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I touch a hand to the pendant I’m wearing today. “Thank you so much for my birthday gift.”
“You’re very welcome. I’m glad you like it.”
“I love it. It was incredibly generous.”
“You’re worth it.”
I give him a peck on the cheek then go to draw back, but he slides his hand into my hair and holds me there, and the peck turns into a smooch. Man, this guy can kiss. He’s making me tingle again.
“Mmm,” I murmur when he eventually moves back. “See you soon.”
He gives me one last kiss, then goes out to his car. He clips Zelda into the passenger seat, then waves at me before getting in the driver’s side.
I watch him drive away, close the door, and go back into the living room. Finn and Mum are waiting for me, and they both give me mischievous glances as I walk in.
“So it went well?” Mum asks.
I blush. “Very well. Are you sure you don’t mind if I don’t come to Pippa’s with you?”
“Of course not,” Mum says. “I can’t remember the last time you had a holiday, and it’s important that the two of you spend some time together.”
I go over to Finn and kiss the top of his head. “What about you?”
“No, it’s cool, especially if I get Zelda!” He grins. “She can sleep on my bed.”
“Don’t tell Alex,” I scold, “she’s supposed to sleep in her own bed.”
“He won’t care,” Finn scoffs. He’s so sure of Alex’s feelings for him. I wish I could be that confident.
I sit on the sofa next to him, remembering what Alex said about the final step in Finn’s healing. “I need to talk to you about something, sweetheart.” I glance at Mum. “Do you mind giving us a few minutes?”
“Of course not,” she says. “I need to give Mike a ring.” She gets up and goes out.
Finn’s eyebrows rise. “What have I done?”
“You haven’t done anything. It’s about the other night. When you told Alex that you remembered the accident.”
His jaw drops. “He told you?”
“No. He wouldn’t betray your confidence. I… um… was listening outside the door.”
He glares at me. “That was a private conversation.”
“I know, and I’m embarrassed that I listened. I suppose part of me wanted to know what he was saying to you—he’s a stranger, and you’re my son, and I have to be careful.”
“He’s not a stranger. I’ve known him since March. And he’s cool. You don’t have to worry about him.”
“I know. And I am sorry I intruded.” I hesitate. “Can we be honest? I like him, Finn. A lot. But you’re the most important thing in my life, and if Alex and I have a relationship, I need to know that he’s going to treat you well. I didn’t mean to listen for as long as I did, but I was touched that he was so good with you.”
“We’re friends,” he says defensively.
“I know.”
“And I told him about the accident in confidence. I didn’t want you to hear.”
“I know.” I reach out and take his hand, relieved when he doesn’t snatch it away. “The thing is… Finn, it’s difficult for me to talk to you about this because Dad isn’t here, and it’s not fair that he can’t defend himself, but wehaveto talk about it. I suspected Dad was having an affair. That’s why we separated before last Christmas.”
His mouth forms an O. “I didn’t realize,” he says eventually. “I thought it was because… he hit you.”
