Page 132 of Fe
“No. I don’t look up what my father is doing or what his kids are up to. Or his wife. They’re not part of my life, but sometimes I see stuff about them, or hear it. It was only when Judd told me his father was into Japanese stuff and was an actor that I began to wonder. Then everything clicked into place. My father will be at Judd’s wedding and I don’t want to be there. I have no idea if he’d recognise me. Maybe he wouldn’t but I don’t…” Fen stopped talking and bit his lip.
Ripley took hold of his hand. “Thank you for telling me.”
“You’ll keep my secret, won’t you?”
“Yes.”
Fen sighed.
“What a complete shit.”
Fen looked across at him. “Only me, my mum and you would think so. I happened to see he’s tipped to be in the New Year’s Honours List. A knighthood.”
“He gave your mum no money at all?”
“I told you he didn’t.”
“She could have pursued him through the courts.”
“She chose not to.”
“You’re…”
“You’re going to ask me again if I’m sure she’s told me the truth? Whether she made it up? I’ve seen the DNA results. I don’t know what she had of his but… Anyway, it was a match.”
“He’s a fool. He doesn’t deserve you. You deserve better.”
“Enough now. I don’t want to talk about it again, but if Christian wants to meet up for a drink with you and me, and Judd will be there, I’d rather not.”
Ripley squeezed his fingers.
Fen felt a mix of relief and anxiety that he’d told Ripley. But he trusted him to keep quiet. Fen’s phone vibrated. “My mum. I better take it.”
Ripley nodded.
“Hi, Mum.”
“Just wanted to speak to you today in case I don’t get chance tomorrow. The plane is early so we need to be at the airport at some godawful time.”
Fen leaned back in his seat so there was no chance of Ripley overhearing. One secret told but this one was still there.
“Christmas will be brilliant,” Fen said. He’d have to be careful not to give anything away.
“But you won’t be there.”
“I can’t wait.”
“Until we get back?”
“It’s going to be so much fun. Christmas Dinner. Mmm. Sausage meat in the stuffing, right? Best roast potatoes ever. My mouth is watering and I’ve just eaten lunch.”
“Out with Ripley?”
“Yes.”
“Maybe he could come for second Christmas?”
“Maybe.” No way.
