Page 52 of Lost In Someone

“Not really. It’s a nice evening. We can walk. It’s not even a mile. Are we meeting up with anyone?”

“I’m sure some of them will be out, but this night is for us.”

“What’s got into you? I’m not complaining, but you seem different. Has something happened and you’re softening me up before you give me the bad news?” I make my tone light-hearted, but I’m a little worried. Everything has been perfect or as perfect as being new parents can be. Has he heard from, or something about, Kate?

Ivan stops walking, halting me alongside him. “No, babe. It’s something my mum said, and it made me realise we were heading that way.”

“What did she say?” Dread seeps in, and I pull my hand to get free of his grip, but he tightens it and steps closer to me.

“She said I had to remember that I’m more than just a dad. I’m a partner as well as a father, and I shouldn’t forget that side of my life. I have a feeling I’m guilty of this—with you, neglecting you. Which is why she’s having Milo for the night.”

Oh! I never expected him to say that. Have we been neglecting each other? Yeah, probably. “We’ve had so much to learn and think about that we’re both guilty of this, love.” I press a kiss to his lips.

“But you could leave if I don’t give you enough, if you feel unimportant. I can’t, because I will always have Milo.”

“I’m not going to leave, Ivan. I love you too much to even think of not being with you. The idea hurts too much.”

“I’ve put a downer on the evening already, haven’t I?” He sighs.

“No way. You promised me loud and dirty sex tonight. I’ll make sure you don’t forget.”

“Tell me why I thought going out was a good idea.”

My mum was right. I need this. I hadn’t realised how much time I’d been with Milo and how little I’d shared with Brodie. I put it down to us both being so busy, me with Milo and him with the building of the gym. When did we last sit down and talk? When was the last time we had more than a quickie in the shower or a quiet fuck in bed? Too fucking long ago.

When we enter the pub, the usual crowd is sitting in the cordoned-off area away from the holidaymakers.

“Hello, strangers,” Stacey says as we slip into the booth. “It’s good to see you. Who’s got Milo?”

“My mum. She said we needed a date night. Who am I to argue with that?” I turn to Brodie. “What do you want to drink?”

“Um, a pint of Peroni, please. I’ve just seen someone I know. I’ll be back in a minute.” He looks distracted but leans in for a kiss, then weaves through the crowd.

“Where’s he going?” Melanie asks.

“He says he’s seen someone he knows. But I don’t know who it could be.”

Brodie is hugging a man I’ve never seen. When they separate, Brodie points to me, love shining in his eyes.

The man widens his eyes, and his jaw drops. Brodie must know him from when he lived in London. He doesn’t seem to be a past lover, and I don’t have to be jealous. They talk for a few more minutes until Merlin walks in and kisses the cheek of the unknown man. Curiouser and curiouser. Merlin seeing someone is news to me. Brodie pats his shoulder, nods to something Merlin says, and makes his way back to me.

“What is it about this place that has us all flocking down here?” Brodie shakes his head. “That’s Trent, Merrick’s brother-in-law. I haven’t seen him in ages. He’s down here for the summer, although he’s not sure if he wants to go back. He was a little shocked to find me here and even more so with you.”

I chuckle. “He looked it. And he’s with Merlin? I never knew he’d met someone.”

“Just friends, they said.”

“Yeah, right.”

We get our drinks and join our friends.

“What? Why are you smiling?”

“Nothing, love. Only that I love you.” He presses his mouth briefly to mine.

The evening is exactly what I wanted it to be. A good time with friends and my hand on Brodie’s thigh, reminding me of things to come when we get home.

When time is called, I’ve got a pleasant buzz going on. Neither of us has drunk much. Brodie is looking forward to the rest of the evening as much as I am. “Ready?” Brodie stands. I take his hand and let him pull me up.

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