Page 97 of High Stakes

“Far away from here,” she says, almost looking relieved. “A fresh start.” She takes a few more steps then turns back, “Was it just kids with Laurie you didn’t want, Aiden?”

I smirk, “Are you asking if I wanted kids with you?” She gives an unsure nod. “No, Bella. I didn’t want kids with you either, especially not after everything.”

She gives another stiff nod. “That’s what I thought.” And she leaves.

I sit staring at the closed door for a further few minutes before jumping up and running after her. I can’t let her leave, I love her.What the fuck was I thinking?

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

Bella

I pull up in my little hatchback outside my dad’s house. I stare at the run down little terraced and wonder for the hundredth time whether I should just leave without seeing him. The rain is pouring down fast and I’m wearing summer clothes and sandals, it’s typical of the British weather.

I make a run for the house, holding my jacket above my head. I knock on the door, reasoning I can’t just walk in. It no longer feels like my home. A small lady with greying hair opens the door. “Oh, my goodness, come in quick it’s pouring down,” she insists, stepping to the side. I goin and she shuts the door and turns to me. “Finally, I’ve been wanting to meet you for some time. He’s told me so much about you, Bella.” I’m confused and she realises by my baffled expression, “I’m Claire. Come on through, he’ll be so pleased to see you.”

I follow her, noticing the house is clean, not what I expected seeing as I did all of that. The sitting room has had a lick of paint, and it looks bright and fresh. Dad is on a new sofa, watching television and even he looks clean and well groomed.

“Look who I found standing in the pouring rain,” announces Claire excitedly, and dad looks up.

When he sees me, his eyes brighten, and he stands. “Bella, wow you look amazing,” he says, looking surprised to see me. He pulls me into a hug.

“Hey Dad,” I whisper, hugging him back. I’m shocked by his physical appearance. He’s thin, and he looks so tired and gaunt.

We sit down, and Claire goes off to make a drink. “So, Claire is…?” I ask, and he blushes slightly.

“She was my nurse; things have progressed, and she moved in last month.”

“Nurse?” I repeat. “You’ve been sick?”

He laughs, “Don’t tell me you thought I looked well?” he teases.

My smile fades, “Is it serious?”

“I haven’t seen you in such a long time, Bells. I don’t want to waste it talking about me getting old. How have you been?”

I shrug, “Up and down. I brought a shop,” I add, “Just a small bakery, but it’s busy. I specialise in wedding cakes.”

“That’s fantastic. Well done you.”

Claire returns, placing a tray on the table with tea and biscuits. She sets about pouring each of us a small cup. “Did you hear that, Claire, my little girl is a businesswoman.”

She smiles too, “Amazing. You always said she’d do good things. Maybe we can come and see it?”

“Actually, that’s why I’m here,” I explain. “I’m moving away.”

Dad instantly looks upset, but he covers it well with a grin, “Anywhere we know?”

I shake my head, “No. It’s quite a way.”

“That’s not a good-” Claire begins but dad shushes her.

“It’s a great idea. A fresh start is exactly what you need.”

I nod in agreement. “What about your shop?” Claire asks.

“I’ve hired a manager. And I’ll call regular to check he’s doing okay. Who knows, maybe I can branch out.”

I take out a piece of paper with my phone number, placing it on the table. “This is my number if you need me. Eventually, I’ll forward my address and maybe you can both come and stay?”

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