Sorry I missed your birthday, Paul. Had a nasty bit of trouble, Vincent muttered, downing his pint in one go. Just left a job site, barely pulled onto the road when some lad dashed right into my bonnet. Bloody hell. Lucky I wasnt speeding.
Hed flung the car door open, heart hammering, only to find the boy unharmeda wiry little redhead, no older than six. You all right, mate? Vincent had asked, and the boy nodded, brushing himself off. Wheres your mum?
At home, the boy said. Making supper.
Right, lets have a word with her, then. Vincent led him back to a grim council flat, the boy shuffling behind him as they reached the door. A woman answered, striking even in her worn dressing gown, though her eyes were dull with weariness.
Apologies, Vincent began. Bit of an incident. No need to fretyour boys fine, just took a knock from my motor. Here he is. He nudged the child forward. Shall I call the police?
She shook her head. No need. Fifth time hes done this.
Vincent blinked. Come again?
Oliverup to your room, she ordered, then gestured Vincent inside. Tea? Or something stronger? Her tea, brewed with lavender, was unexpectedly perfect.
Dont mind him, she sighed, introducing herself as Eleanor. Overheard me telling a friend how hard its been since his dad left. Now the little devils decided to fetch me a husband by hurling himself at cars. Youre the fifth poor sod hes ambushed. Nearly gave two of them heart failure. She shook her head. Takes after his granddadstubborn as a mule. Any damage to the car? Ill cover it.
Vincent just stared, struck dumb. There it wasthe woman hed spend his life with, weary and unguarded, and the thought of walking away felt like stepping off a cliff.
Thisll sound daft, he ventured, but maybe I could make it up to you both. Take you to the pictures?
She hesitated. Best not. Oliver might get ideas.
Not keen on me, then?
Its not that. Just feels like Im sending him out as bait.
Right, Vincent chuckled. And here I am, shamelessly profiting from it. Hell-bound together, arent we? Might as well share the pyre.
He barely recalled the rest, but the next day, he fetched them for a showing of *Harry Potter*, then dinner. Thenwell.
Point is, Paul, Vincent grinned, shoving his phone across the table, were tying the knot in June. Fancy being the photographer? The screen showed a radiant Eleanor, her copper curls bright beside a gap-toothed Oliver.
Cupid, Vincent decided, didnt have wings. He had freckles and missing teeth. And soon enough, hed have Vincents last name. No doubt about that.
