Page 150 of Every Silent Lie

“Oh, is he unwell?” the receptionist asks.

“Terrible. I really didn’t want him to come, but he insisted.” Dec drops the pen. “He didn’t want to let his classmates down.”

“Oh, how admirable.”

“We’re going on a date,” Albi declares, putting his finger to his lips. “Shhh.”

I snort behind Dec, and Dec laughs nervously. Guilty. “To the doctor’s, eh, fella? Because you’re poorly sick.” Dec makes fast work of escaping, and I follow behind, my smile breaking my face.

He puts Albi down and the moment he does, he gasps, his mitt-covered hands splaying his cheeks. “Father Christmas!” he cries. “How will he know what to bring me?”

“Well, I just so happen to know that after he’s visited your school, he’s going to be at Harrods.”

“Harrods?” Albi questions. “Where you buy your work suits?”

“That’s right.”

“Harrods?” I ask. “You need to be specially invited to see Father Christmas at Harrods.”

“Correct,” Dec murmurs, taking my hand and Albi’s with the other. “Up for it?” He looks at me. Hopeful. Wary.

I nod.

Why get off the rollercoaster now?

Our date is perfect. Father Christmas was magical, and an early dinner at the Rainforest Café was up there too. Albi insisted on wearing his prawn costume all day. I’ve swayed from heart-stopping happiness watching him soak up the magic of Christmas, to heart-pounding sadness that my boy isn’t alive to experience it as well.

And I’m proud of myself too. I’ve faced so many fears today, done what I thought would be impossible.

And, as I dreaded, I’m falling head over heels for Dec’s little boy.

On the drive home, I look back to see he’s sparked out in his seat, his head tipped back, his mouth catching flies. Exhausted. “All that chatter’s knackered him out,” Dec muses.

I watch the lights shining in on the car casting shadows across his face. “Thank you for today.”

“Shhh.” Dec hushes me quietly, offering his hand, and I accept and weave our fingers together. “Come home with me,” he says, keeping his eyes on the road. “We can take that shower we both need.”

“And Albi?”

“He’s going through until seven, trust me.”

“Okay,” I agree easily. “If you’re comfortable with that.”

“I’m not the concern here, Camryn. Neither is Albi.” He finally looks at me. “Are you comfortable?”

I nod. “I couldn’t think of a better way to end today.”

After we stop by my place to pick up some things and check in on Mr. Percival, we drive to Dec’s in comfortable silence. Lynette opens the door before Dec makes it there, Albi draped over his shoulder, flat out. There’s a suitcase in the hallway, and Lynette is wrapped up in a long duffle coat, her gloves in her hand. “I was hoping I’d get to say goodbye,” she whispers, pulling the pink fabric away from Albi’s face and dropping a light kiss on his cheek. “Will you have him FaceTime me tomorrow?”

“Of course.” Dec nods to a gift bag in the corner. “That’s for you. From Albi.” He dips and kisses her cheek. “Have Ron carry your case.”

“Of course.”

“Have a great Christmas with your family, Lynette.” Dec starts up the stairs, and I can’t help my smile following him, Albi’s little cheek squished against his shoulder.

“You too.” Lynette turns a smile my way as she collects the gift bag. “Look after them while I’m gone,” she says, almost reluctantly, as Ron appears on the doorstep and takes her case.

“I will.” She doesn’t realise that it’s them looking after me. “Safe journey.”