A chance meeting

Chapter 5

Rose had almost forgotten what it was like to go around the shops without either being limited to the ground floor or getting frowned at by other shoppers for taking the stroller in so she almost got carried away and forgot she was meeting Alec and Camille in the department store's coffee shop. She had at least got something for Tony and her mother in the way of presents although when she thought about it, maybe Alec had been right and it was a bit early.

They had exchanged phone numbers in case one of them got delayed so as Alec got himself a drink and got Camille's juice out of the baby bag, he looked around to see if Rose was making her way to the corner of the store.

"Where's your mum got to then eh Camille?" he asked the toddler as she took the cup.

"Where Mama?" Camille asked him as she smiled at him.

"Let's find out shall we?" he asked her, getting his phone out. "Hello Rose, where are you?" he asked when she answered.

"Sorry, I got a bit distracted, I'm on my way. You two been okay?"

"Yes, we have been fine and I did not buy the whole toy department although they were probably watching on camera."

"Sorry, I'll be there in a few minutes. Did you get what you wanted?"

"Yes, you may have a house guest again tonight," he smiled at Camille, who was watching him.

"Who says I'll object?" Rose smiled to herself.

After Rose made a fuss over her daughter, who squirmed as Rose tried to shower her with kisses, Rose went to get a drink and told Alec what she'd bought.

"Well we will take everything back to the car then go for a walk along the seafront before the sun goes in," he suggested.

As they walked along, Camille fell asleep again and Rose walked with her arm in Alec's, stopping at a café to get something to eat, which Camille woke up for and shared some of Rose's, then they walked towards the little park at the end with the carousel, Camille pointing to the horses.

"Take her on Rose," Alec suggested as the ride was stopping.

"Aw, it's okay, we'll just watch."

Camille had other ideas as she tried to get out of the stroller and pointed again.

"Go Mama?" the young girl asked.

Alec saw some other strollers by the control desk and went to get Camille out.

"Here, take her, the stroller will be fine over there," he pointed to the others.

The ride came to a stop and taking Camille from Rose, climbed the few steps and then indicated for Rose to get on the front part of the horse, putting the girl in front though it was a tight squeeze. He then climbed on the back after getting some money out of his wallet but there was no charge for Camille.

Since the ride wasn't yet ready, he got off again and took a photo of them.

"Wave Camille," Rose told her as the girl was looking at the other horses and the lights and to see where the music was coming from.

"Camille, look over here," Alec told her, trying to get her attention.

Rose whispered in the girl's ear, "Smile for daddy," and Camille looked up.

She knew it was a mistake, what if he didn't really want the job but it had got Camille to pay attention though the last few months had been hard work trying to convince her young daughter that Alec wasn't her dad.