Chapter 18

“I’m glad,” I said, trying to sound as ‘normal’ as possible.

“There’s something I have to tell you, though,” he said.

Oh God.

“I don’t have to tell you, but I’d like to tell you.”

Okay. That doesn’t sound as bad.

“I’m only telling you because it seems to make a difference to some people.”

That’s it. Can’t take any more.

I rested a hand on his naked thigh. “Just tell me.”

“I have a son,” he said.

For a moment I didn’t know what to say. I’d been expecting something momentous, something devastating.

“Okay,” I said. “Is that it?”

He was looking at me peculiarly. Did he want me to say something else?

“How old is he?”

“He’s almost five.” A little smile appeared on his lips. “Great little bloke.”

“Where is he now?” I asked.

“At his mother’s house.”

I took my hand off his thigh. “You mean, you’re…”

“Married? No. Never married.” He looked into my eyes. “Let me explain.”

I rolled onto my side and propped my head up on my hand.