Page 100 of Deacon

‘Huh?’ the kid asked, confused.

I tweaked Raff’s cheek. ‘I just found out someone’s true colors, honey, and I think it’s set me free.’

Raff untangled himself from us, looking bemused.

‘Y’all are weird.’

We laughed as Deacon took my hand and led me to the table.

‘Let’s eat pancakes, then later take a walk in the sun or a swim and forget the big bad world outside,’ he announced.

He kissed my temple as he helped me into my chair, not knowing how grounding, life-giving, and necessary his support was in the middle of my storm.

Chapter 19

ANA

‘I’m glad you found out that fucker was stepping out now rather than later. Ana, you didn’t spend years building yourself up to become the amazing woman you are, only to settle for an unfaithful husband. I’m so relieved he’s out of your life.’

My mother and sister were livid for me.

Lucia made no attempt to hide her anger as she vented during a group call with Mum and me.

‘He’s a freakin’ waste of oxygen and a bimbo arsehole,’ she continued. ‘You deserve better. You should be with a man worthy of you.’

‘Can we not talk about moving on right now, Lucia?’ I groused. ‘It’s too soon.’

‘The only man you need to move on to is Deacon,’ my mother interjected.

‘Will you two stop? You’re supposed to be comforting me.’

Despite my annoyance, I smiled, confident they meant well.

‘Chéri, we’re here to support you if you want to chat about it. In fact, I can fly out if you want me to,’ Théa offered.

‘Non, that won’t be necessary,’ I countered.

Mum pursed her lips, then nodded. ‘D’accord. In the meantime, laughter is excellent medicine. Watch a few comedies with Raff, eat lots of good food, indulge in some wine and let Deacon take care of you. I know he’ll do it.’

I hung up soon afterward and powered down my phone, sliding it beneath a cushion on the lounge beside me to shut out the world.

The afternoon sun tracked across the Spanish sky while long shadows crawled over the terrace.

Raff’s bright chuckles bounced off the walls as he splashed in the turquoise pool, trying to climb onto his father’s back.

I leaned back, watching them as a sudden clarity settled over me.

I was going to be okay.

The devastation I expected from Max’s betrayal never quite landed.

Hours earlier, when I found out, mortification had hit hard.

I’d worried about the shame and the public exposure, imagining how the story would spread.

However, as time passed in Deacon, Christine and Raff’s company, I calmed down.

More truths began to unfold in my mind.