the house with Jake, and I’m not. Curiosity getting the better of me, I ask, “How are things at home right now?”
Matthew groans, his shoulders stiffening. “It’s a nightmare,” he moans, leaning back in his chair. “She’s been walking around like she owns the place, being all over Dad like they’re together when they’re so obviously not. I got angry at Dad about that too. I wanted to know why he didn’t just put her up in a hotel, but he said with her in pain he couldn’t do that to her. That she was all on her own, so she needed someone to look after her. I think the pain is all bullshit, but what can he possibly do in that situation?”
I swallow the bile that’s rising in my throat. “Your dad is trying his best in one of the worst situations imaginable. No matter how angry you get, Matthew, remember that your dad is only caring and looking out for the people closest to him. I know my mom isn’t one of them, but she’s carrying his baby, and this is what he needs to concentrate on right now.”
Matthew notices the hurt in my eyes, but his anger is still palpable. “Could be carrying his baby,” Matthew corrects. I let out a little breath and Matthew notices. “I hate what this is doing to you.”
The tears well, so I try and shake myself out of it. “I’m fine,” I lie. “No one can do anything about it, so it is what it is. There’s actually a famous saying that you should accept the things you cannot change. No matter how much me, you, and your father want to change this situation we’re in, it’s an impossibility. We all need to be at peace with that.”
He squeezes my hand. “If it makes you feel any better, I know Dad would go to hell and back if he could make things right for you.”
I swallow the lump in my throat. “I know.”
“I really miss you.”
I smile at Matthew, a tear rolling down my face. “I miss you too.”
He tries to wink at me, but he is obviously finding it hard with the tears still there.
He wipes his eyes and laughs. “Sorry, I’m being such a wuss.”
I tug at his hand. “Listen, you big lummox, you’re anything but, okay? I won’t have you putting yourself down like that. It’s okay to get upset; it shows that you’re human after all.” I beam at him, trying to make a joke, which seems to work.
“I missed you calling me that.”
I always used to think he got a bit miffed when I called him a big lummox, so I’m surprised he says this. I’m about to tell him that I’m always here for him when Jessie and Cindy return to the table.
“Everything okay?” Cindy asks, noticing the evidence of our tears. “Do you want us to leave you for another five minutes?”
Cindy frowns with unease, and I smile at her. “No, it’s fine, we just had a little chat that’s all. It’s all good now, isn’t it, Matthew?” I glance at him for reassurance, and he nods his head, smiling at Cindy. She relaxes a little, but still has a worried crease in her brow. I love the fact that she’s so concerned over him. She obviously loves him very much. Matthew can decide what he wants to tell her later, but at least for now I’ve said my piece.
Later in the evening as we’re walking to the car park, I move in to give Matthew a hug. “Thank you for coming out with me tonight and bringing Cindy with you. She’s a lovely girl. Make sure you take care of her.”
He tightens his hold. “Don’t worry, I fully intend to.”
I pull away and look at him. “You know, you’re welcome over at any time. I miss you, too, and I want you to know that I’m just a phone call away, or a twenty-minute drive if ever you need me.” He nods his head as I pat his face. I give Cindy a big hug, and she eagerly hugs me back.
I turn back to Matthew, remembering his birthday. “Listen, I definitely want to see you on Thursday at some point. I have a little something for your birthday. Would it be possible for you to come round?”
I hope he doesn’t ask for me to come to him as that would mean being in the same house as Jake and my mum. I certainly