Page 77 of High Stakes

“I’m sorry about that too,” he says, adding a cold, empty laugh, “I’m always apologising just lately.”

“It’s fine-”

“Stop saying it’s fine,” he snaps and a passing couple glance our way. Aiden winces, “It’s not okay,” he adds. “I shouldn’t have showed up like that, especially not in that state. I didn’t even plan to come to you . . . it’s just sometimes, you calm the noise in my head.” I remain silent and he shifts uncomfortably. “What you just saw,” he says, “I haven’t done that for so long.”

I shrug, “Whatever, Aiden. It’s your business.”

“I didn’t want you to think I’d gone back to my old ways.”

I almost smile, “The evidence was pretty damming,” I whisper.

“It was a blow out,” he says, “After hearing all that shit yesterday, I needed to take my mind off it.” He groans, running his fingers through his already messy hair. “Fuck, I don’t even know why I’m so cut up. I didn’t even want the fucking kid,” he grits out. “Imagine me with a baby?” And he laughs again. “I hate kids.”

I swallow the lump in my throat. “I’m glad you’re feeling better,” I mutter. “Take care.”

Aiden

JP looks up when I enter the bar. “Did you catch her?”

“Why the fuck did you let her up, JP?” I snap.

“I didn’t, she slipped past when I was on a call. I tried to warn you, but you didn’t pick up.”

“I sorted your problem by the way,” I tell him, my voice full of sarcasm. “You’re welcome.”

“Don’t be mad at me cos Bella caught you. It makes no difference anyway, she’s with Cal.”

“I’m just so tired of letting her down,” I admit, sitting on a stool. JP pours me a whiskey, but I push it away, that’s the last thing I need. “I can’t seem to stop fucking it up. She always catches me at my worst. Her eyes are always full of sadness or disappointment. I hate it.”

“Maybe you should sit her down and talk properly,” JP suggests.

“I’ve tried that.”

“No, you haven’t. You keep turning up unexpected and uninvited. You pin her in the bathroom, go to her shop. Just ask her to meet so you can talk.”

I think over his words. He’s right. I haven’t sat her down and explained everything. “You and Jake were tight. Tellher about him. Explain why you thought it was important to go through with the stupid game.”

“What will it achieve?” I ask, shrugging.

“Maybe you can forgive yourself, and maybe she’ll forgive you. Then you can both move forward.”

I send her a text.

Me: I’m aware I’m a massive twat. But please can we meet for dinner so we can talk? Five in our Italian?

Bella

“Are you going to meet him?” asks Aria as I wipe down the countertop.

“No way. Why would I?”

“So you can clear the air and tell him everything.”

I check my watch, it’s almost six already but I have no intention of turning up to meet Aiden. What could he possibly say that I haven’t already heard? “I told you, I’m not telling him about the baby. This is for the best, Aria.”

“What if you telling him makes the difference in his life and he does change.”

I stare wide eyed, “Why are you suddenly his biggest fan?”

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