Page 36

Chapter Thirty-Five

“Gabriel, quick, now,” I screamed as Marco came up behind her ready to steal the win for the boys. She shrieked and threw the basketball as hard as she could but her little arms just weren’t strong enough. Marco easily scooped the ball, raced to the other net and scored, throwing his hands in the air and running around the courts. At eleven, subtlety was not his finest quality.

“Ohhh, eee, I tried," Gabriel whined and I lifted her into the air, engulfing her in a hug as I laughed.

“Those stinky boys got us again, Gab. But Marco is one whole year older than you and Brad over there has about twenty years on me," I said loudly, lowering her to the ground.

“Only as old as you feel, . Winners make lunch." Brad said as he high fived Marco and gestured for him to head inside.

Twirling her deep brown ponytail around my fingers, Gab and I followed.

I could hear Brad bellowing for the rest of them to jump up and help prepare the fresh salads and cold cuts ready for the rolls Sofi had backed earlier and my stomach growled at the thought.

“How old is Brad?” Gab asked, her sweet singsong voice as adorable as ever.

“About seventy, I think,” I replied as we walked into the kitchen to grab a cup of water.

“Don’t listen to her Gabs. I don’t feel a day over twenty one.”

“He’s fifty three,” I whispered to her.

“You are,” she paused, using her fingers to count, “like forty-four years older than me. That is soooo old.” I laughed at the innocence of childhood as Brad hid his smiling face in the fridge. He was a good man and when I left the centre last year I was devastated to not only say goodbye to the kids, but to him as well. He dedicated his life to this place and between him and his wife Sofi, these children would always have an adult in their corner for as long as they needed.

“That is definitely old, isn’t it Gabs?” Sofi said as she came into the kitchen carrying her freshly baked rolls. “But, he is just as fit as he was when I met him thirty years ago,” she said with a subtle wink in my direction.

“I think I can hear the table calling me to clean it,” I said with a laugh, as Brad swatted her on the backside. They often reminded me of my parents and at times I found that difficult to be around. They’d always been really good to me though and when I returned only a couple of months ago, Sofi held onto me for a solid ten minutes, repeating how she was never letting me leave ever again. That feeling was mutual. Being here never felt like work – something I wasn’t sure everyone could say in their jobs.

“So, Marls, how’s your new man?” Sofi asked nonchalantly.

“What are you talking about?” I shrugged, a laugh bubbling up my throat when I saw the incredulous look on her face. I hadn’t mentioned Seb to Brad or Sofi, not wanting to tempt my luck at having found someone so amazing, and I was genuinely surprised at the question.

“Oh, sweetie. I know I wear glasses, but I’m not blind. Even if I hadn’t noticed the sunshine back in those gorgeous eyes of yours, I definitely would have taken note of that hunk of a man who has been picking you up,” she wiggled her eyebrows and I laughed.

“You talking about me again, woman?” Brad’s voice boomed as he appeared with plates of food.

“Yes, Bradley, you’re a hunk of man,” she replied affectionately as he retreated. “Anyway, spill, Ms. .”

I sighed, knowing I was going to tell them sooner or later. “That hunk of man ,” I imitated before adding, “is my boyfriend.”

It still felt surreal saying those words aloud.

“I’m actually going to meet his mum tonight and I'm feeling pretty nervous,” I added.

“Ahhhh, the old meeting the family. They will adore you, love, just like we do. Just be yourself. Your light will shine bright all on its own.”

I smiled gratefully, hoping she was right.

When Sebastian first mentioned his family were coming to the city for dinner I assumed he was letting me know so I didn’t come over, but then he said he organised a hotel for his mum and her partner and Eva would be staying in the spare room. He then asked if I would be okay with her staying with us.

Us as in he and I.

I had maybe, okay definitely, freaked out and shovelled a few handfuls of pretzels down my throat while I anxiously typed, deleted and retyped my reply. Preempting my imminent spiral, he sent a quick follow up text telling me not to freak out and that there was no pressure on my end. Which of course made me feel like melted chocolate inside.

I was weak for this man and when he said or did things which demonstrated how considerate he was, I practically mewled. I was a daydream believer and Seb was the lead role cast in every one of my fantasies.

It was probably a good thing I was with Flick when he’d messaged me as I had someone to remind me this was totally normal and we were definitely ready for this step. These days, we were together more often than not and I did want to meet his family. I wanted to see and know everything about him. To envelop myself in his world – but it didn’t make me feel any less nervous.

From the small interaction I had with Eva at the Hearts’ match, she seemed lovely. Familiar even. But I’d never met the parents of a boyfriend before. Lucas claimed his parents were bad news so other than his sister, it was only ever us. Sebastian adored his family though so the stakes were high.

What if they thought I wasn’t good enough for him? What if his mum asked where I lived and I had to tell them I was staying in my best friend’s spare room? My nerves were as taut as wire, ready to snap at any moment and I nervously wiped the table desperate for something to do with my hands.

“Sweetheart, just breathe,” Sofi said, observant as always. “I’ve seen the way that man looks at you. From behind a curtain while I pretend I’m not, but still. He loves you and they will see that. Look at the way the kids here hang off you.” I paused at her words. He didn’t love me. Surely, not. But before I could even begin to voice my confusion over this, Gabs returned, her hair now out and her brush firmly in her grip.

“ee, can you please braid my hair before lunch?” Sofi shot me a knowing look, as if this cemented exactly what she just said as I reached for the brush. They both knew I couldn’t refuse when she looked up at me with those big brown eyes so I mouthed a thank you to Sofi before following an elated Gab out of the room.

Dressing comfortably in a pair of jeans, a plain white t-shirt and a light grey cardigan, I gave myself a once over in the hallway mirror before I left for Operation Meet the Micallefs . Sebastian was ordering in, so I wanted to be cosy but thought trackies were probably a little too comfortable when meeting his family for the first time.

When I arrived at his apartment door not even twenty minutes later, it opened to a freshly showered Seb and he immediately wrapped me in a tight hug.

“Mmmmm, I missed you.”

“I saw you this morning before work," my voice was muffled against his chest and I allowed the warmth and sanctity that his arms afforded to wash over me as I breathed in his crisp scent.

“Too long. I want you here all the time,” he pressed a kiss to my forehead before closing the door behind us. “I think you need to move in with me.”

“Huh?” I said, not sure I heard him correctly. I must have misheard. It was too soon. Surely it was too soon, right? He didn’t even realise the level of shit show that came with being with me and he was off the cuff telling me I should move in with him.

“Shit, sorry Marls. I was thinking out loud. Don’t freak out,” he started kissing my face, punctuating each of his words with a kiss. “I - kiss - was - kiss - just - kiss - joking.”

“If we could just pencil that in for discussion at a time when I am not about to meet your Mum, my heart would be grateful,” I said with a small smile.

“Ignore me,” he offered as if he hadn’t just sent my mind racing.

“Seb, this is beautiful,” I admired, staring at the gorgeous presentation of the dining table desperately needing something else to talk about.

The table was covered in a silver tablecloth and had been set with gorgeous plates and cutlery with light beige cloth napkins. There were candles acting as a makeshift garland and a tiny chocolate resting at each setting.

“Wish I could take credit, but Georgia set it up for me,” he shrugged.

“Your cleaner needs a payrise – keeping this place tidy and setting a table like this, she is phenomenal. What else do I need to do before they arrive?” When he didn’t respond, I turned to look at him and saw his eyes raking over my body with a surreptitious grin.

“Just one more thing,” he said, checking his watch and nodding, “and we have just the right amount of time.”

When I heard a knock at the door I was in the bathroom straightening my ponytail after Sebastian had used it as leverage when he bent me over the lounge and fucked me senseless. My cheeks were flushed and I most definitely held a post-sex glow with my swollen lips and still jelly legs.

Returning to the dining area, I saw Seb hugging a woman who looked like an older version of Eva. Her eyes held the same almond shape and her hair was equally as dark and as soon as he released her, she spotted me. Her face immediately warmed and she walked towards me with her arms outstretched.

“, it is so lovely to meet you,” her embrace was warm and she smelt like ginger and sugar. “I hope you like gingersnaps because I made about thirty of them.”

“Hi,” I said smiling, “I’ve never tried them but they smell delicious.”

“Good. Because it’s your job to decide who makes them better.”

Seb groaned, running a hand through his hair and I shot him a please explain face, but he only shook his head with a sigh.

“Do not let her persuade you, ,” Eva called as she placed a tray of cookies on the table. “Mine are cinnamon and they’re much better. Ask your boyfriend.”

“Oh, pish posh,” Judy replied before excusing herself to use the bathroom.

As soon as she was out of sight Eva whispered, “Mine will be better but I will understand if you lie.”

Oh God. I’d been thrown into the middle of a family bake off and had to choose between his mother and sister. As if I wasn’t already nervous.

Before I could contemplate my escape, perhaps through the fire escape, an older gentleman carrying a six pack of beer appeared. As he walked towards me, Seb and Eva both took a noticeable step back and watched.

“You must be , I’m Toby.” He grinned and I felt my eyes widen before I composed myself and shook his outstretched hand. Seb and Eva, who were apparently children, were both silently laughing behind their hands and I intentionally sucked my teeth before answering which only sent them scurrying back to the kitchen, laughing louder.

“It’s lovely to meet you, Toby. Let me put that beer in the fridge for you.”

By the time Seb headed to the door to grab the food I couldn’t remember why I’d been nervous. Eva was as lovely as I remembered and Judy treated me as though we’d known each other for years. She and Toby sat side by side at the table and when he spoke, her face would soften like a woman whose day started and ended with him. It was obvious they loved each other.

Eva and Judy were each telling me the story behind their cookie choices, often at the same time and with no regard for each other, when Seb appeared with dinner. Excusing myself to use the bathroom before we ate, I quickly washed up and reached for my phone. Arna and Flick would be desperate for an update by now and I wanted to tell them this was not an overbearing mother situation before eating. I quickly scanned the absolutely hilarious advice they were giving me for winning over mum, none of which was appropriate, and told them I would give them a voice clip with all the details later, before returning to the table.

Everyone served themselves a plate and again, the conversation was effortless. There was an ease to their dynamic and a level of mutual respect which was comforting. Judy had done a fine job raising her children alone and it was clear she held them both in high esteem. Her face fell ever so slightly when Eva talked about moving to the city next year, but she masked it well, a skill her son had mastered from her no doubt, doing her best to be happy for her daughter and the new opportunities she would have.

When the cookies were served and I was asked to determine the most delicious, I genuinely couldn’t decide. They were both unbelievably moreish and regardless, I was not going to be selecting a winner.

“Honestly, how am I supposed to choose a favourite? They are both delicious.”

“Oh, come on, mine are way better than Mum’s,” Eva pouted.

“I taught you everything you know, girlie,” Judy said with a smirk as she handed the other half of her cookie to Toby.

“I’m the worst cook, truly. I’d love to be able to bake like this,” I admitted, reaching for another one of each.

“Seb can bring you over for our next family dinner and I will teach you how to make these. They’re unbelievably easy.” It was such a kind gesture I simply nodded, the comfortability of being within such a loving family environment enough to make my heart ache for my parents.

“They love you,” Seb whispered in my ear with a brief kiss to my cheek and I leant into his touch. I noticed the way his mother watched us fondly and for the first time in such a long time, there was a comforting glow surrounding my world. It was a feeling of contentment and it started with the man beside me.

I headed into the kitchen to clean up while Seb walked his mum and Toby downstairs and Eva ducked to the spare room to put her pyjamas on. Seb was going to make us cocktails while we relaxed.

Family dinners were always so special with my parents and it was with a soft fondness that I remembered the way my mother set the table while Dad and I talked all things Hearts. Tonight brought back some of those memories but not with the familiar ache I’d become accustomed to. Seeing Seb with his family, reminded me of the whispers of joy I’d so often experienced with my parents. And instead of feeling sad, I felt lucky.

“Will you be offended if I zone out and watch some horrifying five-minute craft hacks before we have a drink?” Eva called and I shook my head to the empty kitchen with a laugh.

“Only if you share any good ones with me,” I smiled, both at how comfortable I felt around her already and the fact she was my boyfriend’s sister. I had a boyfriend.

“I can tell by that answer you’ve never watched any. They're shocking. But they help me zen out. I get people pooped so easily and just need to recharge.” I looked up at her as she reappeared, ready to make a joke about how similar she was to her brother when the cloth fell from my hands.

No. No. No. No. Not happening.

My breath hitched and I lent forward, gripping the bench for support. She ripped the pastel green headphones from around the neck and put them on the bench with a heavy clang.

Her voice was muffled, battling with the foggy wave moving through me as I fought to remain upright.

A narrow escape.

Torrential rain.

A small suitcase with the bare necessities.

A pocket full of cash ready for the bus driver.

One other passenger. A woman with dark hair and mint green headphones. Memorable because of the sticker of a mint leaf on the side. The exact same headphones now sitting on Sebastian’s kitchen bench. It was Eva. Eva was the woman sitting on the bus the day I found the strength to leave. And the memory, now, was stifling.

“Babe?” Sebastian’s steady voice settled over me and I rested my head against his chest.

The near impossibility of it being Eva that very same day was too much to even comprehend. The idea of my worlds mixing was not something I wanted to consider.

“Sorry,” I said, with a small shrug. “I’m just feeling a little off. Maybe a headache,” I lied.

“You sure you’re okay? You went as white as a ghost,” Eva chimed, grabbing the headphones from the bench. She looked genuinely concerned and I knew if I glanced up to Seb, he too would have a scrunched brow, his scowl in place as he assessed whether I really was okay. Shaking my head and doing my absolute best to collect myself, I tapped his firm chest twice before taking a step back.

“Yeah, it was sudden. I’m going to head to bed if you guys don’t mind.” I needed to be alone. To process my thoughts and remind myself this didn’t mean anything. This wasn’t a bad omen. It wasn’t some ridiculous sign that Lucas was never going to be out of my life. It was a coincidence. One I would laugh about some time in the future. Possibly.

“You sure you’re good, babe?” Seb asked, brushing the hair from my face.

“Yeah, nothing sleep won’t fix. Stay and enjoy some drinks.”

“You’re absolutely sure?” His face held a quizzical look and I knew he wasn’t entirely convinced.

“Positive. I think I’m getting my period,” I mumbled, putting as much effort as I could into remaining self-assured. If I appeared genuine, he would have no reason to doubt me.

When he nodded, I raced to the bedroom as quickly as I could, flicking the lock to the ensuite. Unlocking my phone, I opened messages ready to give Arna a rundown. She wasn’t going to believe the coincidence but would be the perfect person to remind me that was exactly what it was – a fluke. Nothing more, nothing less.

But before I could find our text thread, an unopened message from an unknown number flashed on my screen, shattering any of my remaining composure.

Unknown

Im starting to think u dont love me anymor .

U thought u could join HIS family and forget about mine

End things or I will b forced to take care of him

I grabbed hold of the wall, a cold tingle racing over my skin as bile pushed up my throat. It’d been a few weeks since I last heard from him and I hoped he’d taken the hint. And now, as if the night’s shadows were destined to get worse, he decided now was the time to message. Not even five minutes after realising Evangeline was there that very same day I left him.

He was never going to let me go. And worse, he was threatening Sebastian. The incoherence of the message made me think he wasn’t in a good place which was even more terrifying. Erratic behaviour was fuelled when people felt out of control and the idea he was spiralling made me feel instantly claustrophobic.

My hands shook as I dialled Arna’s number. My voice trembled as I gave her the sporadic rundown of the end of my night. I was marginally distracted with the amount of time it took to reassure her I didn’t need her to come over, however, eventually she settled for bringing Felicity into a three-way conversation while they bounced around advice.

Once I was in bed, even with the soft mumblings of Seb and Eva filtering through the walls, I couldn’t switch off the relentless fear which floated in the air around me.

I would tell Seb in the morning, just as the girls suggested. Confide in him as I promised I would after the last time because he couldn’t support me if he didn’t know. But tonight, while his sister was here, it wasn’t the time and that was what I told myself as I slept restlessly until my alarm eventually went off signalling it was time to head into work.