Page 103 of The Forsaken
Quinn was about to reply when Jude, Bridget, and two of their friends took the ice, dressed as characters from the film. Emma’s girlfriends nearly fainted with excitement, and even the boys looked pleased with two pretty princesses to admire. Jude’s friend Olly, dressed as Olaf, was a big hit as well since he really got into character.
“It’s wonderful to be five, isn’t it?” Sylvia asked as she watched the children skate in a circle to the soundtrack from the film.
“Emma’s known more loss in her five years than some people know in a lifetime.”
“I know she has, and I’m glad she’s enjoying this.”
Jude skated past them and slowed down long enough to give them a dramatic bow.
“Cheeky,” Sylvia said, smiling at her son.
“I think he’s having fun too,” Quinn replied, watching Jude as he executed an elaborate twirl.
Jude did seem to be enjoying himself. He took Emma by the hands and led her into the middle of the rink, engaging her in something resembling a waltz. Emma was unsteady on her feet, but Jude helped her maintain her balance as he pulled her along and spun her around. She was delighted.
Quinn scanned the premises, wondering where Gabe and Phoebe had gotten to. They’d gone to check on the pizza and to bring the cake to the restaurant so that all would be in readiness once the children finished skating, but they should have been back by now.
“I hope you’re pleased with yourself,” Sylvia suddenly said. Her pleasure at seeing Jude in costume had evaporated, and she now looked sullen and wary.
“Pardon?”
“Rhys’s gone off me. I can only assume I have you to thank for his change of heart. You just had to tell him, didn’t you?” Bright spots of color appeared in her normally pale cheeks.
“Tell him what?”
“About the other baby. Quentin.”
“He was there when I found out,” Quinn snapped.
“Then why did he stop coming round?” Sylvia demanded.
“Perhaps you should ask him. It’s nothing to do with me.”
“Isn’t it? He’s as devoted to you as a puppy,” Sylvia hissed.
“I hardly think that’s an accurate description of our relationship.” Quinn was becoming angry herself. Sylvia had no business putting her in the middle. Rhys was her boss, but he was also her friend, and a mentor of sorts. She could not and would not intercede on Sylvia’s behalf, more so because she knew the real reason for Rhys’s decision.
“Rhys dotes on you. No wonder he’s angry on your behalf,” Sylvia persisted.
“I’m not having this conversation,” Quinn said and sprang to her feet. “Enjoy the party, Sylvia.”
Quinn swung Emma’s backpack over her shoulder and headed toward the restaurant in the hope of finding Gabe, more annoyed with herself than with Sylvia. Her birth mother knew how to push her buttons, and Quinn fell for her antics every time, completely abandoning her well-intentioned resolve not to engage and to adjust her expectations to run somewhat parallel to reality.
“Fancy a cup of tea?” Gabe asked as he met her halfway and enveloped her in a bear hug. “It’s arctic in here.”
“No, I’m all right. Emma will want to change into her dress now that they’re getting off the ice.”
“I can help her,” Phoebe offered. “You just stay off your feet.”
Quinn changed her mind about the tea and settled at one of the tables with Gabe, a steaming Styrofoam cup in front of her. She hoped Sylvia wouldn’t attempt to join them. She’d had about enough of her drama for one afternoon. In fact, she regretted inviting Sylvia back to their place, but it was too late to take backthe invitation. She only hoped that Sylvia might be astute enough to see that she wasn’t wanted.
Quinn smiled and waved as the children trooped into the restaurant, flushed from the exercise and ready for their lunch. Emma was already wearing her party frock and her pretty pink flats. Phoebe had brushed Emma’s hair and adjusted the headband. She looked so cool, butter wouldn’t melt in her mouth.
“She looks so happy.” Gabe’s eyes glowed with love as he watched Emma. “I’m so glad we were able to do this for her.”
“Me too. I never had parties like this when I was a girl. I’m kind of jealous.”
“So am I. For my fifth birthday, all of mum’s siblings descended on the house with their kids. We played outside, then came in for orange squash and cake. Mum had a row with her sister, and Dad, who was foolish enough to get between them, took refuge in the library after getting told off in front of the other husbands. Mum and Dad didn’t speak to each other for days.”
