Page 115 of Perfect Three

“She’ll realize I’m right, Geoff.You just wait.A few days and she’ll understand this is the right thing to do.”

Jack and Sebastian held Lucy as she sobbed loudly.They finally pulled away.

Sebastian regarded Geoffrey.“I’m sorry it’s come to this.I would never have believed a child would destroy their mother’s happiness.”

“I apologize for my wife’s behavior.I’m sorrier than you could ever know.”

While Jack held Lucy, Sebastian rummaged in his wallet and pulled out a business card.He threw it at Allison’s feet.“You know where to reach us when you realize what a bigoted idiot you are.”

The two men hugged Lucy again, and Sebastian put her into Geoffrey’s outstretched arms.

With that, the two men went to leave the room, but Lucy grabbed Sebastian.“No!”she screamed.“Don’t leave me!”

He peered down into her tear-ravaged face and ran a finger down her cheek.

Jack looked at Lucy as if his heart had broken into a thousand pieces.

Sebastian kissed her forehead.“Remember we love you.We always will.Remember the good times.Never forget them.”

With that, they walked from the room.

Lucy almost fell to her knees, unable to stand alone.It was only Geoffrey’s strong arms that held her upright.Now beyond help, she clung to him sobbing, her heart shattered.When she was finally able to get a few words out, she sobbed to him.“Take me home, Geoff.”

“You don’t have to go, Mum.They’ve gone.Stay.”

Lucy raised her face and stared at her daughter dumb-struck, then turned to Geoffrey.

When Allison saw the astonished look on Lucy’s face she flinched as if Lucy had struck her.

“I’m sorry, Geoff.”She stuttered through her tears.“I can’t stay here, not now.I’ll come back on Thursday to see the twins.”She looked back at Allison.Through gritted teeth she snarled, “I willneverforgive you for this!”

Allison went to speak, but Geoffrey silenced her with a harsh look.He helped Lucy outside and settled her in his car.The drive back to Lucy’s home was silent except for her sobs.

When they pulled up, Geoffrey helped her from the car.“Don’t give up hope, Lucy.I’ll talk to her once everyone has gone.She can’t do this.It’s so wrong.They’re my children as well as hers.”

“Please, Geoff, please don’t let this cause any more of a divide between you and her.I don’t want that to happen.It’s bad enough she’s stepped between the people I love.”

“I’m fucking furious with her, Lucy, and I intend to get this fixed,” he said vehemently.“Please promise me you’ll be strong.”

“Only if you promise me not to fight with Allison.It’s me she’s mad at, not you.I don’t want you to fight.Promise.”

“Lucy, I can’t do that!I intend to get this sorted right now.”

She pleaded with him.“Please, Geoff.Please promise that you won’t fight with her.The children need both of you in their lives.They don’t want unhappy parents.I’ll be all right.”Once more, she begged, “Promise me, please.”

He shook his head reluctantly.“Okay, I promise.”He looked at Lucy, then warned, “But I’m going to fix this somehow.I love you, Lucy.You’re more than just a mother.You’re my friend, and I hate seeing you unhappy.”

She gave him a watery smile as he kissed her cheek.“Go.The twins will be wondering where you are.”

“I don’t want to leave you like this.”

“I’ll be fine.Go.”

He searched the brave face she wore and nodded.Walking back to the car, he waved goodbye and drove off.

Lucy unlocked the door and went inside, closing it behind her.She leaned her back against the door then slid down it, hugging her knees.

Everything felt so surreal.Had it really happened?

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