Chapter 10

“Ah, but I’ve come up with the perfect solution. Just don’t go out. Never let it be said that having no life doesn’t have its upside.”

Ian laughed. “I don’t believe that for a moment. Bloke like you?”

“Geek like me, you mean.”

“Don’t sell yourself short.” He paused. “I wouldn’t call you a geek.”

“No? What would you call me? Or am I better off not knowing?” We reached the priory gate and walked through, then took a sharp turn to go across the field towards the nearest beach—one I’d unaccountably failed to mention to Kelis the previous day. It was pitch dark by this point, save for the full moon overhead which gave just enough cool light to see our way by.

“Well, for starters, you’re a great dad.”

It left a sour taste in my mouth. “I’ve got a lot of lost time to make up for.”

“How’s that? Didn’t you have joint custody of Kelis, before her mum died?”

“No. Actually…” I took a deep breath. “I didn’t even meet Kelis until after Shandi died.”