Page 23 of Love Is: Two Bodies One Soul

‘What do you think they’re doing?’ She asked, nodding towards the distant figures of Owen and Sally.

George squinted in their direction.

‘Don’t know. I asked Mum to have a chat. She was always good at sorting Owen. So perhaps that’s what’s happening.’

‘You think he needs sorting?’

‘I do — don’t you? I told you what a state he was in when I found him.’

‘Aye, you did.’ Millie watched Owen flailing his arms and Sally catching his hands. ‘Looks like it’s getting emotional.’

‘That’s what he needs. Owen locks everything up inside until it nearly destroys him. Mum has the knack of getting him to open up.’

* * *

Sally movednext to Owen again. Taking hold of his hands, she looked up into his face.

‘And you never liked Henry, did you?’ Her eyes were sharp, her words cutting straight to the reason Owen couldn’t see the resemblance.

‘No. Can’t stand the man. Never understood why you wanted him.’

Sally smiled. ‘Were you jealous?’

‘No!’

‘You’re sure … not even a little?’

Owen returned the grip on her hands and pulled her sharply close. ‘Yes! All right, I was jealous. I didn’t want to be, but I was.’ He watched green eyes sparkling at him and felt sickness welling up. What kind of man was he? A one-night stand with his best mate’s mum did not equate to the love of your life. He’d had no right to be jealous — none at all. ‘I’m sorry.’

Sally’s eyes softened. ‘Please don’t be. I’m pleased you were jealous. It means you cared too.’ She smiled, and tears were shining in her eyes. ‘Come on, we’d better join Millie and George. See, they’re sitting on that bench.’

Owen let Sally pull him along, though he wanted to spend longer alone with her. He’d not realised how much he’d missed her.

‘You know it’s not surprising,’ she said.

‘What isn’t surprising?’

‘The resemblance. I’ve always liked my men tall and dark,’ she said, and casting a grin at him, she added, ‘And handsome. Henry … you, Matthew, my first love. All so similar you could be related – a very particular type. George’s dad was the exception.’ Sally released Owen’s hand and paused to stroke his arm. ‘Now come on, pull yourself together. Put your mask back on, and we’ll rejoin the family before they wonder what we’ve been up to.’

‘I’m sorry.’ Owen said again.

‘You’ve nothing to apologise for, lovie. If I’d thought, and if there’d been time to forewarn you, I would have.’

‘I wasn’t apologising.’ Owen started walk again, adding, ‘I was wishing Mathew was my boy.’

‘You’ve got your own little girl.’

Owen kicked a pebble from his path and muttered, ‘Not anymore.’

‘What?’ Sally halted. ‘What do you mean, has something happened to her?’

‘Nothing. At least, I hope nothing. It’s Margaret. She said I’m not fit to be Emi’s father, and she’s blocking all access.’

‘Is she indeed?’ Sally’s usually soft lips hardened. ‘Give me your phone.’

‘Why? What are you going to do?’

‘You’ll see.’

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