Didn’t stop you taking most of the credit for it with all the children’s parents though did it?
“I don’t think so, no - besides Finn has adored it and you didn’t seem to mind when he was thanking you.” I couldn’t help myself.
“Well, I could hardly tell him I’d not been involved in the planning could I?”
“I sent you several texts, Niall about this party and the only one I ever received in response was the one that clearly said you couldn’t afford to contribute and that you’d be there on the day. It’s fine, really! Anyway, I’m glad you and Karen came for Finn - we have a lot of these parties to get through over the years.”
“Hmmm.”
I turn at his noncommittal response, his eyes flicker over my body appraisingly and I shudder. I honestly wish he would go into the lounge with everyone else or someone would come join us in here. “What does ‘Hmmm’ mean?”
“Maybe you and I have several years of these parties to get through but Karen, I’m not so sure.”
“That’s a shame. I like her.” I return to washing the large platter in the sink, my back to him.
“That surprises me.” His voice is suddenly much closer.
“Me too, I suppose, but once she realised that you and I were over she showed her real self and I actually like her and she is great with Finn now that she is secure. I’ve told you this before, Niall.”
Silence.
Frowning I look over my shoulder and am met with the full-force of Niall’s chest, his arms encircling my waist, taking full advantage of my defenceless position, my hands wet and in the sink. “Just lean back into me, Lucia. God, I’d forgotten how good you smelled.”
“Wtf? Niall, get off me!” Panic sets in as I worry that Sebastian will walk in on our position and get the wrong impression and with this fear I push back angrily and flick my wet hands over him in an attempt to maintain distance. “What the hell are you doing?”
“I’m sorry. I don’t know…I thought…”
“You thought what? This is Seb’s home - our home.”
“I know, just seeing you like that, just reminded me of, well… better times.”
“That doesn’t mean you have the right to man-handle me! You lost that right a long time ago.” I feel my nostrils flare, his sulky pout just adding fuel to my rapidly growing fire.
“I’m sad that I won’t be with you and Finn to celebrate his birthdays, achievements, occasions, you know all those special moments - he will be the one Finn will be calling dad; he’ll be the one that will be at the pinnacle of all those important times. He is not his father!”
I sigh inwardly and watch his bowed head, I did understand his sadness and felt a sliver of empathy for him but my inner bitch said, ‘you should have thought about that when you went off and shagged another woman!’. The better part of me shined through, however and consoled him, just like I always had to, for all those years.
“You’ll always be his father, Niall. Yes, it will be hard for you, and us at times but we will do our best to ensure you are included when you should be. Nonetheless, Seb will be part of Finn’s life too and he will be bringing Finn up; you’ll just have to deal with that. Suck it up and man up! He’ll be a great father to Finn and you know it - that’s probably what you hate about this whole situation the most, if you’re completely honest yourself.”
“I know.”
“You and I are never going to get back together.”
“Karen is a good girl but she’ll never be you.”
“No, she won’t but you lost your chance and you’ll never have that opportunity again. Sorry if that sounds narcissistic but its true. Does she make you happy?”
“Yeah, sure.”
“Have you cheated on her?”
“Fuck, Lu.”
“Tell me, Ni - or I’ll go out there and tell her and Sebastian right now you’ve just had your hands all over me!”
“No! I’ve not cheated on her.”
“Well that says something at least. I need to know you are going to make this work with her, or I don’t want you bringing her into Finn’s life any deeper. You have to have learned from your mistakes.”
“I get it. I do love her and she is the perfect housewife.”
“Like how?”
“She puts me first.”
“And I didn’t?”
“Not really no. You aways wanted more, were too busy being independent and career driven. You never wanted to just be a… wife.”
“You’re so wrong. I wanted to be a wife - want to be a wife.” I just didn’t want to be yours.
“I needed you to be more amenable, you know? Be the with that was waiting for me with a home-cooked meal when I walked through the door, stay in and wait up for me when I went out with the boys…”
“Basically, have no life.”
“No! I didn’t mean it like that…”
“You were selfish Niall and you can’t continue in that pattern or Karen will catch on quick, despite her ‘perfect housewife’ routine, she is still a modern woman and has needs.”
“You’re right. I didn’t take me long after I left, to realise, that what attracted me to you in the first place was your sass - that returned the second I we split. I’m sorry, Lu. I tried to change you and in the end you did, it was just not for me.”
“No.” I nod wistfully. “It was for myself.” A lull settles between us as we ponder my words, words that should have been spoken and settled months ago. “I honestly think Karen and you are made for one another, Niall but you need to stop being so bloody selfish and see whats right under your nose. She loves you but she won’t hang around forever.” I can’t believe I’m seriously giving love-life advice to my ex; Suzie and Abby would go mental. “You and I are through though, yeah?” I laugh a little nervously, hopefully saying it for this final time will be enough.
“I get it, tough but I knew we were over once you and Sebastian moved in together. But hey, a guy can always try,” he slants his head and strokes his imaginary beard and all sympathy leaves my body as its replaced with complacency for his pathetic flirtations - they no longer worked on me. In one ear and out of the other, last time I try to give him advice.
“What can a guy always try?”
We both turn to meet Karen’s steely gaze from the doorway and I smile warmly at her; a saviour at last. “Niall was just telling me all about the plans he has for your future.” I lock eyes with my ex, daring him to correct me, knowing I’ve dropped him right in the preverbal shit. Surprisingly he doesn’t.
“Oh yes?”
“Yes. He has big plans for you and he. Huge! I’m really happy for you both. Right I’ll leave you two to it. I need to go find Seb so we can light up this cake. See you two in a few minutes for the celebrations.”
“Actually, I think we will slip out before but I’ll make sure I’ve spoken to Finn before we go.” Niall mumbles at my back. Of course he’d run at the first sign of trouble.
*******
I find Seb wrestling with a mountain of little boys, all of them winning hands down. Grinning I catch his eye and wrinkle my nose as I watch his silent mouthed “Help!” from under their wriggling bodies.
“Right boys, I think that’s enough play-fighting for now, time for cake.”
“But, we’re saving Sub from the evil sorcerer,” Finn pouts from behind Seb’s body and I glance in the direction of his finger to where Nathan, is crouched and throwing out all manner of grisly faces and arms gestures at the boys, a metallic green laser gun in hand.
“Oh, is that what your doing? Sorry, silly me. Well tell the evil sorcerer he can have a piece too.” I wink at Na. “You can release the force-field around Sub now boys you’ve done a super job of protecting him.”
Oh to be so young again and full of imagination.
“Can I help, sis?” Suzie enquires from her slump on the sofa and I shake my head emphatically.
“Not a chance, but th
anks. You put your feet up, you’ve been amazing. You all have and I really appreciate the support in making Finn’s delayed birthday so special.”
Abby salutes me. “Wouldn’t have missed it. I’m his Godmother after all!”
“Good practice for us when this little one starts having parties.” Suzie rubs her belly. “Although they’ll be more of the pink princess kind I hope and less rowdy.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure.” Abs mutters under her breath.
“How so?”
“My niece Millie is six and has just had a pirate and princess party last month. My sister-in-law was so happy, to dress her a big pink glittery dress. She invited the whole class. 17 boys and 13 girls. The day of the party, Millie refused to go as a Princess, it was too girly; she wanted to go as Captain Jack Sparrow, complete with eye patch and drawn-on designer stubble - the girls were more of a handful than the boys apparently and certainly made more mess.”
I refrain from giggling, watching Suzie’s look of despair; Abs was naughty to tease - we both knew how girly my sister was and she would be gutted if she had a little girl that was such a tomboy.
“Well that won’t be my angel.”
“No, it won’t darling I’m sure but little girls who wear tutus and climb trees are the best combination - so much more interesting.” I pat her arm, pacifying her in her hormonal pregnant state. “Right, Seb will you get the video camera? Where is everyone else?”
“They are being given a tour around the house by our mothers.” Seb replies with raised eyebrows.
Thank God the house was immaculate. “Ok? Would you shout them down Gino. Tell them we are about to light the cake.”
“No probs, Lu. Only if I can have the corner piece.” His cheeky wink makes me smile.
“Of course, I always save the corner for my brother-in-law.”
“At least someone is being nice to me.” His moan doesn’t go unnoticed by the other women and I catch Susie’s angry face before the pillow is hurled in her husband’s direction.
“Just go find the others.”
He skulks off before Suzie folds her face her hands, muffling a dramatic scream. “Oh. My. God that man is driving me potty!”
Abs and I share a secret look of concern. It sounded like my sister and Gino needed some quality time as a couple, away from all the pregnancy goings on. I made a mental note to talk to Seb about it when we were alone.
“Right, matches, where did I put the matches…”
“I have them!” Nina replies in her soft tones, stepping into the lounge from the hallway. “We are all here, sorry for the delay.”
“Thanks, mum.”
I feel Seb’s hand at my waist and lean into him, his scent filling my nostrils, making me safe. Looking around, I see all our friends and family, our parents happily chatting together, Finn excitedly waiting for the cake reveal. Who’d have thought that only a few months before we’d be living together and a family? I still couldn’t quite believe it.
Seb disappears to grab the two-tiered marvel master-piece that we’d had made-up for him at Cake Creations and as he brings it into the room, we all begin to sing Happy Birthday, all the children, sitting around the table and joining in, singing “squashed tomatoes and stew”, pointing at the cake in awe. I beam as I see Finn’s big blue eyes wide and excited when he stands up to meet his cake’s arrival.
“Happy Birthday dear Fiinnnn, Happy 4th birthday to you.” The crowd erupts to raucous clapping and he shouts, “Cool! Its awesome mum!”
My work here is done.
The next hour is spent, cutting cake, adding it to party bags and packing off children to their respective parents, each leaving with dramatic analogies of how amazing Finn’s party had been and ‘Mum? Can I have a party like this?” I take a moment to feel a sense of pride that Seb and I had not only survived our first party for Finn together but outdone ourselves. More importantly he had loved it and that was what mattered and I felt so much better now that I had given him a memorable event, after not being able to celebrate his day properly whilst I recovered from my operation.
“Well. We’re off, thanks guys.” Suzie hollers from the hallway.
“No, thank you! You and G were a great help.”
“See you next weekend guys for the hen and stag do’s” Seb winks at them as they head out.
“We are going head home too.” Bitzy and Bob round the corner from the kitchen.
“And us,” my mum adds.
“Are you all leaving?” Seb looks surprised.
“Time to spend some quality time with your lad and open up his pressies, before calling it a night - you’ll both be beat.” My dad chuckles and I instantly love him for it. My feet were killing and all I wanted right now was a hot bath and my pj’s.
“Nathan and I are going for a drink.” Abs smiles, leaning in to give me a hug and then whispers, ‘we need to talk’ and I nod as discreetly as I can.
“Right, well, Finn, what do you say to everyone for coming and buying you such lovely pressies.”
“Erm - let’s do it again soon?”
An explosion of laughter ripples around the group of people I hold so dear as they stare down at my son, blonde and perfect looking but with a wicked wit and charm in abundance.
“Certainly Finn, we’ll do it again soon.” Bob Silver leans forward, ruffling Finn’s hair before they do the complicated handshake that Nathan and Seb always perform with him - must run in the male side of the family and it was lovely to see Bob passing it on. Grandpa Bob; it had a nice ring to it.
We all laugh again as Finn completes it faultlessly and both he and Bob end the handshake with a spin that is timed to perfection. Finally, the women, ensure the herd make their move out the door, and with Seb at my side, his arms wrapped around me and Finn nestled into my front, as we wave everyone off, I have a warm feeling filtering over my body. This was my family and the promise of a new start in our new home. For the first time in forever I felt safe.
“I think that went rather well don’t you, my love.”
“I think it went perfectly.” I sigh happily into his neck.
*******
Stags…
“Can you at least try to look like you want to be here man?”
I smile apologetically at Gino’s sarcastic tone. “Soz, mate. I really appreciate everything you and Nathan have done. It’s great really.”
“But, a certain someone isn’t here to enjoy it with… I get it.”
“He’s turned into a total wet!” Na joins us at the bar.
“Sod off!”
He’s right though, I have. I love my boy time but no amount of sexy women gyrating half naked around a pole would sway me from wanting to be buried between Lu’s thighs right now. Thankfully Gino rescues me.
“Nothing wrong with being in love with your woman - I still would rather spend the night in with Suze, than you hairy beasts.”
“Both, soppy gets.” Na laughs.
“When you find the woman of your dreams you’ll know where we’re coming from, bro.” I clink my bottle with Gino’s and enjoy the attention being taken away from me. I notice Nathan’s eyes dull and instantly sense I’ve hit a nerve - crap!
“Bloody women - they’re more trouble than they are worth. I’ll never understand them.” His mutters are practically inaudible.
“The right woman is worth all that trouble.” G nods wisely.
“You alright, mate?” I ask knowing he won’t answer truthfully.
“Yep. Bloody hell is this a stag do or a wake - we came here to have fun, not get all in touch with our feelings - I can feel my dick shrinking and man-moobs growing!”
I chuckle at his obvious cover-up - he’d talk about Miss Abigail in time. “You’re right, come on, let’s go join the others before Colin devours them.”
“I thought Col was joining the hens?”
“He did earlier for the pampering, then he came down to join us stags wi
th James Marcell. Not their thing but I appreciate the gesture and it’s not for long as apparently they are turning it into a romantic weekend.”
We all share a knowing look, gay men in a heterosexual strip club was not the norm but both Colin and James had received more female attention since arriving than any of the men in our stag group. They were obviously not threatening in anyway, that and the fact that Col had been giving some of the dancers make-up tips.
As we near the rest of the group, which includes Chris, Andy and a few other work mates, I locate Colin in his leopard print shirt, black slim fit trousers and red suede shoes. What was he like! “Thanks for coming Col? You coping with all the females on offer?”
“What me, darling I’m loving all this. It’s uber classy - Jamesy and I have been trying to get in for months. I wouldn’t have wanted to join for that laser pointing thingy today though - my skin is very sensitive and I’d only just fake-tanned.” He stops to sip his Pina Colada through a neon pink straw and I try to control my grin. Lu was right, he was a tonic this one.
“You’d have hated it, Col - all those sexy men in army gear - def not for you.” I smirk at his pout before continuing. “The girls get on well this aft?” I enquire.
“You won’t get a thing out of me, you naughty boy!” he drawls, tapping his cosmetically enhanced nose, “but I will say that your love-to-be was pampered thoroughly and deservedly. They will be living it up now at The Gilded Fox - hardly!”
“I take it you’re not impressed with Abs & Suzie’s choice of venue?”
“Not on your nellie but, the bride was and that’s all that matters. It’s not like Lu hasn’t partied with the best of them over the years and after the last few months she’s had I think she just fancied playing it safe and getting trollied in known surroundings.”
I was satisfied too as it meant I could have them monitored by Ralph, whom I’d wanted to be here tonight as my friend but he’d chosen to support me by stake-out instead - I owed him a decent bottle of vodka. “So you and James come to Manchester often?”
“Not really for clubbing - shopping yes. Harvey’s nipples is divine here.”
The One Adored (The One Trilogy Book 3) Page 24
