"Who was that complete stranger you just allowed our Daughter to stroll off with? The latest in a long line of unsuitable Nannies?" Sam demanded as Rita and Grace walked off hand in hand. His words were quite harsh, and as soon as they left his mouth he watched the woman's happy face fall into a deathly stare.
"How dare you insinuate that I take such little regard in the welfare of our daughter? You are the parent that claims to care, and yet at every opportunity you manage to wriggle out of any form of responsibility!" Connie hissed as the pair weaved their way through the crowds that were congregated throughout the airport.
"Oh come on, you are hardly Mother of the year!" Sam spat back. Connie stopped dead in her tracks, her eyes glistening with what appeared to be tears mixed with all sorts of anger and hate. Sam, on realising that Connie was no longer walking along beside him also stopped abruptly and turned his head. Connie's long dark glare was somewhat unnerving.
"RITA, is a friend of mine" Connie informed Sam quietly loudly. People began to turn, somewhat interested in the commotion which the consultant and her Ex were causing.
"And where did you meet this friend because I have never heard you mention her before" Connie suddenly felt self-conscious, so grabbing Sam's hand she pulled them over to a more secluded spot, out of the way of the shops, restaurants and desks.
"I can quote to you every single qualification that she has, do you know why Sam, because she is the clinical nurse manager at work, she's not just someone I picked up off the streets, unlike some of the women I'm sure Grace has been subjected to in your care" Connie was going straight for the jugular. She was not having her parenting and professional skills pulled into question by a man who once left her daughter with a junior nurse whilst he headed over to the bar for 'celebratory drinks'.
"Is that all she is, a friend because I don't recall you ever having 'friends'" Sam stated matter of factly. It was true. Connie didn't do friendship, the closest thing she had to a friend was Elliot and Charlie, and even then she found both men rather tiresome.
"There's a lot you never knew about me…." Connie sighed as she fiddled with her nails.
"I know when you're not being entirely honest" This was true. Sam had always known when she was telling the truth. Every 'I'm fine', he had read straight through and known that a little piece of her was close to giving up.
"What does it matter?"
"Well it doesn't, but I would like to know what kind of role she will be playing in my Daughter's life" Sam softened. Connie refused to take her eyes off her hands, prompting Sam to gently lift her chin up so he could catch a glimpse of her dark green eyes.
"Were engaged" Connie finally admitted half-heartedly. Sam allowed his hand to fall from Connie's chin, his arm stiffening at his side.
"That serious" He mumbled awkwardly.
"Were having a baby…" Connie dropped awkwardly as her hand fell to the small curve of her stomach.
"Wow" Sam croaked as he rubbed his hand across his face.
"Anyway, I best go. Grace will be tired" Connie finished as she took hold of Grace's suitcases.
"Connie…" Sam reached out a hand before thinking better of it. Connie looked back at him, her eyes wide.
"Look after yourself" He said sincerely. Connie briefly nodded her head before turning her back on the man she shared a daughter with. Sam watched as her figure disappeared into the distance and wondered when the clinical lead had changed.