Rid. It.
“I just think you’ll be an older mom, you’ve just got your life back… the dad is useless?—”
I stared at this man like he was a stranger. He didn’t know me at all—only the things I’d told him. Granted, there had been a few things—but not enough to judge my situation like that.
“Victorisn’tuseless. He’s a cheat and a liar—but he’d be a great dad.” My throat swelled at the thought of Victor staring down at our baby with nothing but adoration. Or maybe I was dreaming—he may notwantto be a dad at forty-six.
Ah well, fuck him. He’s made enough decisions for us so far, I’ll make this one.
And so what if I was an older mom? Where did it say anywhere that you had to be young to have kids?
My head throbbed, and Graham rose to his feet.
“I think I’ll leave you alone for the rest of today. Call if you need me.”
He nodded at the server and walked away, leaving me with angry tears pricking my eyelids as I slid my sunglasses on.
Fucking men.
26
LILA
It was my last day in Greece, and the nausea had been relentless. I’d be happy to be home—well, my mother’s house— because I was starting to crave things I couldn’t get here. Stupid things like beef jerky and American hot dogs smothered in ketchup and mustard.
I wanted to be with someone right now, and who better than my mom? I didn’t want to go back to our house just yet, and hopefully it would sell, and then I could concentrate on moving to somewhere new.
I’d barely seen Graham since he’d found out I was pregnant, and that said plenty about him. I’d booked a private taxi to the airport, and I had an hour or so before it came to collect me.
I watched a young couple come into the hotel lobby, their sun-kissed skin and eyes full of love making me miss Victor suddenly.
But no. I didn’t need him anymore, and I shouldn’t want him either. But it was hard after twenty years of marriage to just shut it off.
I tried to focus on my thriller novel, but I couldn’t concentrate on the words. I was achy and tired, and at least I knew why now.
I was having a baby.
I still couldn’t believe it, and I couldn’t wait to tell Vanessa she was going to be an auntie. She’d be ecstatic! As for his mom, she’d be over the moon. She always wanted us to have kids.
Except… I really wish I could’ve shared this moment with my husband.
My eyes glistened as a shadow fell over me, and I saw Graham standing there. He was in shorts and a t-shirt, with aviator sunglasses hiding his eyes. He nodded at my packed suitcase and neat hand luggage, a grim smile on his face.
“You’re off home then?”
“Yes.” I looked up at him, wondering why he’d kept his distance.
“I’m sorry I’ve not been around,” he said, leaning on the arm of the sofa opposite. “I just thought you’d need some space, you know?”
I did. But still.
“Thank you.”
“I know you probably don’t want to keep in touch, but if you do…” He gazed at me. “You’ve got my card, right?”
“Yes. I’m sure you’re too busy for new friends with baggage.” My words were harsh, but I tried to smile to lighten their load. It didn’t work.
“Come on, Lila. You know you weren’t just a friend to me.”
