Page 17 of No More Lies

“I’m sorry, too. You look a little pale, are you OK?”

A surge of warmth spread through him at the tenderness in her voice. “Yeah. Serves me right. Self-inflicted.” Taking a chance, he reached across the table and squeezed her hand. She smiled and he relaxed a little.

The three of them chatted, Megan telling them all about the movie, then describing in detail what was on her pizza.

“Why didn’t you get anchovies on your pizza?” he asked, knowing his daughter hated anchovies.

“Yuck! They are slimy and horrible and should never be on a pizza.”

“You have no idea what you’re missing,” he said. “Anchovies are the best. Maybe I should have them add some to your pancakes.” He raised his hand as if to call for the waitress.

“No, Daddy, no! Don’t you dare!”

Steve put down his hand as the three of them laughed. It was good to see Diane laugh. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d heard that sound. Guilt reared its head again. Why had he let this go on so long? It didn't matter how they had got here, or whose fault it was. They just needed to get past it.

Their waitress arrived with the food and he and Megan ate, while Diane drank coffee. They chatted easily about school, softball, and Megan’s upcoming birthday. Anyone looking at them would see a happy, loving family enjoying a lazy Saturday morning.

“Can we still have a party at the trampoline park?” Megan asked. Steve didn’t miss the flash of worry across Diane’s face before she masked it with a smile.

“Of course, we can have a party. We should get the invitations out to your school friends.”

“And my adult friends, too?” Megan asked. Steve threw Diane a confused look. A spark of fear lodged in his stomach.

“What adult friends, Pumpkin?”

“Uncle Dex, Aunty Kelly, and the rest of your work people, Daddy.”

Steve relaxed.

“Well, of course, we can invite them, if that’s what you want. But it will depend on if they are working or not,” Diane said gently.

“Will you be working, Daddy?”

It was always a possibility, and he was grateful both Diane and Megan understood that. He’d missed a few birthdays over the years. He reached out and squeezed Megan’s hand.

“I’m going to do my very best not to be, OK?”

“OK!” Megan beamed, accepting his answer without complaint.

A phone pinged and he watched Diane take hers out. Her smile faded and her face paled.

“Angel? Is everything alright?”

She looked up, a forced smile in place. “Yes, but I need to go.”

“Diane?” Something was wrong. It was written all over her face.

“It’s this client. I have to go. Sorry. This was great.” She reached over, placing her hand on his arm. “Thank you for texting me.”

He nodded, not wanting to say anything else in front of Megan. Diane hugged and kissed their daughter and promised not to be home too late.

“Hey, Pumpkin, wait here for me, OK? I’m just going to walk Mommy to the door.”

“Yes Daddy.”

“Steve, there’s no need,” Diane protested.

He ignored her and placed his hand at the small of her back, guiding her out.