I feel Seb’s hand slowly cover mine, gently rubbing back and forth with his thumb. “Earth to Lu?”
“Sorry I was just admiring my handiwork.”
“And so you should. It’s cool isn’t it Finny?”
“It’s so cool Mum. Brmmm Brmmm.” His little hands grip the steering wheel in sheer purposefulness, as he looks to me and gives me a cheesy grin. I decide to strike while he is transfixed.
“Finn I need to talk to you about something.” I notice Seb’s brows rise.
“Mummy’s been offered the chance to get some more great jobs - maybe like this one or even cooler?”
“Hmmmm.”
He’s not really listening but I try to continue and give a knowing look of thanks to Seb as he whispers something in Finn’s ear, which has him dropping the wheel like a hot potato and placing both elbows on the table, inquisitive face balanced eagerly.
“I’m all-ears, Mummy.”
My laugh is open and freeing and I take a minute to calm myself - little monkey. My Dad says that a lot, so I know where he gets it from.
I wonder what Seb said to him to make him focus? I need to find out as it had worked a treat.
“As I was saying, I need to go meet some people that might let me decorate their homes and work places.” He nods in all the right places. “But it will mean me going away for a week.”
“Can I come?”
My heart falls and I catch eyes with Sebastian, who strokes my hand encouragingly. “No, darling, not this time, but I’ve arranged for you to stay with Ninni and Gramps and you’ll see Niall too.”
“OK.”
What? Surely he’s going to be more upset than that?
“Really? Are you sure because if you are not happy, Mummy won’t go.” I can’t look at Seb.
“I’ll be fine. I’ll have Ninni and Gramps but I’m worried about you Mummy? Who will look after you?”
I feel Seb’s foot under the table, his leg, now knocking gently against mine, sending currents of pleasure up and over my skin. “Mummy will be fine Finn as I’ll be going and I’ll take great care of her.”
“Ok.”
“That’s settled then.” His knowing look is overly confident and far too sexy.
“I’ll bring you something special home, poppet. I promise.”
His eyes fly up in excitement. “A puppy?”
My look of horror has Seb rescuing me once again. “I’m not sure it’ll be a puppy this time mate but we’ll think of something extra special just for you and we’ll FaceTime you and ring you and be home before you know it.”
“Sub?”
“Yes, mate.”
“I love it when you’re here.”
I look at the two gorgeous men in my life and have to smile to stop myself from crying. I’m struck by how fortunate I am and how easily things are slipping into place.
“Me too. I love being with you and your mum too.” We share a look so intimate it sends shivers down my spine and feeling like I could embarrass myself by welling-up, I break the silence.
“Anyway, we’re not going for a week or so yet and I have some exciting news for you, Finnster in the meantime.”
“Cool - what’s up?”
My grin widens at what a little dude he is. “Well, you know how Mum’s been working on a hotel with Seb recently?” At his nod I continue. “Well, we’ve finished some of the jobs we were doing there and this weekend the owner is having a bit of a party to show off some of Mummy’s work she’s done on the bedrooms and guess what?”
“I don’t know, Mummy - will there be balloons?”
“No I don’t think so, sweetie, it’s something much more exciting than that, we get to stay at the hotel and you are coming with us.”
“Really?”
“I promise.”
“We go Friday night and on Saturday they’ve got some fun outdoor activities planned - sound good?”
“Awesome – we get to stay in a hotel!” He excitedly slurps from his now nearly empty Coke-float, fidgeting in his seat. “Are you coming too, Sub?”
“I am, dude and if you’re really good, I’ll take you fishing by the lake.”
“With maggots and everything?”
“Yep – with maggots and everything!”
“Cool!”
Finn cannot contain his excitement and I watch fondly as Sebastian ruffles his hair and they do their complicated bro handshake. They are chattering away, Seb providing full details about what adventures they’ll be having when the food arrives in perfect time and I focus my time cutting up Finn’s food, ever aware of Seb’s watchful and heated gaze upon me. Finn heartily tucks into his pancake tower of maple syrup and crispy bacon, whilst Seb makes fast work devouring his chilli burger and fries. I stare down at my Chicken Caesar Salad and suddenly feel a wave of nausea hit me. The thought of eating anything at that moment is insurmountable. Instead I pick and push the ingredients around the plate, in the hope that neither of my two dates notices. It’ll pass; I’m just tired and haven’t really caught up with eating since Seb and I sorted through our shit.