Page 64 of The 3am Shattered Mums' Club

‘Well, like we said, we will want to meet him immediately when you do find him,’ Mel said.

Sophy seemed to blush, and even in the dim lighting Mel was sure she had just seen her cheeks flush pink. She made a mental note to pursue that line of conversation another day, because if there was one thing that Sophy deserved more than anything, it was a good man that would make her happy.

Daz came back with the drinks and the women toasted Mel’s performance. Robbie came over, having just done the obligatory circuit of the bar, receiving praise and adoration from the audience as though it were he who had just performed on stage. Robbie put his arms around Mel’s shoulders and squeezed her tightly.

‘I am so proud of my shining star!’ he said and then, as quickly as he arrived, he was summoned away by a group dressed in drag that had just arrived. ‘Darlings!’ Robbie called as he glided over to them.

Mel looked around the room, half expecting to see Jeff make an appearance. It wouldn’t have surprised her if he had. But there had been no sight of him, and Mel was thankful. She knew there was a possibility that she may see Jeff again if he ever got his shit together and started taking Max regularly, but since Sophy had left him several weeks ago now, he had seen Max twice and only for a few hours each time and both times at Wendy’s house. If she had never met Sophy, Jeff would have been living in her mind forever. But he had received the ultimate loss. He had lost a beautiful family. He may not realise it yet, but one day, probably in a few years from now, Jeff Haddon would look back on his life and regret not taking better care of Sophy and Max. Mel could not say the same for his predatory ways, but one thing was for sure, she knew Max would grow up to be a hundred times the man that Jeff was.

* * *

3.01 a.m. – Aisha:Is anyone tired? I’m so tired.

3.12 a.m. – Sophy:I’m up. Have our babies officially synced waking up times?

3.12 a.m. – Aisha:We’ll be syncing our periods next.

3.13 a.m. Sophy:Oh, I’m not looking forward to getting them again when the breastfeeding stops.

3.14 a.m. – Aisha:I think Skylar must be asleep.

3.15 a.m. – Sophy: I know, we never know when we’ll get a bit of Mel on here.

3.15 a.m. – Aisha:Oh no, Otis has thrown up.

3.16 a.m. – Sophy:OMG, so has Max! They’ve synced their sick as well.

29

AISHA

‘Charley, this is my, um, my dad, Jon.’

Aisha watched as Jon stepped confidently towards Charley and went in for a firm handshake, he stepped back with a bit of a swagger and looked around the lounge.

‘It’s a nice gaff you girls keep here,’ Jon said, nodding approvingly.

‘Thanks, Jon. I can’t take much credit for it – it’s Aisha who did all the decorating,’ Charley said, giving Aisha’s shoulder a squeeze.

‘Ah well, she’s got her mum’s touch there,’ Jon said. ‘She loved to paint those walls at the house you all lived in.’

‘I remember they were always very bright. They still are.’

‘Are they now? Well, some things just stay the same, I suppose,’ Jon said with a hint of melancholy in his voice. Charley and Aisha exchanged a quick look. Aisha was unsure whether she should be feeling sorry for Jon or still harbouring some resentment. Really, all she felt was nothing. Which was probably best, as that way she could start from a blank canvas.

‘Shall I take your coat?’ Charley said, breaking the sentimental moment in half. Jon still had his green parka zipped up to his neck.

‘Oh yeah, this old thing. It’s like a second skin to me.’ He unzipped it and handed the coat to Charley, who went and hung it in the hallway.

Aisha and Jon were left looking at each other. Aisha put her hands in her back pockets and smiled awkwardly. This was the third time she had been with her dad since she had met him. It was all still so novel, and at times she was never quite sure what to say, or how to act around him.

‘Tea smells lovely.’ Jon pronounced ‘lovely’love-lee,and with that classic Midlands tone that went up at the end. Aisha couldn’t help but smile.

‘What?’ Jon smirked. ‘You are laughing at your old dad?’

Aisha shook her head. ‘I just like listening to your accent.’

‘Ahh, can’t beat the Brummies, eh?’

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