could either Matthew or Cindy possibly pick up? Once I feel I’m calm enough, I walk back out and place the vase of flowers on the side cabinet. I stand back to admire them. “They look beautiful. Thank you, Cindy.”
When I turn around, they’re both sitting down on the sofa, holding hands. They look happy, and that makes me smile.
“You’re welcome,” Cindy responds. “I made Matthew bring me straight over after school once I heard it was your birthday. I hope you don’t mind? We weren’t disturbing you, were we?”
After my encounter, I’m secretly ecstatic that they’re here to take my mind off things for a while. “Of course not, I’m glad you’re here. All I’ve done is sleep in, lay around the place, and I just got back from a run—so nothing major.” I almost roll my eyes at the nothing major part. “I must admit, I’m actually looking forward to going back to work tomorrow as I’ve been a little bored. I need something to keep myself occupied.” Cindy looks at me, brandishing a sympathetic smile. Matthew—on the other hand—looks curious.
“Dad will be interested to hear that. He’s a jerk, but I know he’s missing you.” I try to fight back the tears that are threatening to overwhelm me. I’ve done enough crying over this damn man. “Stella’s moving out today.”
That definitely grabs my attention.
When he notices my widening eyes and obvious curiosity, he carries on. “Dad’s found her somewhere to live, and he’s helping her move her in to her new place shortly—if he hasn’t already. He’s told her that although he will care for the baby and provide for it, he doesn’t feel anything for her. He made it abundantly clear that there’s no future, so there’s no point in her living with him anymore. He paid for it, of course. You know Dad, he’s generous to a fault. I think he feels he has to … for the baby.”
I shift uncomfortably in my seat, but my eyes remain fixed on Matthew. “You know this doesn’t change anything.”
He puts his hands up in surrender. “I’m not saying it does. Of course, things are different now. Quite frankly, it pisses me off, but selfishly, I’m glad she’s out the house, at least.”
My heart leaps at the prospect that he at least doesn’t love her, but it can’t and won’t change the fact that he’s gotten my mother pregnant. This, quite rightly, will be Jake’s priority now.
In my musings, I forget for a moment that I have guests, and so far, I have been a very rude host. “Where are my manners? You guys want a drink?” They nod their heads, so I make my way to the kitchen to grab them each a soda.
Once back, we start chatting about school, and then we get on the subject of their relationship.
“I’m meeting her parents this weekend,” Matthew practically whispers with a cringe. He’s obviously very nervous about the prospect.
I reach out and squeeze his hand. “I’m sure they will love you just as much as we do. You have nothing to worry about.” I look over to Cindy for some support, and she eagerly nods her head.
“I’m sure they will, too,” she smiles.
Once they leave, I’m busy in the kitchen making pasta when Jessie walks in the door. I’m stirring the tagliatelle when I feel her presence in the kitchen.
“Hey Jessie, how was work?” I shout with a big smile, keeping my eyes glued to the cooking.
When she doesn’t answer, I wonder what the hell is going on. I turn and see her staring at me with a deep frown on her face, making my smile drop with dread.
“We have company.”
6
My stomach drops thinking that it’s Jake, but instead, an even more unfavorable figure appears from behind the door.
My mother.
“I’ll let you two have some privacy.” Jessie places her hand on my shoulder, offering a comforting squeeze before turning to walk away.
Snapping myself out of my shock, I shout, “Jessie, stay, please. Whatever my mum has to say, she can say it in front of you too.”
My mother scoffs like what I’ve said is preposterous. “Ana, darling, please, you’re being silly,” my mum responds, a frustrated frown furrowing her brow. “I know I’ve hurt you, but there’s no need for this. Can’t we talk alone?”
That’s the last thing I want. “No, thanks. I don’t want you here. You up and left without so much as a goodbye, and you expect me to just open my arms out to