For The Sake Of His Child

had found exactly what he needed-someone with bigger problems than his own. And, before their eyes, he was growing to meet the challenge.

She met Carson’s gaze and found there what she’d hoped for-pure fatherly pride. His grin had a touch of self- consciousness, but the pride was unmistakable.

Before they parted, that evening, they made plans to meet up with the Leytons next day. Joey’s eyelids were drooping, and after a meal he was ready for bed. Gina left father and son to say their goodnights, while she wandered down to the lobby and browsed the book stall. She bought a showbiz ‘news’ magazine, and looked idly through the pages, until she found a headline that made her stiffen.

Angelica Duvaine-on the slippery slope?

The story that followed was written in tones of sympathy that dripped with malice. After her role in the blockbuster Angelica’s career hadn’t taken off as expected. Good parts were thin on the ground. A TV project had just fallen through. Her romance with a notable producer had ended suddenly.

Gina let the magazine fall into the waste bin. Suddenly she felt uneasy.

CHAPTER TEN

AFTER that the two parties met up at least once a day. Every morning began with a visit to the aquarium. Joey was a favourite with the staff, who became used to talking to suit him. Carson and Gina had little to do but linger in the background in case they were needed.

One morning, when Joey was engaged in an earnest discussion, Carson said, ‘Do you feel safe leaving him in the care of the Leytons?’

‘Of course. They look after him as well as we can. Why?’

‘They’re taking Sally back to the funfair tonight, and for a pizza afterwards, and they’d like him to go too. I thought you and I could have a meal together.’

‘That would be lovely.’

‘Great. Now, if Einstein over there has finished, I need a cup of tea.’

That evening, as he was dressing in smart clothes for the restaurant, Carson saw Joey in the mirror, standing in his doorway, and beckoned him over.

‘Are you looking forward to tonight?’ he asked.

Joey nodded.

We’re going to the funfair and I’m going to take Sally on the Ghost Train.

‘Good. Here.’ He put some money into Joey’s hand. ‘Buy her some ice cream as well. Girls like it.’ He winked at his son. ‘I know.’

As Joey turned to go something seemed to hold him back. He looked at the carpet, then at his father. His whole body radiated awkwardness mingled with determination.

‘What is it?’ Carson asked.

Do you like Gina?

Carson nodded. ‘Of course.’

Joey spread his fingers and moved his hands back and forth to each other. A lot?

‘Yes, a lot.’

Keeping his fingers wide, Joey changed the angle of his hands so that they were flat, and moved them up and down, keeping his eyes on his father.

‘Yes,’ Carson said, understanding. ‘Lots and lots.’

The movements became more vigorous, and his eyebrows were raised in enquiry. More than lots?

‘That’s enough,’ Carson said hastily. ‘I like her; let’s leave it there.’ He met his son’s eye. ‘How about you?’

Lots and lots and lots.

To Carson’s great relief, there was a knock on the door and Gina appeared, followed by the Leytons.

‘Better give us the number of your mobile,’ Helen said, ‘just in case of emergencies. Right, folks! Let’s be off.’

Carson had half expected Gina to appear in the chiffon she’d worn the night of Dan’s ill-fated proposal. Instead she’d chosen something soft and dark blue that he hadn’t seen before. And now he realised that he wouldn’t have liked her in a dress she’d worn for another man.

It was a warm evening and they strolled along the seafront, pausing to lean on the rail and watch the tiny waves breaking on the sand as the tide went out.

‘What were you and Joey talking about when I came in?’ Gina asked.

He was about to answer when it dawned on him that he could hardly repeat that particular conversation.

‘This and that,’ he said vaguely. ‘I forget the details. Let’s go and have that meal.’

To her relief he’d found a quiet restaurant, with very little background noise.

‘Is this all right for you?’ he asked anxiously.

‘This is fine,’ she said happily. ‘It really helps when someone thinks of these things.’

‘How ever did you manage in Bob’s Cafe that first day? There was a hell of a din in the background.’

‘I’m used to the din there. I can sort of screen it out now. And I filled in the gaps with a bit of lip-reading.’

‘I can’t get my head round the way you’re so cool about it.’

‘The trick is not to let it be a bigger problem than it needs to be,’ she said seriously. Then she chuckled suddenly. ‘And it can be useful sometimes.’

‘I don’t believe that.’

‘No, really. I went on holiday to Spain with some friends, and the next-door hotel wasn’t finished yet. They were drilling and pounding all night, and everyone was going crazy because they were being kept awake. Me, I just switched everything off and went to sleep.’

He laughed, regarding her with admiration. ‘You’re unbelievable.’

While he was talking to the waiter Gina leaned back in her chair, revelling in the unexpected pleasure of this evening. Through the window by their table she could see the ocean, blue and tranquil in the twilight. Coloured lamps were coming on all down the promenade, giving the scene an air of ghostly charm.

Sitting opposite her was the man she loved. And he was all hers for the evening.

‘When is Joey’s device due to be switched on?’ he asked.

‘In ten days.’

‘Three days before his eighth birthday,’ Carson mused. ‘We’ll really have something to celebrate!’

‘But don’t let Joey think you’re expecting miracles, or that you’re disappointed when they don’t happen. He’ll hear things but it’ll be very disorganised at first.’

‘I know. But it’ll be a great birthday. There’ll be hope again.’

‘I wonder if Joey understands about hope? He’s never really had any.’

‘Except the false hopes he clings to about Brenda,’ Carson sighed. ‘Our divorce becomes final a week after his birthday. Almost nine years to the day since we married.’

‘Do you mind?’ she ventured to ask.

‘The past is the past. Let it go.’

She watched him with jealous eyes, wondering if there wasn’t a shadow of regret in his tone. Could he let it go as easily as he said?

‘I’ve been meaning to ask you,’ he said. ‘What did Joey say just before we left home the other day? I asked him what we should call you, and he made a sign I couldn’t follow.’

‘It was the sign for “mother”,’ Gina said.

‘That’s how he sees you?’

‘In a sort of way.’

Carson took his eyes off her for a moment, as though debating with himself, then looked back with an air of resolution.