Chapter 27

"Where's dad, did he come home last night?" Stephanie asks as she still watches Dwayne working his way through the bag of donuts.

"He did, he came home around eleven last night but then he went out early this morning" Linda says "He probably had to go into the office or something" She says trying to make up some excuse for Vince not being there.

"More like avoiding me," Steph says under her breath so Linda doesn't hear her. Dwayne hears her, he takes her hand and smiles at her and mouths to her that it'll be ok.

"Oops, I think I ate all the donuts" Dwayne says breaking the silence as he shakes the empty bag.

"If your ill don't forget I did warn you," Stephanie says squeezing his hand before getting up and starting to clear the table.

"I couldn't help it, they were some of the best damn donuts I ever did see. or eat!" Dwayne laughs helping her clear up.

"He's not normally this helpful at home you know" Stephanie whispers to Linda, Dwayne stops and walks over to her. He picks her up so she is eye level with him.

"I'm not deaf honey" Dwayne laughs as she puts her arms around his neck "You little liar, I am this helpful at home!" He says as he spins her around. He puts her down and walks away; she runs up behind him and jumps on his back putting her legs around his waist trying to knock him over.

"Hey, no fighting in my house" Linda laughs watching Dwayne run around the house trying to throw her off of his back with Steph screaming. Stephanie lets go and falls onto the couch; Dwayne pulls her up and hugs her.

"We should be going soon," Dwayne says to Stephanie letting go of her. "I'll go get our stuff together and call us a cab" Dwayne runs off upstairs to get all their bags. Steph and Linda walk into the lounge and sit down.

"Don't ever let that one go Stephanie or you'll regret it, I'm so glad you got rid of that Paul and found someone better" Linda says smiling at Steph.

"Don't worry, he's not going anywhere!" Steph laughs as Dwayne comes sliding down the banisters with the bags in his hands. He falls off the end onto the floor and sits there grinning at them. "He's a bit of a big kid but at least he has a bit of fun now and then" Dwayne gets up and walks over to them.

"The cab will be here in a couple of minutes. Are you talking about me.again?" Dwayne says sitting down and putting his arm around Stephanie.

"Only good stuff of course, and Steph, don't worry about what your father says, it will all be fine. I'll have a talk with him, you two don't worry about a thing" Linda says as they walk out into the hallway, they get their coats and bags and head for the door. Linda hugs them both before they get into the cab and drive away.