“You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”
I laughed. “Absolutely. It was that bad?”
“God, you should have seen him, Oakley. He looked so nice at the gym, running on the treadmill, and he was so polite and interested in what I was saying. Turns out that he’s a twat.”
Reaching for the milk in the fridge, I laughed at her bluntness. “What did he do?”
“He spoke about cars the whole night. I couldn’t care less what engine his car has, or how many of those horse things it has! I was so bored that I texted Mum and made her call lying that Leona wouldn’t settle without me. I’m done with men.”
“Don’t give up. You’ll find someone. You know I could—”
“No way,” she hissed. “You are not setting me up.”
“Fine, be stubborn.”
She glared at me. “I don’t want to talk about this any more.”
I carried the mugs to the table, and Mia brought the chocolates. “You’re annoyed because I’m right.”
“Change of subject. If your arsehole ex wanted your child for one extra day a week, would you let him?”
“Chris wants another day?”
She turned her nose up. “Yep.” He already had Leona on Fridays and Saturdays, and every other Sunday, which was how it had been since she was born. “He wants a mid-week day too. I don’t really know what to do. Leona would love it, and I would be able to get more done. When it comes to Chris though, I just want to stick my tongue out and give him the finger.” I laughed, almost spilling my tea. “I know I should be an adult about it.”
“You probably should. It’s horrible you have to sacrifice another day with her, but if it’s what’s best for her.”
Mia nodded. “Yeah. I’ll give him the extra day, but just until her bedtime.” I couldn’t imagine how hard it must be to share your child with an ex, especially one that hurt you so much over and over again. “Tell me about your wedding again.”
“I’m not getting married yet.”
“Yet.”
“I’m so setting you up.”
She glared and grabbed a chocolate.
Mia stayed with me for the whole day. We had a KFC lunch courtesy of Jasper, and chatted about everything. As much as I wanted to be at the centre, it was really nice to have a relaxing girly day. We made a plan of doing it one morning a week, on Leona’s new day with Chris.
At five o’clock when Cole would be leaving off work, Mia left, handing over the baton. I curled up on the sofa. The energy seemed to drain from my body. I felt as if I could sleep for a week.
“I love coming home to you every night,” Cole said, laying down beside me.
I frowned and looked up, half asleep. “Hmm, I love you coming home to me every night.” I pressed my lips against his and curled my fingers into his hair.
He wrapped one arms around my back and the other under my legs, holding me bridal style. I gasped. “Cole!”
“Shh,” he whispered and headed to the stairs.
Epilogue
Oakley
Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward, closer to the red ribbon that stretched from one side of the double doors to the other. Everything was done, and it was time to officially open La Fuga.
“I’d like to start by thanking every one of you for coming today and showing your support. Four months ago when I was just playing around with the idea I had no idea so many people would get behind me. Without the people and companies donating money, equipment and their own time, this would not have been possible.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Mum crying. Already! I smiled. “I want this to be a place where everyone can come and do something they love. This centre is for you to come to and escape. So I’d like to declare La Fuga officially open.” I cut through the tape, with a huge smile on my face. We did it!
I stepped to the side as the crowd applauded and walked forwards. “Welcome! Come on in!” Children bounced around in excitement, running into the building. A sea of people streamed past me, giving their congratulations as they looked eagerly inside.
“I can’t believe it’s really open,” I said, rushing into Cole’s arms as the final people made their way through the door.
“Feels good, doesn’t it.” I nodded against his neck. It felt incredible. “We should get inside and speak to people. Hanky panky later.”
The classes weren’t starting until tomorrow, but everyone was looking around today, and the over fifties painting club, as they called themselves, had brought along their supplies to use the shack now. I was hoping that younger people would use it too, once they saw it’s not just all about painting still-life outside. It was a quiet space for them to paint whatever they wanted.