Page 20 of Riding the Waves

“Maybe not.” He took a swig of his beer. “But I detected a lot of repressed eye-rolling.”

She tried to smile, but it died on her lips. “That’s not fair. I didn’t think anything of it, and I only offered to unpack to be helpful. I shouldn’t have said anything.”

“I take it you don’t want Marty sleeping in with me, though?” He removed his feet from the coffee table and set the beer bottle down. “I know that’s something you’ve been working on with him, but it’s different when he’s just arrived here and is settling into a new routine.”

“I didn’t say anything about it,” she said softly. “I’m actually fine with it. It was an issue for a while, but it was mainly Anthony who had a problem with him sleeping in our bed.” She caught the way Damian’s eyes narrowed and felt instantly defensive. “He just worried about us babying Marty. We were both worried … he’s so small, and Anthony especially worried about him not being able to stick up for himself. It was only because he was concerned.”

“I didn’t say anything,” Damian pointed out.

Amy took a deep breath. “Anyway, after Anthony moved out I gave up on trying to keep Marty out of my bed. I didn’t really see the point since there wasn’t a space issue any more. Besides, Anthony leaving was hard on the boys. I probably let them get away with too much, but I think they need some leeway at the moment.”

Reaching for his bottle, Damian turned it in his hands and picked at the label. “How are things with Anthony?” he asked without making eye contact.

It was hard to know how to answer – things were a mess, but a surprisingly calm and drama-free mess, which seemed to be Amy’s forte.

“He’s been taking the boys every other weekend. Sometimes he picks them up from school too, if I can’t get out of work in time. It’s obviously not ideal for the boys, but I guess it works okay.”

Damian twisted his lips to one side. “Do you think you’ll sort things out with him? You said it was a trial separation, right?”

That’s what they’d agreed to start with, but realistically that was just a way of making everything a bit more manageable – of easing their way out of the marriage, even though they knew it was broken beyond repair.

“We still need to talk some things through, but I expect we’ll set the ball rolling on a divorce soon. The boys don’t know that yet. I’m not sure they really know what’s going on, so at least a divorce will make things clearer for them. I just hope they’re not too traumatised by it all.”

“I’m sure they’ll be all right. You always make everything all right for them.”

She couldn’t decide if that was a dig. Was he saying she put herself first and figured out how to make that okay for the boys later? Catching his eye, she realised that wasn’t what he meant at all. It was only the way she saw herself, whereas he was much more generous in his assessment of her.

“How are you doing?” he asked, his voice so smooth and concerned that her eyes pricked with tears.

“I’ll survive,” she said, then inhaled deeply.

“There are more beers if you want one?”

She licked her bottom lip, contemplating the offer. Staying and sharing her problems with Damian over a cold beer felt about the most appealing thing in the world. Not at all fair to him, though.

“Thanks, but I should get going.” She stood decisively. “Have you got much planned for the next few days?” It sounded as though she wanted to tag along with whatever they were doing, but she genuinely hadn’t meant it that way. “I’ll stay away, of course. I really don’t want to be in your way.”

He walked to the door with her. “It’s okay. Like you said, it’s a strange time for the boys. Having you around is probably a good thing. We’ll have a lazy day tomorrow – probably at the beach. Then Scarlett will have them again on Friday morning while I’m teaching.”

She nodded. “It sounds like a nice week. Maybe I’ll catch up with you guys at the weekend for a little bit?”

“Sure.” He gave a quick shake of the head. “My parents will also be around at the weekend. They’re desperate to see the boys.”

“Ah.” She gave a knowing smile. “Maybe I’ll stay away for the weekend then. Thanks for the heads up.”

His eyes sparkled as he chuckled. “I know you’ll never believe me, but my parents don’t actually hate you.”

“I almost believe you … only because I’m not sure your parents are capable of hating anyone. But if they did, it would be me.”

How could they not after the way she’d treated their son? Of course they hated her. She was only lucky they were polite enough to never show it. Now and again they came and stayed at a hotel in Oxford so they could see the boys. They’d either take Marty and Billy to stay with them for a few nights or take them out for day trips.

That was probably why they were so polite to Amy – so there wouldn’t be any issue with her letting them take their grandchildren. Not that she’d ever say no to them. They were their grandparents and lovely people to boot. She definitely wanted the boys to have a relationship with them.

“They like you,” Damian said firmly.

She quirked an eyebrow. “I thought we said we’d always be honest with each other.”

He gave an amused shake of the head in reply.

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