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Samantha looks up at me again and cocks her head inquisitively. “Oh?” Is all she says in response.
I’m not surprised at her reaction. It was the same as mine, plus a few extra expletives, when I flew back to the UK, grieving for my wife only to discover she’d been unfaithful.
“I’m sure I sound like a bastard now, so please let me explain. My wife wasn’t in the car alone when she died. She was with a close friend of ours. They were returning from a night away at a hotel together. The friend…”—I can’t even bear to say his name— “He must have had a lot to drink the evening before as he was still over the legal limit. They both died instantly when he hit a lorry from behind. I guess that’s the thing about life—it kicks you the hardest when you’re already down.”
“I can’t imagine what you went through. Dealing with your own loss and having to look after Noah as well.” Samantha reaches out and wraps her fingers around my hand that’s resting on the table. The comforting warmth of her touch seeps from her into me, and I feel surprisingly calm, having just admitted something I try to forget and never speak about. “You're very brave.” Samantha looks up at the CCTV screen just as Noah can be seen running across it. “Does he know the truth?”
“No, I don’t know if I’ll ever tell him. It’s better he remembers his mother as perfect. This is my secret, and I intend to keep it from him. I’d appreciate it if you could as well.”
“Of course.”
“Hi, Miss Bailey.” Noah’s voice is loud and breathless as he runs towards our table, and Samantha quickly removes her hand from mine.
“Hi, Noah, you looked like you were having fun in there.”
“It’s so good. I love it when Dad brings me here.”
Noah picks up his coke and drinks it down quickly.
“Slow down a bit, Son. The bubbles will fill you up, and you won’t be able to eat all your dinner.”
Noah stops mid gulp and places the glass down.
“Sorry, Dad. I’ll leave lots of space. The chicken nuggets are the best here,” he informs Samantha.
“Have you tried the chicken and leek pie before? I’m having that,” she questions.
“Yuck, no. Leeks are horrible.” Noah screws up his face in disgust.
Samantha laughs, and it warms my heart to see Noah interacting so happily with a woman again. I’ve not dated since my wife died. It’s been very much just Noah and me. I shut down after everything that happened with Julia, but watching Noah and his teacher together and feeling how attracted I am to Samantha, I could see myself opening up and dating again.
Maybe it’s time to take the barriers down from around my heart and give myself a second chance at love.
CHAPTER FIVE
SAMANTHA
Landon is true to his word, and less than a week later, there’s a massive queue outside the fire station as the men of his crew wash cars. There are also several men from the army here as well—a favour from Landon’s friend Ben, apparently.
I’m supervising the event while Noah counts the money for me along with Kevin. The two have really bonded since the fight. We’re charging five pounds a car and already have one hundred pounds to go towards the fun day fund. The chance to have a hot, topless fireman clean your car has certainly brought the school mums out.
“There’s so much money. Look, Kevin.” Noah waves a handful of five pounds in the air. “We’ll be able to have a massive bouncy castle and lots of sweets. If the weather’s hot, can we get water cannons as well? That would be so cool.” I dread to think about all the other ideas for the day that are running through his head.
I can’t help but laugh at the difference in his demeanour today compared to last week. Having the fun day to work towards has focused his mind. He’s even suggested that any money we raise on the day should be used to purchase new play equipment for our school. He wants to give something back before he leaves to go to secondary school with the rest of his class at the end of the year. Everyone agrees it’s the perfect way to spend any money we make.
“As long as you promise not to get me wet.” I laugh.
“I don’t think any of us can promise that, Miss,” he teases back.
“Can Kevin and I go and tell my dad how much we’ve raised so far?” he asks, and I nod.
“Of course. Just be careful of the cars moving around.”
Another customer comes over to pay. I take the money, note it on the cash register sheet, and put the fiver into the tin with the others. I feel the warmth of happiness cascading through me from doing something so positive, not just for Noah, but for the school and even the community.
My attention is captured by Noah squealing with delight. His father has picked him up and is twirling him around in the air effortlessly.
“That’s so good, little man.”
