The Affectionate Player - Part1 (Editing Chapters 32-34)

Chapter 18

Altogether Now!

We'd decided the best thing for Pippa and Ruby was to stay at home and with the girls' excited to spend the weekend with Monty, it made everyone's decision less difficult. Naturally the twins had been full of questions about Gracie's eye causing me to step in with a story of a squash incident but as the time had neared for us to make our departure, Soph and the girls' had been equally tearful, and according to Josh my sister hadn't stopped all night.

My own child had simply said, "Bye daddy," not concerned at all that I was leaving him with Gracie; a woman he'd met barely two months ago. I know he's fond of her and she's crazy about him; and while I really had no choice but to have her look after him, a small part of me still felt miffed that he preferred to stay with her instead of coming with me. Perhaps it was the luring promise of a trip to London Zoo that had swayed him.

I'd been calm when we'd left this morning taking the flight in my stride but as soon as we landed on Scottish soil, my mind went into overdrive. And now, with my sister sitting in the hire car beside me and Josh behind us in the rear, I fear my road rage is off the scale. What the hell is wrong with me?  Gracie's the one who's pregnant but I'm certain my body has the hormone imbalance today.

"For God's sake, Max, calm down! We'll have no chance of getting there in one piece at this rate." Josh warns. "Soph's upset enough as it is."

"Sorry, man. I can't get my head together today."

"Do you think she regrets leaving us, Max?" Soph whispers, deep in thought.

"I'm sure she does, love. Why would she turn up now, otherwise?" Offering no answer she once again falls silent, having cried herself dry.

Approaching the car park shortly after one, I call da to tell him we've arrived at the hotel. Soon we've checked in and ditched our luggage but as Josh makes to join us Soph gently stops him, and as my sis and I arrive at da's suite I take her hand knocking twice. Within seconds our father is stood in the doorway looking casually sharp but completely on edge. Without saying 'hello' Soph throws herself in his arms and as he holds her close he murmurs assurances attempting to offer some comfort.

"There lassie. It's okay. You'll be fine, we'll all be fine." Without freeing his daughter he pulls me to him and for moments we stand huddled together.

"Have some food," he says eventually, leading us toward a tray of sandwiches. "And help yourselves to drinks. There's tea and coffee in the pots. Your mother will be along in a few minutes."

"Don't call her that!" Soph scowls surprising me, pouring herself some wine. Da struggles to respond.

"And before you start to defend her dad she's not my mother because no one has the right to that endearment if they can walk away from their kids and not contact them for twenty odd fucking years!"

"Sophie!" Da reproves. "She'll be here any minute. And before you start, young lady, we both have some explaining to do. Let's just all stay calm and listen to each other. Then you can decide whether you want to see her again. We owe her that much. I owe her that much!"

"Well, I owe her nothing! But for you dad, and only you, I will listen." Clearly upset, she drains half her glass prompting her to refill it.

"Go easy, lass. That solves nothing. You've only to ask your brother. How are you bearing up son?" he asks, turning his attention to me.

"I just don't know da, if I'm honest. Is Connie going to be here?"

"Yes, son. Your mother was going to tell her this morning but she's text to say she hasn't managed it. Seems Connie took herself off into town earlier and only came back fifteen minutes ago, which means when they arrive we all need to remain calm and let your mother speak."