My Son(10)

Then she had remembered Max, remembered that this was Max’s father who had abandoned him and Trudy, and who seemed so easily to turn on that almost boyish charm to her. She had pulled her hand away from his and had been tempted to tell him exactly what she thought of him, until Trudy had almost dragged her away to the other side of the room, pleading with her not to say a word

The rest of the night had passed in a whirl with Trudy flirting and laughing her way around the room, while she had stood back. She had not wanted to come to the party, it not really being her thing, but Trudy had insisted telling her that she needed to get out and get on with her life. After she had organised a baby sitter, Kelly had no option but to accompany her, but soon had wished that she had been more insistent. Although only 23, Kelly was older than her years, and found events such as these tiresome, wishing that she was back home away from the many annoying superficial people who would try so hard to find out her whole life story.

She had been totally aware at all times where Marc De Santo was as she could almost feel his presence. Every now and then she had risked a look and was struck with how relaxed and charismatic he was, as his latest mistress had stayed by his side hanging onto his arm and every word. Kelly had noticed how beautiful she was and so perfectly turned out, and with a grimace she had wished that she had done more with her hair than the usual brush. Looking back at Trudy she had sighed to herself, yes Marc De Santo certainly had a type, and fleetingly she had thought it hadn't been her.

Kelly was not someone who would enjoy being arm candy even for somebody as handsome as Marc De Santo. Nor was she somebody who would simper and agree hanging on his every syllable. She was not afraid to speak her mind and was passionate about certain topics which Danny had always said made her glorious. Remembering Danny had brought a haunted look fleetingly to her expressively beautiful face as sadness had once more filled her.

Kelly had remembered the whole night as she had constantly been hit upon by men who seemed to think that it was OK to assume that she would like nothing more than to spend the next day with them on their boat or jet. For Trudy’s sake she had been polite but aloof with them, however looking around she saw the same dance happening everywhere, and she had missed Danny, missed him with all her heart.

Shaking herself back into the present Kelly had continued her search, after a while finally finding the entries relating to Trudy’s pregnancy, along with the explanation of what had prompted her to stay quiet.

“Walked in on Marc on the phone. Wanted to tell him I'm pregnant but wasn’t sure how he was going to take it. Couldn’t believe what he was saying...it was like a warning from on high. He was telling someone that he would keep his baby and that his lawyers would make sure he did. He was so angry. I left before he saw me. Our relationship is on the rocks, if I tell him about the baby he and his lawyers will take it from me. He can’t ever know”

Kelly had frowned. Would Marc De Santo have really taken Max off Trudy? Her cousin had not been the strongest person in the world, and it was clear that Marc was, but would he really have taken her child. Kelly had bitten her lip as she realised that in many ways Trudy’s worst nightmare was actually coming true, only it was Kelly who was the one losing her son. She had no illusions that if she had not agreed to come with Max that day, then he would have set his lawyers on her and she would never have seen his lovely little face again, finding herself trembling at the thought, wondering for how long she would be able to stay with Max. He had said for as long as she wanted, but he would eventually become bored with having her around and then would look for ways of “encouraging” her to leave. Also she had her own life to lead, as she had given a short derisive laugh, realising that the decision to go had not been a very hard one precisely because she did not have a life to leave. With sad eyes she had looked up at the picture on the mantle, knowing that since Danny’s death she had been living her life in limbo, with only Max filling the days with joy, realising also that she needed him and would do anything to stay in his life

The following week had passed in a daze. Marc had organised for her flat to be let and he had ensured that they had all of the correct documentation they would need to fly to Spain, insisting that she be given a clothing allowance for Max to buy him all new clothes for his move. He had smiled, but his eyes had been determined as Kelly had tried to assure him that she could afford to buy his clothes, quickly realising that it was another way Marc was letting her know that he was responsible for Max now as she had been forced to give in.

He had also visited every day to see his son, something which had caused consternation for Kelly, who was finding herself ever more drawn to his masculinity, with her body responding jumpily every time he came close. She would scold herself that this was Marc De Santo, a man who collected woman as others men collected ties; however she couldn’t seem to stop her bodies reaction to his. As the days had gone by, Max had begun to look forward to the visits from Marc, who had showered affection, love and horseplay on him. She would often find herself laughing as he would swing the tot around while the small boy giggled in a way that had them both in stitches too. When she would open the door to Marc he would call out for his son, who would come crawling at speed at the sound of his voice. Kelly had watched as each day the bond between the two had grown, a knot in her stomach turning.