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Maddie clings to me as I pick her up to answer the door. I’ve not seen Ronan and she’s not left my side since I got her back.
“Hi…” I’m stunned as I answer the door.
“Err, come in. Maddie, baby, these are my friends. Can you say hi?”
“Hi.” She’s so quiet, I’m not even sure everyone hears her. The grip she has on me tightens as I let everyone in.
Bella, Alex and Niamh head into the kitchen, but Mary stands by the door with us.
“Well, hello there, beautiful, my name is Mary. I heard that you liked unicorns.” Mary pulls out a soft unicorn and holds it out to her. Maddie gives her a small smile and reaches for it.
Mary reaches out for Maddie, but she leans into me, unsure of what to do.
“I’m going to make everyone breakfast. Would you like to help me make some pancakes?”
She looks at me, looking for reassurance. I nod to let her know it’s okay and she instantly relaxes, leaning over and letting Mary take her into the kitchen where I watch as the others introduce themselves to her.
I’m clearing the breakfast dishes off the counter when Mary comes up to me.
“Hey, sweetheart, let me do that. Why don’t you go sit down with the others?”
“No, you cooked breakfast, I’ll clean up. Besides, I think Maddie is having fun with her new friends.” We look over to the couch where Maddie is telling the girls about her favourite doll that her dad bought her.
“Mary, can I ask you something?”
“Of course.”
“Have you spoken to Ronan? He’s not really responding to my messages and I’m worried.”
“I saw him yesterday morning when he came to pick Killian up for the gym, but we didn’t really chat, he seemed grumpier than normal.” She shrugs, like him being grumpy is no big deal.
“I’m sure it’s nothing, honey. I’m sure he’s just giving you some space to be with Maddie.”
We clear the rest of the dishes away in silence as a knot settles in the pit of my stomach. I’m not sure he’s just giving me space. If he is, why wouldn’t he just say that?
* * *
The club has finally closed, and I’m exhausted. We had to restock the bar three times we were that busy. There was a VIP party in, a bachelorette party, and two bachelor parties. They wiped us out of vodka by midnight and we had to get an emergency supply from another club local to us.
I can’t wait to get home and see my little girl. The girls have been amazing, helping to take care of her while I work at the club. I tried to look for a childminder online, but they were pretty pissed at me when they found out.
Mary was so mad she almost made me cry when she yelled at me––that woman is bloody scary.
I head to the locker room to grab my things. It’s been ten days since I finally got Maddie back, but that was also the last time I saw Ronan, so I’m surprised to find him leaning against my locker when I walk in the room.
We stand starting at each other, neither of us moving. He looks tired, like he hasn’t been sleeping. His eyes darken as they trail down the length of my body then back up again. He closes them and takes a deep breath, and when he opens them again, I see he’s curbed his desire.
“Grab your things, I’ll take you home.” He pushes off the locker and heads out the back to his car.
I take a minute to steady myself and grab my things. I know this night isn’t going to end well.
We drive the entire way back in silence, the tension in the car thick. I think I know what’s coming, and I’m at the point now where I just want this over with.
He pulls into the underground garage and shuts off the engine, turning towards me. I don’t look at him, I can’t. I can see him out of the corner of my eye, he’s focussed on me.
“Liv, look at me.”
I give my head a slight shake. “Just say it.”
