Page 36 of Lost In Someone

Brodie frowns. “You sure?”

“Yes. I want to talk to someone who knew Kate.” To pass on some of the pain I’m feeling. Selfish, I know, but a problem shared and all that shit. Brodie takes the next left turn out of the town and climbs up the hill to Mill House.

I tightly clasp Brodie’s hand as he knocks on the door. Both cars are here, so they’re in. It’s not too early either.

The door opens. “Hi, guys. This is a surprise?” Merrick greets us with a smile, which fades when he looks at me. “Come in. Ivan, what’s going on?”

We step inside just as Drew walks down the stairs with Willow. “All right, mate. How’s it going?”

I struggle to find any words, and Brodie steps in. “Ivan’s had some news and needs to talk to you about it.”

“Do we need to go somewhere private?” Drew asks.

I shake my head.

“Let’s go in the kitchen.” Merrick takes Willow from Drew, and we follow them into the large room. I drop my hand from Brodie’s. He gives the bag of pastries to Merrick. At least they won’t go to waste.

“What’s going on, mate?” Drew asks.

“Um.” My voice is dry and catches in my throat. I cough to clear it. “A solicitor turned up at the house when Brodie was there. He said that—fuck.” I look at Brodie. He comes straight over.

“He told Ivan that Kate has abandoned her baby.” Brodie fills in the words I can’t say.

Drew gapes at me, his eyes wide.

“It was a couple of months ago.”

“Oh my god. That’s terrible. But why would a solicitor come to see you about her?” Drew’s confusion changes to understanding like a lightbulb in an old cartoon. “No! Shit, Ivan. No, no way.”

Merrick puts four cups of coffee on the table. “What? I don’t understand.”

“She had the baby.” My voice is flat. “She said it’s mine and wants me to have the baby.”

“He’s only a couple of months old and is with a foster family now.” Thank god for Brodie taking over the story because I’m crying again. I bury my face in my hands.

“Is he definitely yours?” Drew asks.

“Ivan did a DNA test. The solicitor had a kit with him. We have to wait for the results,” Brodie says.

Merrick places the plate of warmed-up pastries in the middle of the table. Willow reaches over from her perch on Drew’s lap and picks up a croissant.

“What do you want to do? And where are her parents in all this?” Drew puts his hand on my shoulder and gives it a squeeze.

“They don’t want to look after it. Their grandchild, for god’s sake. Why would they do that?” I shake my head. “And what if he’s mine? What do I know about looking after a baby? Nothing, that’s what. And how do I go to work? I can’t stop working. Who’s going to look after him then?”

Merrick reaches over the table and takes my hand. “You do what every other new adult does. You manage. Or would you rather let him be adopted? There’s no shame in that, Ivan. None at all.”

“My father would be ashamed of me,” I whisper. The words stick in the back of my throat, threatening to choke me.

“You’ve got me, love. I’m not going anywhere. We’ll get through this, I promise.” Brodie kisses my hand.

“Everyone will help. Do you think Stacey or Melanie will let you do it alone? And your mum. I wouldn’t be surprised if she moved back home.” Drew smiles at me, and with a little chuckle, I smile back.

“You’re probably right. All I have to do is wait now.”

And that’s easier said than done.

I open the email with a shaky finger and send a little wish to the gods. I read through the long-winded jargon to get to the important part. The approval or denial or if some changes needed to be made. At the bottom is the word Approved.

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