The Naughty

Naughty

"Yeah. It was my poker pseudonym. Didn't turn out to be quite so lucky."

"So you had a bad streak? So what?" she shrugged. "No big deal, right?"

"I've got nothing left, Aimee, just a poxy downgrade job with the management breathing down my neck every day."

"Does Mum know about all this?"

I laughed. "Of course she knows. I had nothing when I met her, just a suitcase of clothes and a soon to be repossessed apartment."

"I don't get it," she said. "So, she loved you but you didn't love her?"

I tipped my head. "How likely does that scenario sound? Neither of us loved each other. It was a deal we both wanted at the time."

She frowned, weighing it up. "I don't understand. Why get married, then?"

"I got a new start. She got a husband."

She shook her head at that, taking it hard.

"But why?! I've wanted her to get a husband my whole life, Kyle. I wanted it more than anything, but it didn't matter shit to her then. I figured maybe one day I'd have a proper family, and maybe then she'd love me. Maybe then I'd be good enough, but I never evensawher with a man until you, even though I wished for it. Then she rocks on up one day with ameet Daddy!" She paused, shaking her head. "I thought I was so fucking stupid, for even thinking she'd give me a daddy one day. For even wanting a daddy one day."

"Not stupid," I said. "Normal. Everyone needs love, Aimee."

"Yeah, they do, I just never had any."

I wondered how it would affect her, knowing what a loser I really am. My eyes met hers, searching, and she saw it. She read my mind.

"You really think I give a shit about the fact you met my mum with nothing but a suitcase? I've always had money, Kyle. It doesn't mean anything to me. What I need is someone who'll hold me through my nightmares and ask how my day went. Who'll expect me to behave like a civil human being and put me in my place when I don't. Who'll look at me like I'm the hottest, sexiest piece of ass he's ever seen, and ravage me like a monster,that'swhat means shit to me. If you think your littleI'm brokeconfession is enough to put me off then you're a fool, Kyle. A stupid fool."

"You can do better than me," I smiled. "A lot better. Look at you, sweetheart, you've got your whole life ahead of you."

"I didn'thavea life before you! Nothing that meant anything. I was a dropout too, remember? On the edge of college expulsion without a single clue what I'd do with the rest of my life."

I took her hand across the table, squeezing her fingers tight in mine. "You're sure this is what you want? You're sure you want me and us and a life together?"

"Deadly sure," she said. "Another stupid word and I'll putyouovermyknee,Daddy."

She had me, finally, coaxing a smile despite my better senses. "This sure is love for me, baby girl," I said. "It's yours if you want it."

"I want it." She squeezed my fingers right back, brushing angel curls from her eyes. "Now, tell me about my mother... why the fuck did she suddenly want a husband on a beach one day?"

Oh shit.

Some truths were yet to be told.

☆☆☆☆☆☆

My wife Louisewas furious when I gave her the rundown of the past few weeks, but not for the reasons anyone would have expected. She didn't give a shit about me boning her daughter, or about me confessing my financial insufficiency. As usual, Louise Rowley cared only for herself, and her guarded little reputation.

"Let's get this straight, Kyle!" she snapped. "I leave you alone for three weeks. Three poxy weeks to keep up appearances, and in that time you manage to fuck my daughter, spill your guts about your unfortunate predicament and tell her our marriage is a sham. That's good going, congratulations."

"You could see it that way," I said. "Alternatively, you could examine the facts. Aimee is back in college. She smiles these days, and she does her assignments without question. She doesn't drink, doesn't screw randoms whenever you're not looking, and has embraced an all-round happier demeanour."

"Well, fucking bravo," she snipped. "Wonderful. Let's have a celebration, shall we? Champagne and cake, anyone?" She pulled a face, like she wanted to crush me under her boot. "All she's ever wanted is a big, hunky dad on the scene. I got one for her, finally, and she takes his dick at the first opportunity. Good job I didn't really love you, isn't it? The little madam would have wormed her way in regardless."

"She's not stupid," I said. "She knew you didn't love me."

"Lucky guess."

"Not a lucky guess. She does know you, Louise, she's lived with you for twenty years. Well, on paper anyway." I sighed, running my hands through my hair. "Why don't you just tell her about Helen? She'll understand. This isn't the middle-ages, they don't burn lesbians at the stake."

"Not on the surface, no, that would never do, but behind the scenes I'd be the talk of the town. I'd never hear the end of it at work."

"You'd hardly be the talk of the town, and about the work thing, who really cares? Nobody would give a shit, Louise."

"Icare," she said. "It's easier being married, Kyle. None of the old pervert clients hit on me anymore. One flash of my wedding ring and all extra commission propositions fall flat on their faces. I feel freer than I've felt in years."

"Not free enough to be with the woman you love, or to be honest with the daughter you should love."

"Idolove Aimee," she snapped. "Of course I do."

"So, talk to her," I said. "She might surprise you."

"Thanks to you I have no choice now, do I?"

I weighed it up. "Probably not."

"This doesn't leave this house, understood? Not a bloody word of it, Kyle. If we're lucky, we can keep this contained, play happy families for anyone who's watching."

"And what if I really did want to get married one day, Louise?"

She laughed. "You're a free agent, aren't you? There was noactualwedding, Kyle, in case you've forgotten. Marry who you want, just don't tell the world about it."

"Sure thing, Mrs Priestley," I smiled. "I'll keep the peace, but I'll be expecting Helen at dinner next Sunday. It's time we all had a fresh start. Let's work on the happy family thing, shall we? For real this time."

"We'll see," she said.

I guessed that would have to do.

☆☆☆☆☆

"I really like Helen,"Aimee said, draping herself across my lap. "She seems super, super nice."

"Your mother actually smiled today," I laughed. "Did you notice?"

"I put it down to trapped wind, but I think you may be right. More of an upturned mouth than a grin though, I'd say."

I laughed. "It's a start."

"A good start," she laughed too.

It was a beautiful thing to see unfolding – the new family dynamic. Louise and Helen already becoming so comfortable around each other, and Aimee enjoying her time with them. To be honest, I was too. Maybe Louise wasn't quite the cold-hearted bitch she painted herself out to be.

Aimee grinned at me. "So, Mr Priestley, now we've got the house to ourselves, what are we doing this weekend?"

"I haven't decided," I smiled. "You'll have to wait and see."

"How about I decide for once?" Her eyes were mischievous, sparkling with delight.

"Now now, Aimee, you know the rules. Who makes the decisions around here?"

She rolled her eyes. "Here we go again."

She poked her tongue out, laughing as I caught it tight between my fingers.

"Hmm, maybe you'll get to decide this weekend," I said to her. "Since you've been such a good little girl this week."

That was what my gorgeous angel was turning out to be, more than anything, and she always would be. For ever. For better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health.

Aimee Jane Rowley would always be my good little girl.