Page 11 of Grand Love

“I can’t believe he’s outgrown it so soon, I didn’t think I’d need to upgrade until he was at least two.”

“The boy sure can eat.” Joey chuckles, pushing his dark hair back from his face. “Want me to get his seat?” he asks, nodding to my full arms.

“Yeah, please. It’s in the cupboard.”

Joey disappears around the corner, and I sit and smile to myself. “We are so lucky, baby boy,” I coo.

“I had four paintings sell this week, all off the wall,” Joey tells me excitedly as he walks back into the room with the car seat.

“That’s incredible, Joey. I told you!” I whisper-shout, smoothing a hand over the soft hair that tickles my chest as I try to move without waking him.

Joey’s photography has really started to take off. He has one year left at university and his placement has already offered him a job at the gallery when he finishes.

“Yeah, you did.” He grins, placing the seat on the sofa. “Where’s the bag?”

“In my room, can you grab it?”

“Sure thing.” He heads off in the direction of the bedroom, and I smile. At first, I found him intrusive, borderline too much, and it is probably why I pushed him away when I first met him. But once you get to know Joey, you see that he only cares. Joey gives a shit. And you can’t hate someone for caring too much.

“Here, I picked up the blue bunny too. Just in case. That everything?”

“Yep, think so.”

* * *

After findinga stroller in the first shop we went into, we decided to grab some lunch. Joey hasn’t got much of a budget after his bills, so we settle for The Elm, both of us ordering a sandwich.

“How’s your assignment coming along? Did you get the shots you wanted over the weekend?”

“Yeah, I did, actually. Thank you for the inspiration.”

“Of course, any way I can help!” I smile, glad I could do something for him for a change.

“Did you get the email I sent last night? The studio listing.”

My face drops and I lean in, fiddling with the blankets that drape over the car seat. If anyone has pushed my dancing (or lack of) since I stopped, it’s Joey.

“Nina, you’ll do what you want, I know that, but you should at least go look. It’s cheap as chips on rent.” He pauses, not wanting to annoy me with what comes out of his mouth next. “You have the money in the bank.”

I shake my head, sitting back in my seat and crossing my arms over my chest. He’s referring to the money Mason gives me, which I don’t see as my own. Yes, I use a small percentage of the monthly payments for living expenses, but the rest is set aside for our son. It’s not my money, and I don’t want it. “Where would I find the time, Joe? I have a baby and I work now.”

He gives me a look, tilting his head to the side, looking all boyish. “Come on, you suck at your job.” He laughs.

“Piss off,” I hiss quietly. “It pays the bills.”

“So would your dancing,” he tells me over the rim of his coffee cup. “You forget I’ve seen you dance. You’re good.”

“Have you heard from your brother?” I throw at him, getting more personal than I should.

“That’s a low blow.” He rolls his eyes, letting out a breath.

“Keep your nose out then.”

He glares at me, his eyes pinched tight as he says, “Christmas.”

“What?”

“I’m going home to see Jasper at Christmas. He wants to know more about Mum, and I know I need to face my shit and sort my life out.” He pops a brow and I roll my eyes.

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