Page 28 of Amazing Grace

Archie went into the bathroom to get his slippers. When he returned, he threw his arms around his dad and Mark ruffled his hair and kissed the top of his head.

‘Bye, Daddy.’

‘Love you, son.’

This exchange between father and son was another tug at Grace’s heartstrings.

16

When she got back, she settled Archie into bed as quickly as possible, as it was now nearly eleven o’clock and it was a school night. Remembering her promise, she texted Vinnie to say that she was home. Within seconds, her phone rang and his name flashed up on the screen.

‘Hey you!’ he said, and just hearing his gorgeous, smooth velvety voice made her feel safe and calm again. ‘So how’s your boy?’

‘Nothing wrong with him, it was just his father being difficult,’ she replied.

‘So what’s the score with you two then? We’ve not really talked about that, have we?’ Vinnie asked gently.

‘Nothing really to say. Like so many couples, I suppose we just outgrew each other. He can be a great dad to Archie when he tries but can make my life quite difficult if he feels like it.’

‘Can I ask you something, Grace?’

‘Anything you want.’

‘Is there ever any possibility that you’ll get back together, do you think? I really, really like you Grace, and I think and hope that you really like me too, but I don’t want to come between you and him if there was a chance that you might become a family again.’

Grace thought about what he had said. Did she want to be a family again with Mark, to give Archie another chance to have his mum and dad under the same roof?

‘Vinnie, I can’t deny that sometimes in the past I’ve got lonely and thought about what might have been and how good it would be to have my son with me all the time and not to share him. But, although Archie sometimes says that he’d love us all to be back together again, I know I don’t want to go back to the life I had.’

‘OK, so it’s alright for us to carry on seeing each other? Because, Grace, I have to tell you, I really feel that we have something special. I’ve not felt like this about anyone for a very long time. When I think about you, I get a goofy grin on my face and I think that means that I like you. A lot!’

‘I like you too, Vinnie,’ she said softly. ‘I know we’ve not known each other long but I want to know more about you. I want to know everything about you. I feel like we’re going to enjoy getting to know each other.’

‘Me too, Grace. And perhaps tonight had to happen for us to have this conversation. Now get yourself off to sleep and let’s speak tomorrow night. How does that sound?’

‘That sounds really good, thanks, Vinnie. Goodnight.’

‘Goodnight, Grace,’ he whispered and disconnected the call.

Grace realised this was the downside of dating when you’re far past your flighty early twenties; the people that you enter into relationships with have ‘baggage’. She tried to put herself in Vinnie’s shoes, but she didn’t know how she would cope if the roles were reversed.

* * *

Ooh, I could bloody kill that Mark with my bare hands sometimes. If he loves you, he needs to show itallthe time. I do hope you don’t let him spoil things for you! You have some important decisions to make, darling. I hope for everyone’s sake you find it in your heart to make the right ones. I wish I was there to talk things through with you. You have to think about yourself, not just Archie. It has to be right for all of you. Just take your time and make the right decision. Love you, Mumxxx

17

Grace had an hour to spare the following day between house-viewing appointments, so she popped into Coffee Heaven for a change of scenery. It was really quiet and there was no sign of Ruth, so she ordered a gingerbread latte and, although she looked at the cakes, she was quite pleased with herself when she decided not to have one. The young girl who took the order said that she’d bring it over to her, so she took a comfy armchair by the window to watch the world go by.

‘Hi, Grace darling, how are you?’ She looked up to see Ruth smiling down at her.

‘Oh hey, Ruth, I’m great thanks. I didn’t think you were here today when I didn’t see you behind the counter.’

‘I was just out the back with the delivery driver. Ooh, that sounded worse than it actually was – I should be so lucky! Are you on your own or meeting someone?’

‘No, just on my own. I had a house-viewing appointment but it was just cancelled. The couple have split up. I suppose it’s a good job they’ve done it now rather than after moving in together. So I thought I’d come in here and grab a coffee. Are you too busy to join me?’

‘I’d love to, if you’re sure. I know when you’re a mum you don’t get much me time, so I don’t want to spoil your peace and quiet.’

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