Chapter 14

…

Em pulled back from Connie, her smile fading quickly when she spotted Grace.

"Oh my god…Connie." She warned.

Connie turned to see Grace watching them, her face unreadable.

"Grace darling, we were just…"

"Why are you kissing my mummy like that?"

Grace wasn't a naïve girl, despite her age. Those traits she certainly inherited from Connie. Connie released herself from Em's embrace and came over and knelt down beside Grace.

"Darling, we didn't want to tell you right now…we weren't sure how you'd take it."

"Is she your girlfriend mummy?"

"I…"

"Yes…I am Grace, but we don't want to upset you. If you're not okay with this then you must say?"

Em knelt down beside Connie, her hand tucking a strand of Grace's hair behind her ear.

"Does daddy know?"

"Grace darling, your father and I aren't together anymore. It's none of his concern but…if you want me to tell him then I will."

"You don't have to mummy."

"Are you upset that we've hid it from you."

Grace shook her head before hugging her mother then Em.

"Em's nice mummy."

"Yes…yes she is. Why don't you go and get your coat, Em's taking us to the cinema."

"What are we seeing?"

"Anything you want, it's your choice." Em said.

"Can I get popcorn?"

"Mmmm, just a small one. Off you go."

Grace smiled before running up the stairs to get her coat as Connie and Em got to their feet, Em's hand taking hold of Connie's.

"She has to be one of the easiest going kids I've ever met." Em added.

"Well she was raised by me."

"Certainly was, let's get our coats."

…

Lofty was outside the pub as the night drew in, getting some air when Dylan walked out, pulling his coat close.

"Dr Keogh, you off?"

"I am, I still have a lot to organize on the boat and Dervla needs a walk before bed so…"

"Could I come, you know if wouldn't mind some company."

"I don't see why not, let's go."

Lofty followed Dylan along the road as Zoë came out side.

"DYLAN…WHERE ARE YOU GOING?"

"Don't yell woman, it's past my bedtime. Walking Dervla then bed."

"Lofty, where are you off too."

"I'm going to meet Dervla."

"You're…oh right."

"What that it?" Dylan enquired.

"Huh…oh yeah, I guess."

"Right…good night then." Dylan walked off with Lofty muttering "strange woman" under his breath.

Max came up behind Zoë, his arms going around her waist as he laid his head on her shoulder.

"Are you coming back in or what?"

"See what you've done." She said, turning in his arms.

"Me? What have I done?"

"Lofty's only gone off with Dylan to his boat."

"Well he's a fast worker."

"Max…it's not funny." She said, hitting his arm.

"Will you relax, there's nothing you can do about it now. It's down to them."

"But Dylan isn't…that way inclined."

"How do you know?"

"What."

"Well how do you know he isn't?"

"Max, he's one of my best friends, I think I'd know."

"Well if he's not, he's not. I'm sure he'll set Lofty straight if he tries anything, no pun intended there."

"That's so not funny Max."

"Oh come on, come and have another drink." He smiled, dragging her back inside.

…

When Dylan and Lofty arrived at the boat Dervla was already waiting for her master, jumping up at him the moment the door opened.

"Hello old girl, sorry I'm late. You can blame your aunt Zoë for that. Dervla this is Lofty he….I'm sorry, is your name really Lofty?"

"Actually my names Ben, Lofty's a nickname."

"Right well Dervla this is Ben, he's a friend so he's safe. We're going to take you a walk together okay. Hand me her lead would you."

Lofty did as asked and waited for Dylan to get what he needed before they set off back along the canal and though the park where Dylan left Dervla off her lead to run about for a while.

"She's very well trained."

"She certainly is, luckily she had me and not Sam training her as a puppy."

"Was your wife a doctor too?"

"Army doctor, she was gone quite a lot during our marriage which I suppose is one of the many reasons why we didn't last."

"And the others? Sorry I'm being too nosey."

"Yes you are rather, but it's fine. I'm not the easiest person to live with, too grumpy for my own good. Zoë will vouch for that."

"You're not so bad." Lofty smiled.

"I hope you don't mind but I'll call you Ben, I can't bring myself to call you Lofty."

"Ben's fine, it can be reserved just for you."

Dylan looked up at Lofty who was smiling softly at him, suddenly things felt a little uncomfortable for Dylan.

"We should probably head back, it's getting late."

"Sure."

"Dervla…come on girl, time to go home."

…

Em, Connie and Grace arrived home just after 11pm, Grace had fallen asleep in the car so Connie carried her up the stairs to her bedroom as Em got the things from the car. Settling her daughter down on the bed and removing her shoes, she brought the duvet up and covered her to keep her warm, Grace slowly opened her eyes, watching Connie.

"Mummy."

"Time to sleep darling, I'll see you in the morning."

"I like Em mummy, I hope she stays. She makes you smile."

"Yes she does, so you're okay with this."

Grace nodded her head as Connie placed a kiss to her forehead before leaving the room to see Em waiting outside.

"She okay."

"Very tired."

"Did she anything?"

"Just that…she likes you and she's glad you make me smile again."

"Wow, now that's a compliment."

"It certainly is….shall we go to bed."

"You don't want me to sleep in my…"

"Em…I don't think we need to hide anymore, do you?"

"No…no I don't." Em smiled as she let Connie lead her to their room.

…

To Be Continued…