Page 48 of Under Ground

I get up and close the curtains. It’s still early, but the unease that someone is watching us is overwhelming.

My first instinct is to hide from the world with Casey. But that’s not a practical solution.

I love Alex. He’s turned my world upside down with his love and kindness. And he’s taken on a role in Casey’s life without hesitation.

I’m not sure what lies in the future, but I do want to be with him.

This is too big for either of us to ignore.

Me: Call me when you get this.

Casey chews away on her muesli bar, her eyes glued to the television. Thoughts churn in my head. I was aware our relationship might have a publicity issue, but Alex and I settled into things being so normal. I forgot about my concerns.

I close my eyes to try and steady my nerves.

Relief pours through me as the ringing sound of my phone comes from the coffee table, and I pick it up and sigh.

“Alex?” My voice wobbles, but I can’t help it.

“Hey, you okay?” he asks. His concerned tone nearly brings tears to my eyes.

“Did you know someone took photos of us?” My voice comes out in a croaky whisper.

“What? What’s happened? I’m on my way.”

I’m left staring at the phone as he disconnects.

“Mummy, I’m hungry.” Casey leaps at me, squishing herself against my side.

I lean over and kiss her forehead. “I’ll get dinner started. Alex is on his way.”

“Daddy will take care of that lady.”

My eyebrows rise. Despite our best efforts, she’s determined not to let that go. Whatever happens between Alex and I in the future, I think he’ll always be ‘Daddy’ to her.

“He’s a good man,” I say.

“I love him.”

I smile down at her. With her blue eyes, she could pass as Alex’s daughter. My concern is that these photos are going to cause awkward questions. “I know you do.”

She climbs up onto the couch and wraps her arms around my neck. “I love you, Mummy.”

I turn my head and place a kiss on her temple. “I love you too, Casey. More than the moon.”

“More than Hairy Maclary?”

I laugh. She loves that book so much. “Even more than him.”

I’m still cuddled up with her on the couch when there’s a tap on the door.

“Lana? It’s me.”

“It’s Daddy.” Casey springs off the couch and runs toward the sound. I rise from the couch and walk to her, unlocking and opening the door to Alex’s concerned expression.

“Are you okay?” he asks.

I take a step back and let him in, shutting and locking the door behind him. “We’re on some website. TMZ?”

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