Page 51 of Silver Tears

“You’re back!” He flings himself at me, wrapping his arms around my waist.

I stroke the top of his head with my hand. “Hey, Chops. Have you had fun with Peggy?”

He nods his head enthusiastically. “We baked cookies and fairy cakes and then we planted some flowers. I’ve planted some sunflower seeds and Peggy has put it in my very own pot to take home.” He notices Seb standing just behind me and flings himself at him. “Seb! When can we go to the zoo again?”

Seb swings him up over his shoulder and tickles him on his side. “Soon. I promise. Have you been good for Peggy?”

I watch the two of them together with a smile on my face. Seb is so good with him. Maybe I misjudged him. Spending time with him is making me realise that perhaps what I thought I knew about Seb Collings is only what he lets the world believe. Under all that humour and cocky attitude, there is a guy with a heart who will fiercely protect those he cares about.

We thank Peggy for taking care of him and she assures us she enjoyed the company and will have him again anytime. We make the short walk next door, armed with a plate of cookies and a box of fairy cakes. Charlie happily holds onto Seb’s hand, carrying his plant pot in his other.

The mood changes as soon as we step through the front door. Lenny is sitting on the sofa, a can of beer in his hand and a cigarette in the other.

“Oh, hello,” I say, stalling in the doorway.

He doesn’t answer straight away. He just slowly looks me up and down before breaking into a sly grin. “So, you’re the daughter. Milly. Heard a lot about you from your mum.”

“And you must be Lenny.” I really try to mask the distaste in my voice.

“You got your mum’s looks, that’s for sure, ain’t ya?” He grins, and I shiver, not liking the way he’s looking at me.

Seb clears his throat from behind me. Coming up close to my back, he places a hand on my waist. He moves past me into the room and walks up to Lenny, holding his hand out.

“Lenny. Heard a lot about you, too. I’m Seb. Seb Collings. Milly’s boyfriend.” The two size each other up for a minute before Lenny reaches up his hand and shakes Seb’s.

“Good to meet you, boy.”

I see Seb’s jaw tighten at being called a boy. He doesn’t like it, and I’m pretty sure Lenny said it on purpose.

I notice Charlie is quiet and I find him hovering behind me, the happy and chatty boy now gone. I reach out and take his hand in mine and guide him towards the kitchen with me. “Let’s put the cookies and cakes away, shall we?”

I can feel Lenny’s eyes on us as we head out of the room. As we put the cakes away, I hear Seb making casual conversation with Lenny. Asking him if he’s from round here and what he does for a living.

When we walk back into the living room, my mum comes down from upstairs. A towel wrapped around her body and her hair wet and stuck to her head.

“Oh, you’re back. I’m just showering and getting ready to head out. Lenny’s taking me for a meal.” She beams over at him, and he smirks, winking at her.

“That’s nice, but what about Charlie, mum?”

She pulls her eyes from her new man to look at me. “Well, you can stay, can’t you?”

I sigh and frown. “No, mum. I have school tomorrow. Plus, I have a test to study for.”

Lenny snorts. “You can study here, can’t you? The little fella will be fine once he’s in bed.”

I turn my frown on him, placing a hand on my hip. I don’t like this man, not one bit. “No, he can’t stay on his own, Lenny. He’s six years old.”

His eyes narrow at me, and he clenches his jaw. “Well, me and your mum are going out. So, you can either watch him or he stays on his own.”

“He’s not staying on his own,” Seb announces, joining the conversation. “I’ll drive Milly home and I’ll stay with him tonight. Milly has a life and responsibilities of her own. She’s not just here to babysit Charlie.”

Lenny glares at him. “Well, aren’t you the doting boyfriend?”

Seb glares back, completely unaffected by Lenny’s mocking tone. “Mills is mine. I’ll do what I need to protect her and ensure her wellbeing.”

Lenny’s response is to snicker. “Must be good in bed to have you so fired up, son.”

“Do you mind?” I hiss, looking down at Charlie, who has been listening to this whole conversation. I smile at him. “Hey, Chops, why don’t you find a place for your plant in your bedroom?”

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