Not in the clear

‘I take it you’re not going in today, either.’

‘No. I still don’t feel right. I can’t bring myself to drag myself into the office right now. Some time out would be good for me.’

‘I dunno, it feels like you haven’t been there very much at all recently.’

‘Brianne, I cannot help the fact that a meteor was damn near dropped on my head. I think even the most dedicated workaholic may take some time to recuperate after that. Not to mention the time before, it was because I’d been stabbed in the fucking balls. I don’t feel the need to apologise for taking some time out when those things happened!’

‘Okay, okay. I’m sorry; you’re right.’

‘I’m just saying, I deserve a bit of sympathy.’

‘I am sympathetic. But I’m also really worried, too. It’s scary that you keep getting targeted like this…’

‘Really? You sounded more bothered that it’s interfering with my ability to work.’

‘You don’t think that’s a legitimate concern too? I don’t mean from the perspective of trying to make you work all the time, but with the role you have… It attracts a lot of scrutiny. If people start talking…’

‘You let me worry about that. I’ll be the one to stay concerned about my public image, and my political career in general. I just need you to be there behind me.’

‘I am. I promise.’

‘Good. I’m glad to hear it.’

‘I’d better go get the girls ready for preschool, anyway.’

‘Hello there! What’s happening?’

‘Nothing good, to be honest.’

‘Oh dear. That sounds serious. What is it?’

‘I need you to keep this a secret from everyone. I shouldn’t even be telling you, but I really need to talk to someone about it.’

‘Okay. I won’t tell a soul, I promise.’

‘Do you remember me, um, taking Brianne back to mine?’

‘Ohhh yes. ...Have there been repercussions?’

‘Yes. She’s pregnant.’

‘Ooooohhhh… How far along?’

‘She didn’t say exactly, just that the timing for us “feels wrong”. She thinks it likely isn’t mine. But there’s still a chance.’

‘I was going to say, it could be Tate’s. I mean, you and her had a one night stand, right? Whereas, how often does Tate sleep with her?’

‘I’d prefer not to think about it, to be honest.’

‘Well, sure, but my point is, it’s statistically much more likely to be his than it is yours, is what I meant.’

‘Mm, you’re right about that. That, and she said there was a third candidate, too…’

‘Well there you go! You’re virtually in the clear. Who was the third guy, anyway?’

‘Abraxas.’

‘Oooohhh, shit. You might be basically in the clear, but that poor baby isn’t…! Oh, God. I wouldn’t want to be the one to tell Indigo, if it turns out Brianne is carrying her half sibling…!’

‘No, me neither. So as you can see, the situation is a complete mess.’

‘She definitely wants to keep it?’

‘That’s right.’

‘Welp. That’s a whole bucket of pickles.’

‘I’ve been so stupid. What was I thinking, sleeping with Tate’s girlfriend?’

‘Well, if it’s an open relationship, it’s not like he really has any right to complain.’

‘But I shouldn’t have. Because I know him.’

‘All you can really do now is just keep your fingers and toes crossed that one of the other two is the dad. Though hopefully Tate and not Abraxas, God. Though, I am a bit iffy about him too.’

‘You as well?’

‘Yes. Him being friends with Abraxas kind of weirds me out. I suppose it could be that Tate doesn’t know all the things Indigo told us and that Abraxas is manipulating him, but… She reacts equally as hostile to Tate, as well. Plus, well… it’s not the first time there have been some very opinionated fingers pointed in his direction with firm conviction, is it?’

‘No, it’s not. And I’ll be honest… I really think there’s something to this.’

‘Me too. More people are coming up with stories of how Tate isn’t all he appears. Frankly, I’m worried we’ve made a dreadful mistake.’

‘So am I. I’m not sure what to do about it. I’m limited in what I can say to protect Brianne’s secret. I can’t tell other people about this. Tate doesn’t even know I slept with her, and I don’t want to admit it to my family, even if Mum does suspect something’s up.’

‘Oh, right. I’d figured she would’ve let him know. I thought that was standard fare in open relationships. Not that I’d know, I guess.’

‘Me neither. After this, I might just look for someone to settle down with. This is too much grief.’

‘Might be a good idea. Either that or go for the snippety snip.’

‘Something to think about. What do you think we should do?’

‘I’m not sure. Keep an eye on them both, maybe. We probably shouldn’t get too entangled, but on the other hand… look at Quinn’s new father in law.’

‘I think you’re right. We need to tread carefully with this. If our suspicions are correct…’

‘...Then we could be putting ourselves in harm’s way. I wonder how much Richard knows. The old boy doesn’t deserve being manipulated by them, if that’s what they are doing. Even if he can be a bit of a curmudgeon.’

‘Exactly. I’d never wish to see anything unpleasant happen to him.’

‘I suppose we should make an effort to keep in touch with Quinn and Indigo more. Suddenly chumming up to Richard would no doubt be suspicious, but if there’s anything amiss there, Quinn can tell us.’

‘And would, I hope. We should invite the two of them to spend more time with us. Help make Indigo feel a bit more welcome.’

‘Good idea. God knows she’s got a lot to contend with, with hating those two and Mother Dearest being her usual snooty, horsey self.’

‘No, she hasn’t made things easy for her, has she?’

‘When does she ever? At least Indigo gets to escape it more easily.’

‘Very good point.’

‘Oh, hello, Brianne.’

‘Oh, hi…’

‘I was wondering when we’d run into you here.’

‘When I saw your daughter on previous occasions, I wondered if she might be yours… Tate never mentioned you had another child.’

‘Yeah, I can’t say I’m shocked. Honestly, the less he says about her, the better.’

‘Makes sense. How old is she?’

‘She’s two, but advanced for her age. That’s why we’ve been trialling her here a little bit. Plus it gives Heath a bit of a break.’

‘Yeah, I’m a stay-at-home dad.’

‘Ah, fair enough. We all need a break now and then, especially if you’re at home all the time with them. I know from experience.’

‘It’s nice to finally meet the girls.’

‘Who’s that?’

‘That’s Ellis, sweetie. He’s your brother…’

‘Hi there. Which one are you? Marigold, or Peach?’

‘I’m Peach!’

‘You look like you’re getting to be a big girl. How old are you now?’

‘We’re four.’

‘Wow! You’ll be starting school before much longer.’

‘Yep. Time really does fly.’

‘So they’re Nix’s aunties, huh?’

‘Yeah. Bit of a strange thought with them being so close in age.’

‘It’s like that for the triplets and Charon. They just grew up to be friends.’

‘I’d like that for Nix and the twins, whatever happens.’

‘I’d like that, too. Hey… Do you think there’s any chance you can get away with coming to ours? For a chat.’

‘When are you thinking? It’d probably work out best if the girls weren’t with me. I don’t want them to say anything to Tate about who we’ve seen, nor do I really want to ask them to keep secrets either…’

‘What about now?’

‘It’s a bit short notice. Could we maybe do next week? It’s just that Tate isn’t at work at the moment and I’d prefer him to be at the office while I sneak around.’

‘Ah, so he’s expecting you home? Got it.’

‘That’s right. Let’s exchange numbers and arrange something.’