Page 41 of Pelvic Flaws

Dex chuckled and ruffled Charlie’s hair and that was when my shriveled old ovaries sprang to life, did a little dance, and exploded to a fanfare of fireworks and music.

“Hey,” I said, clearing my throat. “It’s a bit smelly in here. I think it might be coming from you two.”

Dex stood up and held out his arms. “What, you think I smell? You’re joking right.”

Charlie started to laugh and I knew instantly that he was feeling better. There was color back in his cheeks for a start.

“Come on then,” I said, indicating for him to stand up. “Let’s get you in this bath.”

“I didn’t put any bubbles in or anything,” Dex said. “I wasn’t sure if he was allergic.”

If he hadn’t been covered in sick and Charlie hadn’t been there, I may very well have kissed him at that point. I don’t mean a peck on the cheek, but a full on snog, he was just that adorable.

“I know I keep saying it, but thank you.”

“Hey, no worries darlin’. I’ll just leave you to it.”

“Do you want a T-shirt or something? At least let me wash this for you.” I said, pulling on the arm of his once pristine shirt.

“Honestly, it’s fine. I got the worst off with tissue and flushed it when we came up here.”

“Okay and I am sorry.”

Dex grinned and went to kiss my cheek and then pulled back, glancing at Charlie. “I’ll call you,” he said and ruffling Charlie’s hair again, left.

“He’s really nice, isn’t he, Mum?” Charlie chirped, sounding much brighter.

“Yes sweetie, he is. Really nice.”

* * *

As Charlie snored away beside me, I couldn’t help but think about Dex and the lovely evening we’d had. It was just a pity it would be the one and only time. It didn’t matter that I didn’t think I could see him again, after my son puking all over him, he wouldn’t want to see me anyway and I doubted that he’d call me ever again.

My heart felt heavy and anxiety clawed at my stomach as I thought about it. I wanted things to be different, because I really liked him. The kids all seemed to like him – not that a couple of meetings was anything to go by, but my kids weren’t stupid and were pretty good judges of character. It was just a pity that for various reasons it wasn’t going to work.

As I turned over and stroked Charlie’s cheek, my phone beeped on the bedside table. It was probably Mandy remembering some question she’d meant to ask about the date, or maybe even Carl checking on Charlie. Both could wait, so I snuggled down next to my baby boy and tried to sleep. When after ten minutes I was still awake, I reached for my phone with a sigh, deciding I might as well read the message if I couldn’t sleep.

I almost squealed when I saw it was from Dex.

Dex 01:10: Hey darlin, hope Charlie is okay now. That kid sure can puke lol. Just wanted to say I had an amazing night, puke included, and can’t wait to do it again, puke not included. I know what you’re thinking, so don’t. You WILL be going on another date with me – maybe even multiple if I’m lucky. Don’t even think about trying to change my mind. I like you and I like everything you come with. Sleep tight darlin’. Mr. Hot Old Man xx

“Oh my God,” I gasped, staring at the screen. “If I’m lucky.”

I read the message over and over and my heart did a little dance. In fact, if Charlie hadn’t been asleep, I think I’d have done a little dance too. He wanted to see me again, even after going home smelling rancid because of my poorly son. Even after I’d talked periods and contraception with him over dinner. He knew what I was thinking and he wasn’t worried that I had three children who needed me, who were my first priority.

“He’s a bloody miracle,” I whispered up to the ceiling. “Thank you God.”

Katie

I’d kept Charlie off school, just in case he had something catching. However, he looked so much better after being sick, I was beginning to think he was right and it was Sophie’s dodgy cooking – well that’s what I wanted to believe anyway. I wasn’t sure why I wanted to believe that. I liked Sophie, I actually did, I was just a little bit jealous of her, I supposed. Had I mentioned she was twenty-six with perky boobs?

As Charlie and I watched Bargain Hunt, curled up on the sofa, the front door bell chimed out.

“I’ll go,” Charlie said, evidently wanting to escape the viewing of two middle-aged women bartering for an eighteenth century piss pot.

“No you won’t.” I pulled him back down. “What have I told you about answering the door? Anyway, you’re supposed to be ill, what if it’s someone from school?”

“Like who?” he said, flopping back down.

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