AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“What?” he roars.
“She needs routine and-”
“She needs to be safe and that’s why we agreed you’d both stay here.”
“Why are you yelling?”
“Because you drive me nuts, Neve. I’m doing everything I can to keep you both safe and you ignore me. Is this because of last night?”
“No.”
“I feel like it is. If Harlee is in school, you won’t need to have Sassy around?”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” I mutter, my cheeks reddening at my obvious jealousy. “She’s my daughter and I make those decisions.”
The line goes silent and I glance at the screen to make sure we’re still connected. He clears his throat and then says, “Message received loud and clear, Neve. Apologies for overstepping.”
I sigh, hating that he’s hurt by my words. “Look sorry, I just meant…”
“I know exactly what you meant, Neve. Forget it. I’m seeing Alfie tonight so I don’t know if I’ll be here when you get home.”
“For an hour or six?” I ask, unable to hold back.
He scoffs. “Right. I should go before we both end up saying something we’ll regret.”
I’m not ready for him to go and so I blurt words out before fully thinking them through. “Actually, I was thinking I should probably go home, as in back to my own place.” I regret them instantly and wince, waiting for his reply.
“Right. Whatever you want, Neve.”
He disconnects and I stare at the blank screen. My heart twists painfully and I bite my inner cheek to stop myself from crying. It doesn’t work and tears form in my eyes.
“That sounded like a breakup,” says Mollie gently. “Are you okay?”
I shrug, it felt like one, that’s for sure. “He’s trying to get to know his son and deep down I know he likes me, but I feel threatened by his ex. She’s beautiful and they have history.”
“Why are you talking like you’re not beautiful?” she demands, rubbing my arm. “You’re gorgeous, Neve. Don’t let your insecurities ruin this.”
“But they didn’t fall out of love and break-up, he cheated on her. There’s so much unfinished business between them but it never got sorted because he went to prison. Now he’s back…” I trail off, realising that I’m rambling. “And I don’t feel beautiful at side of her. She hated me when she was just Harlee’s teacher, but now she knows about me and Ryder, she looks like she wants to kill me.”
“Has Ryder given you any reason to doubt him?” I shake my head sadly. “Then stop letting trust issues ruin what you have. It sounds to me like the guy’s doing everything he can to make you happy, Neve, which is more than Finn ever did.”
I groan, burying my face in my hands. “I think I’ve just blown it now, he’s sick of me and I don’t blame him.”
“You’ve spent too long playing games because you had to survive Finn. Ryder isn’t the same. You can relax and enjoy this relationship. Not everything will end in arguments and violence.”
Ryder
I’ve spent the entire day yelling at people. The second I woke up and realised Neve had been gone for most of the morning, I just knew it would end badly, and that wasn’t helped by the massive hangover. I tracked Neve’s mobile to a florist and sent a prospect to watch her. Forcing her back here when we’re both pissed, won’t make things better, so I’ll give her time to cool off, but that doesn’t mean I won’t watch her every move. The other prospect is stationed outside Harlee’s school, watching for any signs of that prick turning up.
And now, I was sat outside Sassy’s nice house, feeling nervous. I don’t think I’ve ever felt fucking nervous in my life, but meeting Alfie feels huge.
The front door opens and Sassy stands there smiling at me. Her long white flowing dress almost makes her look like a saint. She’s a vision of beauty, she always had been. I make my way to her and hold out the small bunch of flower’s I’d picked up from the shop up the road. It wasn’t planned but I felt bad coming empty handed. I also got it on good authority from Harlee, that five-year-old boys like Paw Patrol, and so the gift for Alfie is tucked safely under my arm.
Sassy opens the door wider for me to go inside, “I wondered how long you were going to sit out here for,” she teases.
“I was just gathering myself,” I mutter, and she points for me to go through to the living room.
I swallow the huge lump in my throat when my eyes land upon the small dark haired little boy, and relief floods me when I see he’s watching a huge dog on television, just like the one I’ve brought him. “It’s his favourite show, he won’t respond to either of us until its finished,” says Sassy with a smile, “Coffee?” I nod, following her into the kitchen. “How was your head this morning? We finished the whole bottle off,” she says, grabbing two cups. “Reminded me of old times.”
