“I was optimistic,” he says.
That stupid shy feeling sneaks up on me again. Not nerves. Not awkwardness. Just that strange softness that comes when someone clearly wants you there.
“Okay,” I say.
His grip on me tightens just slightly. Not possessive. Just pleased.
“Okay?” he repeats.
“Okay,” I confirm.
I can’t think of anything I would rather do.
Chapter 17
Jack
After Ava checks backinto her room, she joins us for another dinner.
Alfie is halfway through a bowl of pasta when he looks up at me with complete seriousness.
“You did a good job today, Dad.”
It lands harder than any pundit comment ever could.
“Thanks, mate,” I say. “What was your favourite part?”
He doesn’t even hesitate.
“The food.”
Ava makes a small choking sound into her glass.
“Of course it was,” I say. “What did you like?”
“There waslots,” he says, eyes widening slightly at the memory. “And some weird stuff.”
“What did you like best?” Ava asks.
He turns towards her immediately, clearly pleased she asked.
“They had mini burgers,” he says, holding up his fingers to show the size. “And really crunchy chips.”
“Good choices,” I say.
“They said they were cooked five times,” he adds importantly.
Mum laughs softly. “Triple cooked chips.”
Alfie nods. “Yes. That.”
He takes another bite of pasta, then lowers his voice slightly.
“They also had little black pebbles.”
Ava blinks. “Pebbles?”
“They tasted yukky,” he confirms.
