“Sorry I missed your birthday the other day, Paul. Had a bit of an accident,” explained Vincent, downing a quick sip of lager. “Was at a construction site, hopped in my car, and barely pulled onto the road when this kid dashed straight at my bonnet. Can you believe it? Luckily, I wasnt speeding. I leapt out, saw the ladalive and kickingasked if he was alright, and he just shrugged it off. Little ginger boy, no older than six.
‘Wheres your mum?’ I asked.
‘At home,’ he said, ‘making dinner.’
‘Right, lets go have a word with her then,’ I offered. ‘Sort this out.’
He led me to his flat, pointed at the door, then ducked behind me. A woman answeredstunning, really striking, but with this worn-out look.
‘Sorry to bother you,’ I started, ‘somethings happened. Dont panic, but I, uh, accidentally hit your son with my car. Hes finehere he is.’ I nudged the kid forward. ‘Should we call the police?’
‘No need,’ she said softly. ‘Fifth time hes pulled this stunt.’
‘What dyou mean?’
‘Oliver, go to your room,’ she told him firmly. Then to me: ‘Come through to the kitchen. Fancy a cuppa? Or coffee?’ Her tea was proper lovely, brewed with mint or something.
‘Mnames Emily,’ she sighed. ‘Oliver overheard me telling a mate how tight thingsve been since my divorce. Now hes dead set on finding me a husband this way. Youre the fifth bloke hes jumped in front of. Nearly gave two of them heart attacks. I keep telling him hes all I need, but hes stubbornjust like his grandad. Car alright? I can cover the damageno? Suit yourself.’
And there I was, staring at her, knowing Id fallen proper hard. You wont believe this, Paul, but for the first time, I saw *her*no makeup, in a ratty dressing gown, exhausted. Felt like if I walked away, I might as well throw myself off a roof.
‘I know this sounds mad,’ I blurted, ‘but maybe I could take you and Oliver to the cinema? Make it up to you?’
‘No need,’ she said. ‘Hell just get ideas again.’
‘Not your type, then?’ I joked.
‘Its not that. Just feels like Im sending my kid into traffic to bag a husband. Proper shameful.’
‘Right, and now Im some opportunist,’ I laughed. ‘Hellbound together, eh? Might as well share the same pyre.’
Dont recall what else I babbled, but next day, I picked em up, took em to see *Jurassic Park*, then for a curry. And well point is, Paul, thats why Im here. Were getting hitched in June. Need a photographer. You in? Look how photogenic they are.” Vincent flashed his phonea grinning redhead and a gap-toothed little boy.
Now Im dead certain Cupids got no wings. Just freckles and two missing baby teeth. And his names Oliver. As for the surname? Well, Vincents giving him his soon enough. No doubt about that.
