I wondered how long it would take for one of them to say the classic phrase. It’s a good job I’m not his dad as I wouldn’t stand for his attitude lately. I clench my jaw and start the engine. The roar beneath me mimics the rage inside.
“Look, I’m not trying to be your dad. I care about your mum, and I care about you, believe it or not. If you want to talk, I’m here.”
He looks out the window, giving me the silent treatment. He reminds me of his mother, how he sticks his chin out when Steph has the face on. These kids may be Justin’s double, but fucking-hell, they have their mother’s personality. Steph can be stubborn, fierce and mardy as hell, not to mention spoilt.
I smile, thinking of her and despite it all, I fucking love her for it. Even when she’s pissed off, she arouses something in me and her fiery temper dissolves at the touch of my lips. I snort, wishing I could resolve everything with one kiss. I’d kiss her until her pain stopped. Until she was happy again.
“You know, I love your mum. And I love you two kids even though you hate me.” I laugh.
I glance at Cassie in the passenger seat and nudge her with my shoulder. “Is that a smile? Wait, let me take a picture to show your mum. I actually got a smile out of you.”
She laughs, “I don’t hate you.”
“That’s good to hear.”
“I loathe you.” She grins, and Cairen bursts out laughing.Little shit.
“That’s the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me.”
“We will like you if you buy us the new PlayStation,” Cairen says.
I silently laugh. I have to hand it to them. They drive a hard bargain.
“Mate, if you can be nice to me and help me get back with your mum, I’ll have a word with Santa. How about that?”
“Deal. If by Santa, you mean Mum.”
“You don’t believe?”
He smiles and looks out the window.
After pulling on the drive, the kids are first through the door and upstairs. I step over their bags and shoes in Steph’s small hallway. Normally I would call them out on it and make them put them away, but not today.
It’s easier to just put them away myself than to cause another row. I don’t need another reason for these two to hate me any more than they already do.
* * *
STEPH
“Your mum is still poorly, then?”Cal asks, dropping the groceries on the worktop.
“How do you know?”
“Because you’ve had those fluffy sheep pyjamas on for three days.”
“I know. I really need a wash. Claire and Sam are working.”
“I’ll help you. It’s no big deal.” He puts the shopping away, and I think I can manage to take my bra and pants off if he helps me take my top off.
Caleb whizzes across the laminate floor in his baby walker. “Ay, mate, look what I got you.” He empties a packet of milky buttons onto the tray and his eyes light up. They keep him occupied as he uses his fine motor skills to pick one up and bring it to his mouth.
“I’d love a bath. I can’t remember the last time I had a soak.”
“I’ll run you one in a minute. Anything to get you out of those fucking pyjamas.”
I follow Cal upstairs to the bathroom. He carries Caleb in one arm and places him in his cot with some toys to keep him occupied. The vanilla scent of the bubble bath billows around me as Cal pours it into the running water.
Standing in my fluffy pyjamas, I play with the drawstring of the bottoms. My skin tingles as a hot flush creeps up my neck.