Page 20 of Sunsets and Happy Ever Afters

“Yes, something like that, although this is to improve passenger comfort and fuel economy. I manage a team of about fifty.”

“Wow.”

“I think it’s added some extra grey hairs.” Sam chuckled as he combed a hand through his dark hair. He eyed the children. “So, do they see their dad regularly?” He looked awkward for a moment.

“Not enough, in my opinion, as he’s moved away to live with his new girlfriend.”

Maya was tempted to confide how it felt as though a switch had flicked in Kyle, making him drop Lewis and Amber, forget his responsibility to them, and concentrate on Jenna and Lola, the baby, but thought better of it.

“Where has he moved to?”

“Exeter.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. I mean, I have no choice with single parenting since Jade died. I am having to raise Chloe on my own. But your ex does have a choice in seeing them regularly and being involved in their lives.”

“I know. It’s okay, it gets easier each day. I manage now. It’s not like he doesn’t support me financially. I have no problem there. He seems to chuck money at me to make him feel less guilty about swanning off. My parents are also very supportive, helping me out regularly. Emma’s great too — she babysat last night.”

Whoops — she hadn’t meant to confess that. Maya had been out on a date. She’d been on a few now. All unsuccessful.

The food arrived, thankfully. Maya hated discussing Kyle and didn’t want Sam to see how it still upset her.

There was a waft of garlic as the cheesy garlic flatbread was placed on the table and all three children made hungry groaning noises. The pizzas were placed in front of each of them, and without waiting they started to tuck in.

“So, were you out with friends last night?” Sam asked.

Maya shook her head. “Not really. Emma has convinced me to try —” she whispered the next bit — “online dating.”

Sam chuckled. “Have you had much luck?”

Maya checked the kids were distracted. “Not really, I went out on a date last night,” she said, keeping her voice low. Sam raised an eyebrow, to encourage her to go on. She shook her head. “He wasn’t for me. There wasn’t any chemistry.”

“What’s chemistry?” Lewis asked as he chewed his ham and pineapple pizza.

“It’s a science you’ll study when you’re older,” Sam said, bailing Maya out.

“And don’t speak with your mouth full,” Maya scolded.

They went back to concentrating on eating the food. “How long have you been … a widower?” The words escaped Maya’s mouth before she could think about what she was asking. She watched as Sam swallowed and sipped his beer before answering.

“It’s been just over four years now.”

“Oh.”

“Each day gets a little easier. My sister is my rock,” Sam said. “What about you? How long have you been separated?”

“Nearly two years. I’ve lived in my new home for a year now.”

“I’m sorry things didn’t work out for you,” Sam said.

“Yes, we drifted apart. Well, more like Kyle drifted … into someone else’s bed…” Maya lowered her voice, although the kids had a good idea of what had happened, from Kyle and Maya’s initial loud arguments. They’d been with her parents the day she’d chucked his clothes out onto the front lawn.

“Oh, I am sorry.”

“So am I. I loved him. I thought he loved me. But it wasn’t to be.” Maya shrugged. She held in the Ihatehim. Hate was harsh, and it might be dying down now, but she’d never forget how he’d hurt her.

There was silence while they both tucked into their food, then Sam looked up and asked, “So how’s work for you these days?”

“Other than painting nails all day?” She wiggled her fingers, showing off her own immaculate nails. “It’s okay.”

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