted any of his friends as far as Steve Brooks is aware. I think Jonny has realised how much he screwed up, especially now Geri's been imprisoned."

"But this house. He tried to take it once. He'll stop at nothing, Max! Don't you get that?"

"Gracie," he sighs, pleading for understanding. "Curtis has dealt with all of that. The new will has been declared void owing to Dr Peel's account of Mel's state of mind when she signed it. He has nothing to gain from us."

"Perhaps not financially but he despises you for being with me. He blames you for the death of his daughter, Max."

"He killed her, Gracie! Not me! Him and his interfering. And likely his drugs. I know that, now."

"Well, I hope you're right." Sighing defeated I walk to the kitchen, Max following in my tracks. "Because this family has been to hell and back, and I really don't think we could survive a second hit."

"Gracie, he knows his involvement will see him jailed for a very long time. He'd be a fool to risk that just for a chance to have a pop at me. If he values his freedom at all he won't show his face around here."

"I know what you're saying, Max, but none of that matters. While he roams free we're going to be looking over our shoulders for the rest of our lives."

"Look, love. If it makes you feel better I'll call Steve right now for an update." Reaching for his phone he attempts to make the call but as I place my hand over his I stop him.

"Not yet. Let's have dinner and get the kids to bed first. Then we call him."

**********

With the children bathed and tucked in for the night we make our way downstairs. It's been over an hour since we've spoken directly to one another choosing instead to talk through the kids. My heart has sunk to the pit of my stomach following Max's declaration about keeping this house and to say I'm disappointed is an understatement.

The last few months have found me dreaming of Christmas' in our country house opening gifts by the fire from under the tallest of prettified trees. I'd dreamed of months' spent together in summer by the shore building sand castles with my family and walking barefoot in the cool waters of the tide. But with all that he's told me this afternoon I fear he may want the opposite.