Page 19 of The Six-Week Single Dad
“Thanks, that’s really kind of you.” I smiled.
A few minutes later I sat at the table, cramming white bread, bacon and runny egg into my mouth. I was making as much of a mess as Alfie would. So much for making a good impression on my new friends.
We chatted about Alfie and their babies. Catrina’s daughter, Freya, and Iona’s son, Oliver, were around the same age, and it turned out they had been at antenatal classes with Maddy.
As Maddy became the subject of conversation, Catrina and Iona kept exchanging nervous glances and I suspected their view of her may not exactly be a favourable one.
“We can’t believe she chose to leave Alfie so soon.”
“And to be in a totally different country, as well.”
“We both felt sorry for Hayden.”
“It’s so nice he’s got your support.”
“Catrina offered to help Maddy but she wouldn’t hear of it.”
Suddenly, they both spoke at once and I only just about managed to follow what they were saying. I sipped my coffee, hoping that the caffeine would help me to keep up. Instead, I nodded and mumbled a few, what I hoped were, positive noises.
“How’s Hayden coping with the change? I remember Maddy saying that he wanted to help out more when Alfie was first born, but she pushed him away.”
I didn’t know that. In fact, there was a lot about Maddy and Hayden I didn’t know. And I wasn’t sure I wanted to know either.
“We’re adjusting.” I sounded as if I knew what I was talking about. It had been three days. Hardly enough time to know whether a life-changing event, such as having your son full-time, was going well or not.
“Had you and Hayden discussed having children?” Catrina sipped her tea as she waiting for me to answer.
I almost spat my drink out in response. “I, we’re not, I mean, I’m…” I took a breath and composed myself. “What I mean is, we’re not together as a couple.”
Even though you want to be.
“Oh, right. I assumed…”
The smile I gave didn’t reach my eyes, I’m sure. “That’s fine. A few people have made that assumption.”
“Hayden’s not seeing anyone then?” Iona nudged Catrina, thinking I hadn’t seen her do it.
“Nope. At least not as far as I know. There certainly hasn’t been anyone around in the past few days.” Alfie, who had been superbly behaved up until that point, let out the loudest burp I’d ever heard followed by a piercing wail. I leaned down over the buggy and stroked his face. “What’s the matter, little man? Is it time to head home?” His cries grew louder and I glanced around the cafe at the other customers who were trying to ignore him.
“Would you be able to mention that we asked after him?” Catrina reached into her bag and grabbed a pen, writing something on a napkin and sliding it across the table to me. “And if he needs anything, he can call anytime.”
“Sure.” I gave that fake smile again, hoping my jealousy wasn’t showing. There was no way on earth I was giving Hayden that number. While I knew he wasn’t mine, I wasn’t prepared to let anyone else get involved with him right now. “And it’s been lovely to meet both of you. Perhaps we can do this again some time?”
They both nodded and answered the affirmative. I gathered my things together and headed out into the street. It was only early afternoon and there were still several hours until Hayden was due home. On a whim, I decided that I should cook for him, partly to apologise for my behaviour over the weekend, and partly to introduce him to the fact I made an amazing spaghetti bolognese.
When Hayden arrived home shortly after seven, I was whipping up a storm in the kitchen. The bolognese sauce was bubbling away nicely, and it wouldn’t be long before the pasta was ready. Alfie was jumping up and down in his baby bouncer. He’d had a nap that afternoon, eaten all of his dinner and was delighted when his father walked through the front door. A bit like me, really.
He did a bit of a double take as he came in. “Something smells amazing. I thought I was cooking tonight.” He went straight over to where Alfie was playing and lifted him out of the bouncer, holding him up at arm’s length and bouncing him around himself. Alfie squealed in delight. At the sight of the two of them, my insides contracted with joy.
“I had a bit of time this afternoon while Alfie was sleeping.” I smiled, wiping my hands on my apron, the perfect example of domestic bliss. “How was your day?”
Hayden’s face fell. “Ugh, not great. One of my deals fell through and I had to start all the research again. I was going to do some more this evening.”
My heart sank at the thought of not spending the whole evening with Hayden. “Oh.” My voice came out small, and a little like a sulky child.
He looked between me and the pot on the hob. “Although after eating that, I’m not sure I’ll be able to do anything but sleep, so maybe I’ll go in early tomorrow instead. Let me get changed and I’ll come and join you. Did you want me to put Alfie to bed first?”
“That would be great, thank you.”
