Conviction(80)

I look up at him, giving him the best star-struck, dreamy-eyed look I can muster without falling on the floor laughing. I shrug my shoulders and look back at Marcus.

“What can I say, Conner Reed, rock star? Hell yeah.”

Marcus points his finger at me. “Expect a call from my lawyer.” He turns and starts walking away.

“Look forward to it Newman. We, look forward to it,” Conner calls after him.

He turns to me, eyebrows raised in concern.

“You all right?” he asks.

He wraps his arms around me, pulling me in close. It’s then that I realise, how badly I’m shaking.

“That was intense,” I tell him, noticing people looking our way as I speak.

“He was behind Pearce’s blackmailing that forced me into marrying him.”

“No shit, Sherlock? I’d already worked that one out. I wouldn’t be surprised if he was also behind my calls not getting through while you were in the hospital. He probably put Pearce up to it.”

I stare at him for a moment, mulling that one over. He’s probably right. I suddenly feel very tired. Overwhelmed by all of today’s revelations.

“I just can’t believe this. You couldn’t make this shit up,” I shake my head as I speak.

“It’s f*cked, that’s what it is. The situation, your brother and him, all f*cked.”

I notice two boys, aged about sixteen looking at Conner as we speak.

“You better get your beanie back on your head, Conner Reed rock star at the top of his game,” I tell him with a smile. “The public are starting to stare. Someone is gonna recognise you in a minute.”

He kisses my nose. “I love you, do you need to go back to work?”

“Not really, my mother was my only client today.”

“Well, can I make some calls and get someone with a van over so we can get the last of your stuff moved to my place?” he asks.

“It doesn’t need a van, Con. I only have some clothes and a few personal bits.”

“You don’t have any furniture or anything at Sophie’s?”

“No, I left with nothing. I went back and grabbed a few clothes and bits, but other than that, nothing.”

We start walking back to the salon, hand in hand. It feels so nice being out in public with Conner, just walking through a park, holding hands. A nice, normal, everyday act and yet one that probably neither of us have done for years, but for entirely different reasons.

He kisses the back of my hand.

“Good, I’m glad you’re starting fresh with me. I’m glad there’s nothing from your marriage that you want. I don’t want any reminders of him in our home.”

I smile at my rock star’s jealousy and the fact that he just called his house, our home. I’m cool with that. Our home works for me.





We head straight up to Sophie’s flat and I pack my last few bits and pieces that I have here into plastic carrier bags. Very classy I know, but that’s all I have to hand.

Conner calls Matt and asks if he can come and collect us. We take all of the bags downstairs and Conner waits with them while I go into the salon and tell Sophie that I’ve taken the last of my stuff.

She’s standing with Maria and Donna, watching a rep from a permanent hair straightening supplier work their magic on a volunteer model. I watched a demo at a hair and fashion show, so I don’t need to see it.

I haven’t told any of our staff about Conner yet, so I try to speak quietly to Soph.

“I’ve taken the last of my stuff. I’ll give you a call a bit later. Thanks so much for everything.”

She gives me a smile. “You’re more than welcome, baby chick. How’d it go with the f*cker?’

“It was f*cked.” I shrug. “I have so much to tell you. I could really do with a wine and a chat. I’ll give you a call a bit later.”

She nods. “Coolios.”

Before I get a chance to move, Maria says from beside her, “Oh my God, my ovaries just exploded.”

“Holy shitballs,” Donna responds from the other side of the rep and her volunteer.

“Jesus wept, that’s hot,” the rep adds. I follow their gaze. Conner is leaning against the archway that leads into our treatment room. He’s lifted his jumper and his fingertips are stroking his bare belly. He winks at me, knowing full well the reaction he’s getting from my girls.

“Matty’s here Meebs. You ready?” He nods his head at the hormonal puddle of women surrounding the sink.

“Ladies.”

“Hey.”

“Wow.”

Oh, my f*cking God.”

“Fuck. Me.”

Are the collective responses. I roll my eyes, first at them, then at him.

“If we don’t catch up tonight, I’ll see you next week,” I tell Sophie, not missing the look she shoots Conner.

“What?” I ask. Looking between them.

“Erm,” is all Sophie says.

“You’re not here next week, Meebs. I’ve sorted it with Sophie, you’ve got a couple of weeks off.”

“What?” I ask having no idea what’s going on.

“We’re going away. It was gonna be a surprise, but you might as well know, I’m taking you away. I’ve sorted it all with Soph, your clients are all organised and rescheduled.”