Page 142 of A Convenient Secret

“The kids want to go to chase the pigeons—”

“No way,” I protest.

“Maybe we can go, let them take a few pics, and they will leave us alone? Chasing pigeons is the least juicy scoop they can get.”

“I’m not letting them take photos of my kids.” I turn and pace to the window, running my hand through my hair.

“They are doing it anyway, Declan.” Her hand touches my back, the tension melting just a little under her warmth. “The summer camp had to call the police twice. It’s not going to stop until they get what they want. Let them get the photos, so we can enjoy a semi-normal day, and then issue a cease and desist. They will give up eventually.”

The fucking helplessness is like a poison, gripping me in a vice-like hold. I turn to face her. “Thank God we’re leaving tomorrow.”

Lily winces.

Fuck. I feared she was too young for me, yet here we are and she’s acting with way more calm and perspective. “Sorry, baby, I’m just on edge.”

She wraps her arms around my waist. “Let’s pretend to have a normal day in the park.”

I nod. “Okay, but we’ll leave with the car to drive us to the other side, so hopefully we can sneak in without the vultures downstairs following us.” The plan gives me a sense of direction while I’m still completely lost in the mayhem.

“Good. Let me get the twins ready.”

“Daddy, is Lily your giwlfwiend now?” Zoya skips beside me, holding my hand, the ice cream dripping down her hand.

Oh fuck. “Something like that,” I evade. “She loves you very much, and we will be taking care of you together.”

“I like that.” She licks her ice cream, the situation uncomplicated through her innocent eyes. I wish it was that easy.

Zach is explaining to Lily something about his piano lesson, and she’s listening with the same attention she always bestows on everyone. Only I see hereyes dart around, ready to protect him from the prying questions and cameras.

This outing has always been peaceful. It’s been a routine that we all loved. Normal.

Instead, there’s now a bodyguard a few steps behind us, scanning the sidewalk. I inherited a lot of money, and I made even more myself. I’m a rich man with two children, and yet I’ve led a fairly normal life.

My name was mentioned in the business pages a few times. I regularly attend high-profile events. It’s not like I’m completely new to living in the public eye. But this level of madness is something I thought was only for celebrities.

We catch up with Lily and Zach. Lily gives me a tense smile, and helps Zoya clean up before the twins take off to run around.

We find a bench and watch them for a moment. Zoya chases the pigeons while Zach explores the area, careful as always.

“It’s good for them to have a normal kind of Saturday,” I admit, and take Lily’s hand in mine, keeping them in between us in case someone is snatching pictures.

“Maybe I’ll wear the fake glasses again in London. I can even dye my hair to make sure we can explore the city without interruption.”

She’s trying to make it easier for me and my family.I love her for that, but it deepens my sense of helplessness.

It’s like, with her newly claimed status, there is this new lifestyle to manage, a new reality to fit into, and as much as I’m trying, I don’t know where my place is.

I want to talk to Lily about it, but she has so much to adjust to, I don’t want to burden her with my vulnerabilities.

She seems to be better at navigating it all, at protecting us, at knowing what to do. It’s like she dove deep into the new circumstances, and I’m still looking for the fucking oxygen mask. How long before she swims away?

“Perhaps sunglasses that actually suit you would work better.” My attempt at joking is pathetic.

“Declan, if you prefer to stay here with the kids and take them to the Hamptons, I can go talk to my father.”

“I’m not leaving you to deal with them alone. Or to face your cousin. Out of the question.”

She sighs. “I will have security.”