Page 61 of Loving Wild

“Where have you been all day?” I ask.

“I had a friend’s baby shower, why? D’ya miss me?”

“Of course,” I answer as we share a quick cuddle and a peck on the cheek. “Listen, we have an emergency. Ava just got her first period, and she’s not prepared. Where’s the nearest shop so I can get her some pads?”

“Ava?” Dani shrieks.

“Hush your noise, I don’t think she’s going to want everyone to know, and I haven’t even told Gabe yet. I just found her crying in the toilet.”

“Oh shit, sorry. But never fear.” I watch as she holds up her arm and points her finger in the air. “Aunt Dani is here,” she says loudly. “I have pads,” she adds, this time in a whisper.

Handing me a glass of Prosecco before pouring one for herself, she says, “Shit, Ava got her period, we’re gonna need this, you especially because Gabe is gonna lose his shit. Follow me,” she grabs my hand and orders.

Chapter 16

Gabe

“Who made the sausage rolls?”my dad asks through a mouthful.

“Lauren,” I reply.

“They’re bloody lovely. Nearly as good as your mother used to make. Where is Lauren?”

Good question.

“She was getting cold, so went upstairs to change into something warmer,” I give the old man’s shoulder a squeeze as I pass him by. “I’m gonna go and find her.”

“I like her, Gabe,” my dad says as I go to walk by. “I like how she looks at you, the way you watch her from across the room.” He’s quiet for a few seconds before asking, “I take it things are serious?”

Looking directly into my dad’s blue eyes, I nod. “She’s it for me, Dad.”

“Glad you’ve finally found it, boy. Been worried for a long time you never would.”

“You and me both, old man, you and me both.”

I start to pull away but stop when I see his eyes darting all over my face.

“What?” I question.

“You love her?”

“Yeah, like I said, she’s it for me.”

“I’ve heard what she’s been through, just be prepared, the shit that hurts her is gonna hurt you too.”

“Already know that.”

“Sometimes it’ll hurt you more, especially when there’s nothing you can do to fix things.”

I know he’s talking about my mum and what he went through watching her die. My throat instantly feels tight.

“Dad,” I whisper.

“Wouldn’t wish that pain on anyone.”

Both our eyes move to Jackie as she moves into the room, goes to the kitchen area and pours herself a drink.

“Yet you put yourself up for feeling that pain all over again,” I say. Making sure to remove any bitterness from my voice. Eyes back on my dad, I watch as he shakes his head.