Page 24 of Wish You Once More
A grin split my face. It was the book I’d always demanded Jonny read to me when we were kids. At least his dad had passed on some good taste. And who was I to deny a four-year-old?
I sat up and pulled Henry into the crook of my body. He snuggled down, while I opened the book and started to read. The level of domesticity in the situation almost made me laugh. Not three days ago, I’d been in a club, schmoozing with fans, chatting up women, living my band life.
“There you are! God, Mat, I’m so sorry. I told him not to disturb you.” Melinda appeared in the doorway, ready to remove Henry.
“It’s fine. I love this book.” I ruffled Henry’s hair and he giggled.
“You came home late last night.” She leaned against the doorjamb; arms crossed over her chest.
“Sorry, did I wake you? I tried to be quiet.”
Melinda laughed. “Jonny already did that when he came in. If he’s had a drink, he always thinks he’s as quiet as a church mouse, when in reality it’s an elephant who crashes through the house.”
I couldn’t remember exactly when Jonny and I had agreed to go our separate ways last night. He’d bumped into a group of his mates and they’d gone to get a kebab. I’d made up some excuse about being tired, so I didn’t have to join them, then went to find Bree instead. Thinking back to our kiss made my dick stir, something I wasn’t entirely comfortable with being as Henry was snuggled up next to me.
“Did you meet up with some friends?” asked Melinda. “It must be nice for you to catch up.”
There was only one person I’d caught up with, and I had enjoyed every single moment. My dick got harder.Fuck.
Thankfully, Melinda rescued me. “Come on, Henry, let’s go and make pancakes before Grandad gets here. Let’s give Uncle Mat a few minutes to wake up, shall we?”
“Yeah, who did you meet up with last night?” Jonny appeared next to his girlfriend. “I didn’t hear you come back.”
There was no way I’d tell them about Bree. I still didn’t entirely know exactly why I’d kissed her, but I was glad she knew the truth about why I’d left.
The doorbell rang, thankfully taking the heat off of me. Melinda swooped in and lifted Henry into her arms.
“It’ll be your Dad. I’ll go and let him in.” She looked between us. “Would one of you be able to entertain him while I sort breakfast out?”
“Don’t forget we’re meeting with the band at eleven,” said Jonny. “Me and Mat will need to be gone by half ten.”
“Which still gives you an hour and a half with him.” Melinda glared at Jonny. “Cut me some slack here, I can’t do everything.”
Jonny kissed his son’s forehead, ruffling his hair. “You got it.” He turned back to me. “See you downstairs.”
Alone again, I let out a hard breath. I’d forgotten how chaotic a house with a child and Jonny, could be. Usually I only had myself to entertain. But it gave me a warm feeling to be back around family.
After I showered and dressed, I headed downstairs. Jonny and Dad were in the living room, watching the sports news channel and speculating loudly about some football transfer deal.
“Mat!” Dad hauled himself up from the armchair and came over to hug me. “I’m looking forward to seeing my boys playing together for the first time in years.” He let out a chesty cough.
From behind him, I noticed Jonny frown. I tried to telegraph a message with my eyes. Was this the thing I needed to be worried about?
“Ha, just need to make sure Mat doesn’t steal the limelight.” Jonny laughed. “Although I wouldn’t mind some of his fame-hungry groupie cast offs.”
“Oi, I heard that.” Melinda stuck her head into the living room. “The first batch of pancakes is ready, although I’m not sure you deserve any.”
Jonny enveloped Melinda in a massive hug, stroking her mahogany hair. “Don’t worry, I only have eyes for you.”
Dad and me rolled our eyes at each other. They were so disgustingly in love with each other, there was no danger of either of them straying. If he wasn’t my brother, it would be sickening.
Henry was already tucking into his breakfast, although I’m sure there was more syrup on his face than his food. The three of us Redmond men squashed around the small table in the kitchen, while Melinda ate standing by the cooker.
It had been a long time since I’d had a proper home-cooked meal. Everything I ate usually came in a takeaway carton or out of a packet and went in the oven. I envied the level of domesticity in Jonny and Melinda’s home, but then I thought of the rush of playing a sold-out venue and it didn’t compare. I shovelled some pancakes, bacon and syrup into my mouth.
“This is amazing, thanks, Melinda,” I mumbled.
“Mat Redmond, I expect to tell Henry off for talking with his mouth full, not you!” She laughed. “And thank you. Pancakes seem to be a Redmond man’s favourite.”
