As Archie didn’t complain once his musical mobile was switched on, Spencer took that as a yes.
Someone was taking ages at the front deciding what they wanted to buy, so Spencer quickly checked his phone while waiting, in case Beth had sent a message asking for anything else. It was edging close to lunch, so perhaps a little more than crisps was in order.
Debra had the lunch sorted for the kids from the centre, so he didn’t have to worry about them.
Lottie sprang to mind, purely from habit. He didn’t have to look after her either. He smiled to himself at his sister trying to give him relationship advice earlier. He knew she was right about keeping things simple. Total honesty, team player, and not allowing any problems to tear them apart.
He didn’t see himself as a complicated person, but there was one thing he hadn’t simplified.
There were no messages from Beth, but he did notice an email from the paternity test clinic had arrived, causing him to freeze as soon as he read what it said. The sound of the festival faded away to a dull hum as every ounce of happiness left him within a split second. The phone screen blacked out, leaving him staring at his hand, and his stomach churned, waking him from a trance.
‘You going to move up the line or what, mate?’ said a voice from behind.
Waking with a jolt, Spencer left the queue and headed for Beth’s stall. His heart started racing, causing a tightness to take control of his lungs. His fingers gripped the handle of the pram as though it were about to tip over the edge of a cliff, and the tension in his jaw was already giving him a headache.
‘You okay, Spence?’ asked Samuel as he passed him by.
Spencer didn’t respond. He had tunnel vision for Beth. Unable to slow his legs or shake off the building anger, he marched across the grass.
Beth’s smile dropped when he came to her side. ‘What’s wrong?’ She quickly peered in the pram. ‘What’s happened?’
He went to speak but the words stuck in his throat, so he shoved his phone into her hand.
Beth glanced down at the email. She frowned, zooming in on the screen, then met his waiting eyes.
‘How could you?’ he whispered, his clenched teeth just about parting.
‘No,’ muttered Beth, looking back at the phone.
‘What’s going on?’ asked Samuel, leaning on the other side of the desk.
Beth showed Samuel the phone. ‘He’s done a paternity test.’
Samuel took one look and his mouth flapped open. ‘Oh.’
Spencer’s attention was back on Beth. ‘Why would you do this to me? I . . .’ He took a step back as her hand reached for him.
‘Spencer, when did you do this? Why didn’t—’
‘Don’t talk to me.’ He could hardly speak, let alone listen to what she had to say.
Samuel came around to his side. ‘Spence, it’s all right.’
Spencer took a breath as he looked at Beth. ‘You didn’t have to lie.’ He had to get away from her. From everyone.
‘Spencer, wait.’
There wasn’t much he could take in. His head was spinning and his body shaking. He needed to sit, but where? He ran towards the pond, taking refuge behind a large white tent.
‘Spence?’ said Samuel, following him around.
‘Don’t say anything, Sam. I can’t take this right now. I just can’t believe . . .’ He dropped to his knees, wanting to yell out. If he wasn’t feeling so sick, a stiff drink would be on his to-do list.
‘I’m sorry, Spence,’ said Samuel quietly, crouching to his side.
Spencer went to say something, but bile hit the back of his throat, causing him to gag, and within seconds he threw up.
Samuel handed him a tissue. ‘Let me take you home.’
