It was such a foreign thought. She didn’t go into motherhood thinking she’d regret the lack of a partner in anything but an intellectual way. She’d spent no time wishing she had someone to share the parenting burden with because she’d organised her life around managing for Mia’s best interests. But this was different, this wasn’t about wishing there was someone else to help with Mia. This was wishing there was someone else who cared for her, and wishing that someone was Reece.
She walked towards her daughter and her daughter’s carer and the deep fatigue she felt dropped away. Reece was grinning, looking right at her. He spoke to Mia and she started waving frantically. Audrey quickened her pace and Reece spurred his. Mia called, “Mum. Mum. Look at me. I’m on top of the world.” She let go of Reece and flung her arms out wide in a parody of the scene from Titanic he must’ve taught her.
They were only a dozen or so paces apart now. Reece carried Mia so easily and she looked so tiny against his bulk, she might’ve been scared of being that high. Audrey might’ve been scared of seeing her perched that way, but for the laughter and the joy it brought her tired soul. She walked right into Reece’s space and put her hands to the top of Mia’s boots, curling her fingers inside their edge. “Hello Mia.”
“I’m very high.”
“You are.” She dropped her eyes from Mia to Reece. His face was flushed. Sunburn maybe. “Hi.”
“Hi.”
Audrey took a deep breath. She let go of Mia’s boots. She should step away. She was standing too close. It was very hot out here and very bright. “She’s heavy enough to give you a neck ache. You should have a hat on.”
“Nah.” He gave a little jump to jostle Mia and she shrieked and pulled his hair making him grimace, then he turned sideways so she could see his cap tucked in the waist of his boardies. “Hair is better to hold on to.”
Oh God, she had already imagined Reece’s hair under her fingers.
“I am holding on,” said Mia.
Audrey reached for the top edge of Reece’s cap and pulled it out of his shorts. She unfolded it. The fabric was warm from his body. She took the scooter out from under his arm. He was perfectly capable of putting his own cap on. But he knew what she wanted to do. He took his hands off Mia’s knees and held them above his head so she could take them. He ducked his head and Audrey slid the cap over his thick, dark hair. He smelled of sunscreen and saltwater and something else she couldn’t pick. When he lifted his head she was grateful both of them had sunglasses on. She didn’t dare read his eyes.
“Want to ride?” he said, and without giving Mia a chance to protest he took her under the arms and lifted her over his head. She squealed as he swung her to the ground then made a happy grab for her scooter. He swapped her hat for her helmet. “Only to the playground, no further.” Mia took off, too fast.
“She’s going—”
“She’s fine. They all ride like that, like they’re drunk.”
She watched Mia weave up the path. She stopped, looked back at them, started again. Audrey frowned. Why didn’t she know this was how Mia rode, erratic, dangerous in a crowd? Not that there was any danger now, they had the path to themselves.
“Is everything okay?”
“Yes.” She coughed, her throat was so dry. She didn’t want to admit she felt strange. “A meeting got cancelled. Gave myself an early mark.”
Reece took hold of her arm. “Audrey, are you all right?”
“I’m fine, it’s hot. I’m not dressed for the beach.”
“All the colour dropped out of your face.”
“I’m fine.”
He let go her arm, but stared at her. “You’re not fine.”
“I’ve got a bit of a headache, that’s all. I’m tired. An early night is all I need.”
“Ah. Well, Mia should be tuckered. She’s been on the go all day and she did well at her swimming lesson this morning. I could stay and get her to bed for you.”
She frowned. How could she have forgotten about the swimming lesson? That’s why there was no Wiggle time. That’s what Reece would have wanted to talk about this morning. What was wrong with her? “How did it go?”
“She’s not scared of the water, which is a good start. Today was all about splashing. Tomorrow it’s bubble blowing. And you know what? I’m going to fight you about putting her to bed. It’s no trouble.”
She laughed unexpectedly. “I can’t picture you ever fighting with anyone. I don’t think I’ve met anyone with as even and steady a temperament as you. You can put her to bed if you let me buy us an early dinner. Fish and chips on the beach.”
“Don’t confuse me with a better man.”
He walked ahead. She didn’t follow. He’d sounded bitter and she hadn’t expected that. He was pushing Mia on a swing when she caught up with them. She sat on a park bench in the shade and watched them, wondering what she’d said to make Reece react that way. Mia soon tired of the swing and headed for the slide. Reece sat beside her on the bench. They had the playground to themselves.
“I said something to upset you.”