below my top. “I think I need bigger clothes again.”
“That’s what we’ll do this morning!” Sasha bounces on the spot, looking far too giddy, far too early.
“I don’t think Tommy will appreciate that,” I murmur and slide my thumb over my phone.
Nathan: I apologize for leaving so suddenly. Have fun with your friends. There’s some money in the top drawer of your dresser. I placed it there before leaving. Spend it as you wish. Not including the obvious things I have a clear distaste for.
Me: Thank you, that’s very kind. Is everything okay? I was worried.
Nathan: Everything is fine, Gwen. I’ll bring you back something nice.
Me: Just bring yourself back, unless you want to come back with chocolate too, then I won’t complain. When can I expect you home?
Nathan: Tonight, at about six. I wouldn’t say no to those pasta parcels you make.
Me: Duly noted.
After tucking my phone into my pocket I head down the stairs and Sasha goes to get Tommy up.
I make a quick and easy breakfast, omelettes with mushrooms and cheese. I have to keep my stash of eggs hidden. Nathan has a really weird thing about eggs. If he can’t see them, like in cake or pastry, then he’s fine, but if I have any form of eggs, scrambled, fried, poached, etc., he freaks out and puts them in the bin immediately. I’m going to use his absence to enjoy a well-deserved omelette with my friends.
“I’m so glad you guys are here, I just wish you could stay longer.” I pout slightly and place their plates in front of them.
Tommy wags his eyebrows. “And have me miss Halloween, the one night of the year where women dress like…”
“Sexy creatures of the night.” Sasha finishes his sentence.
I look down at my belly. “I should just paint a bullseye or something on my belly.”
“Or paint it so it looks like the skin’s torn and make tentacles look like they’re coming out of it.” Tommy seems way too excited by this idea. “You know? Like off Alien vs Predator?”
We both look at him incredulously. Sasha speaks first. “You are not only weird but you’re also disgusting.”
“I second that vote.” I raise my hand, wincing when Tommy slaps it down and throws a piece of cucumber at Sasha. “Violence solves nothing.”
He shrugs. “I thought it felt pretty good.”
“Slapping a pregnant woman felt good?” Sasha feigns horror.
He only sighs. “I’m leaving you behind if you don’t stop bullying me.”
“Like that’ll ever happen,” Sasha snorts quietly, knowing full well he can hear her.
“Me leaving you behind?” His face takes on a daring expression, willing her to say yes.
“Guys,” I laugh and finish my breakfast. “Come on.”
“Yeah, we’re going to buy big belly some new clothing.”
“You’re such a bitch, Sasha.” Even if her words are true.
She only smiles in return. “You’ll be skinny again soon.”
Shudder. “And mature.”
“And a milf,” Tommy adds, which makes Sasha throw the same piece of cucumber back at him.
I stand before they involve me in the food fight. “I’ll just be a minute.”
“Okay.” Another piece of cucumber goes flying.
“And clean up that mess,” I order and strut out of the room, ignoring the small hard lump of food unknown that hits the back of my head. I don’t look either. I won’t give their quiet laughter the satisfaction of seeing me react.
Back in my bedroom, I grab my bag and open the top drawer of the dressing table. Sure enough there is a small roll of notes. It’s way more money than I need. Sigh. He needs to stop doing this.
I unroll the notes and stuff a few of them in my back pocket. It’s then I notice a folded envelope with my name written neatly in script on the front.
I take it out and turn it over. The corner has something heavy weighing it down, making the paper bend when I hold it at an angle.
After tearing it open I dig for the source of the weight with my fingers and blink in astonishment when I see the ring. It has a gorgeous gold back with a cluster of diamonds spiralling around a larger one in the centre. My hands tremble as I take out the note. What is this? Why is there a ring in here?
My heart clenches as I unfold the note, the ring still in my hand.
My eyes scan over the short yet neat paragraph.
I’ve been doing some thinking and I believe that at this point it would be in our best interests to get