Page 50 of Lost In Someone

“That’s your house, Ivan. I signed it over to you after I moved to Plymouth. No, it’s simple. I’ll sell my home there and find something smaller in Calston Cove. Why don’t we have a look online?”

We find a few properties that are suitable for her, but I’m concerned about the prices of the smaller houses. “These are crazy prices, Mum. I’m going to sell mine, and you can have what you need from the proceeds.”

“Don’t be silly. I have enough money. Your dad didn’t leave me penniless. And anyway, you might need that house in the future.”

I stiffen. What is she saying? Does she think Brodie and I will break up and I’ll need a home? “What’s that supposed to mean?”

She blinks a couple of times, looking affronted. “It means you may want to keep it for Milo. You can turn it into one of those Airbnb places. Earn an income from it instead of letting it sit almost empty.”

Huh? That’s actually a good idea. It will give me a tidy passive income while I spend as much time as possible with Milo. Even the winter draws the surfers in, or I could offer rooms to Merrick’s artists. It’s not a big house, unlike some of the holiday homes in the town. Plenty of wealthy people have second homes here. Like Kate’s parents. I hadn’t thought about their house here. Does their refusal to care for Milo mean they won’t come back? Would they dare? They probably know where Kate has run off to. God, I’d like to have five minutes with them and ask what the fuck they were thinking. How could they deny their own flesh and blood?

Maybe their house will go up for sale. Stacey would be one of the first to know, and since Mum will be paying her a visit, I can ask her to let me know if she hears from them or sees them.

The front door opens, and footsteps click-clack on the flagstones in the hallway. The expression on Brodie’s face tells me something has happened. Where has he been? Who has he been talking to?

“Brodie? Babe, what’s wrong?”

“I’m okay.”

“That’s bullshit.”

“I’ll go put Milo down in his crib and stay with him,” my mum says, tactfully giving us some privacy.

As she leaves the room, I hold out my arms. “Talk to me.”

He shakes his head and tucks his head against my neck, inhaling deeply. We stay like this for a few minutes while I run my hands up and down his back. Finally, he lifts his head.

“I told my mum about me moving here and us and Milo.” His voice is shaky, and I hate it. Brodie is always so strong, so positive. I couldn’t have got through the past month without his support.

“Oh, I guess it didn’t go well. What did she say?”

“Nothing. At first, she was happy, positive about me being here, about how thrilled she was I’d met someone. Until I told her I was in love with you, a man. Then she went quiet. The silence continued for at least a couple of minutes until she ended the call.”

“Shit, I’m so sorry. Do you think she’ll come round?” This surprises me. Brodie has always said his parents are laid-back, open-minded people. Perhaps they are when it doesn’t involve their son. How lucky I’ve been with my parents. Neither of them batted an eyelid when I came out as bi. They simply smiled and hugged me for being honest with myself and of course warned me to be careful and safe. I managed the first but somehow fucked up the second and ended up with Milo. “Are you going to try to talk to them again?”

“I don’t know. Maybe I should leave it for a while. Let them mull it over. Not that it makes a difference to how I feel about you and Milo. I love you, and if they can’t accept it, that’s on them. They’re the ones missing out.”

“I love you too, babe. Would some good news help?” I kiss his forehead.

“Did we win the lottery?”

“You wish. No, it’s about my mum. She’s going to move back and help with Milo when we’re working.” I grin as he laughs. “Yeah, yeah. I know Drew called it. It will be helpful, though, don’t you think?”

“It will as long as her prices aren’t too high.”

“I wasn’t planning on charging,” my mum says as she walks down the stairs.

Brodie blushes adoringly and buries his head back in my neck. “Sorry, Mrs Machin.”

“I told you to call me Sarah. Milo is asleep again. I’ve changed him, so I reckon you’re good for a couple of hours of peace and quiet. I’m going to go and talk to Stacey about those houses we looked at.” She pats our shoulders as she walks past us. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Where are you staying? We have plenty of room here.” Brodie offers, surprising both me and my mother.

“Thank you, but I won’t. I’m going home tonight, but I can be back again on Monday if you need me. Otherwise, it won’t be until I start viewing the properties.”

With a wave from her car, she’s gone.

Brodie tugs me close, his eyes dark and heavy with lust.

---