Page 68 of The Accidental Nanny
“I know I’m loud, but sometimes different personalities are good.”
He helps me get into the house, and I’m grateful. I don’t make it to my room, instead I pass out on the sofa.
Cold water splashes my face.
“Arsehole,” Gemma yells, shutting the door as loud as she could manage.
She storms back into the room, throwing my clothes at me. She walks out, slamming the door again. Checking my watch, it’s gone lunchtime.Fuck.
“Why didn’t you wake me earlier?” I call to her.
The loud banging stops and the door opens. She stands at the doorway, her nostrils flaring.
“You inconsiderate bastard. You walk out, don’t answer my calls, then come home drunk. I’ve had Eden upset and crying in my bed as she had no idea where you are. Ace found you passed out, and now he thinks you’re dead.” She huffs then walks out the room. Moments later, the front door rattles and an engine powers up in the driveway.
When I call Fern, she doesn’t sound amused. She’s short with me as well. I assume Gemma has already spoken to her.
I catch a whiff of myself; I need to shower. Walking up thestairs, I notice the clothes piled up in the bathroom. The doors are all open and each room is a mess. It’s a problem for later. First, I need to freshen up.
My shower makes me feel a little bit better, and I start to clean up the mess in the house.
Gemma comes home an hour later. She’s still cross. Banging around the kitchen, she makes a mess, not talking to me. I’ve had enough of this.
“Gemma!” I shout, but she continues to ignore me. Following her, I cage her in. She refuses to meet my eyes and pushes me away. I’m too old for this. “Talk to me.”
“Why should I? You didn’t speak to me.” She has a point.
“I’m sorry, but I’ve not seen Julia in ages, then she shows up here.”
“So, what?” She doesn’t understand.
“Gemma, we were married for years.”
“I know,” she yells. “But I am the one here. I am the one worried about you, looking after your children, not her. She doesn’t deserve your anger!”
“I’m sorry, but I’ve had to hold it all together. Last night... something broke.”
Gemma comes and takes my hand. “Alex, look at me. I’m here, me.” She wraps her arms around me. Holding onto her, I look out the window. The trees outside are losing their leaves, the cold nights are drawing in. Soon, winter will be here.
CHAPTER TWENTY
Gemma
Winter has settled in. While the children are at their grandparents, I’m getting some last minute Christmas shopping done. I buy Eden the doll she asked me for and Ace a box of magic tricks for him to learn.
Alex, though, proves to be difficult. I want to show him how much I love him, but I don't want to overspend, because I know, for him, the value of the present doesn't matter. I peruse the shops, but I’m surprised when I bump into Brody, who has several bags of shopping.
"How am I not shocked you're at the shops instead of working?" he says with a sneer.
I frown. "It’s my day off. The children are with their grandparents, who wanted to spend some time with them. Not that it's any of your business."
"Are you buying something for your boss or your boyfriend? Oh, wait, those two aren't mutually exclusive. Talk about sleeping your way to the top, Gemma." My brother snorts.
I glare at him. "Everything always comes so easy for you. You wouldn't know what hard work is," I retort.
"And you do?" he questions, his eyes wide.
"I've learned." I’m pleased with how far I have come since Easter.
