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“He loves you, deep down.”
“Not enough to take it further. I need more, and he can’t give me that. And I don’t want him to try. It’s clearly not meant to be.”
“So, you and Anton?”
“We’re working through some stuff.”
My dad bursts in and relief floods his face when he lays eyes on me. “Jesus, we’ve been worried sick,” he growls, pulling me to stand and gripping my shoulders while he assesses me.
I laugh. “I’m fine, Pops.”
Mum rushes in behind him. “Thank god.”
“I texted to say I was fine,” I point out.
“You know your dad likes to see you for himself.”
Ace stands. “I’ll let you catch up,” he says, leaving the office.
We all sit. “You didn’t tell us where you were staying,” Mum says. “We thought you were with Anton, but then he told us you were taking a break.”
I’m surprised he told them that. “I just need to get my head straight,” I admit. “After Hulk and our fight, I just . . .”
“He said you aborted his baby?” she asks gently.
Shame washes over me. “It was my choice,” I say firmly.
She’s quick to take my hand. “I know, I’m not judging. But why didn’t you come to me? I would’ve supported you.”
“I was scared you’d talk me into keeping it, and I wasn’t ready. Neither of us were.”
“You understand why we’ve been worried, Pip,” says Pops. “You’ve been making strange decisions lately, acting odd.”
“Things have been crazy,” I say, nodding. “I’m sorry I didn’t come to you and talk.”
“You’ve always been one to bottle everything up,” says Mum.
“I hate worrying you.”
“So, you and Anton?” Pops asks.
“Are working through our issues.”
“You shouldn’t have issues when you’re newlyweds,” Mum snaps.
“I was drunk,” I tell her, and she gasps. “I wasn’t entirely clear in my thinking. And it’s not Anton’s fault,” I say, “but I initially blamed him, thinking he was taking advantage. He didn’t realise I was so drunk, so we were both at fault.”
“I’ve warned you before about the amount you drink,” Mum says.
“We can have the marriage dissolved,” Pops suggests.
“I don’t want to,” I admit, and I smile, realising I mean it. “I want to make it work.” They both look surprised. “He’s not what you’d choose for me, I get it, but I love him. And he loves me, so much more than I’ve ever been loved.”
Pops stands, pulling me to. “If you’re happy, then so are we.”
I nod. “I am,” I reassure him.
I agree to catch-up drinks with Mae and Lucy. Three drinks in and my phone alerts me to a message.
