Two Kinds Of Truth(36)

I head over to the bar where Callum is still chatting to his old Uni pal. I nudge him and gesture for him to come and talk in private.

“Whatever’s the matter?” he asks, his brow creased.

“It’s Maddie; did ye see her reaction when she saw the bairn?”

Callum sighs. “Yes, of course I did. But there’s nothing I can do.”

I shake my head. “It kills me to see her like this. It must be pure torture for her.”

Callum places a hand on my shoulder. “She suffers in silence every day. However, as you well know, only you have the power to change all that.”

I continue to shake my head. “I cannae do it, Cal. I just cannae.”

He drops his hand. “What you need is a stiff drink,” he says, and goes to turn towards the bar.

I stop him and give him a half-hearted shrug. “Nah, thanks. I’m not in a drinking mood right now.”

“I understand,” Callum nods. “Maybe later?”

“Aye, maybe.”

Callum turns his attention back to Stuart, and I head towards the table and take a seat. In a little while, Maddie steps out from the ladies’ toilets. She’s wearing a stiff upper lip, and as she approaches, I notice her eyes scan the crowd to see if anyone is looking at her; judging her from afar, I guess.

“Is everything okay?” I ask when she sits down.

“Yes, I’m fine,” and she gives me a weak smile before finishing the last sips of her Gin and Tonic. Her eyes have become bold, her insecurities gone now she’s reapplied red lipstick.

“Would ye like another?” I ask, and she nods and offers me her empty glass.

“Sure, why not?”

I stand up from my seat and turn to face the bar. Malcolm, the landlord, is walking towards me, carrying the baby in his arms.

“Ye can tell this wee ’un’s made of McGregor stock,” he chuckles. “He’s got a grip that’s as strong as an ox.” I look down at the little cherub, at its blue eyes and light tuft of red hair.

“Can I hold him please?” and we both turn our heads to see Maddie standing next to us.

“Sure ye can, lassie,” says Malcolm with a broad grin. “Go on, sit thee down and I’ll pass him over to ye.”

Her expression changes to one of excitement as she hurries back to her chair. There’s a spark in her eyes that I’ve never seen before. Malcolm places the child inside her arms and she gasps then giggles.

“He’s as light as a feather,” she declares. “Somehow, I thought he’d be heavier.” The baby starts to cry and she pulls him closer to her breast.

“Shhhh, there now. Everything’s going to be all right.” She rocks the mite gently, all the while keeping her voice low and soothing. She brushes her lips against his tiny cheek and the baby murmurs then falls silent.

“You’re guid with bairns, I see,” says Malcolm, clearly impressed. “His mammy says he usually screams his head off for a feed about now.”

Maddie turns towards me, her smile triumphant, then she stares down at the child and her expression yields to a look of grateful satisfaction. There’s a complete transformation in her body language. She’s kind and gentle, and I find this makes her deeply womanly. I’m drawn towards her muliebrity; it’s like a hormonal magnet.

She glances up, catches my eye, and smiles. It’s soft and tender and I go weak at the knees. Just as quickly, she breaks eye contact when the bairn grabs hold of her little finger.

“You’re right, he is strong,” she giggles, and her long lashes flicker as she looks up to hold my gaze once more. “I bet if you ever have a boy, Jamie, he’d be a strapping wee man, too,” she says, and it’s then, right at that moment, that I come face to face with what I must do.

***

Susie the barmaid comes and taps Malcolm on the shoulder.

“It’s time for the quiz,” she says.

“Och, aye, you’re right,” he acknowledges. “Sorry, lassie, I’ve got to go.” He bends down and takes Findlay from Maddie’s arms. I notice the light in her eyes goes out. Malcolm turns, just as Rhona, Findlay’s mum, appears.

“Here ye go, darlin’, back to yir mammy,” he says, pride still in his voice, and Rhona takes the child into her arms, but then she turns to Maddie.

“Hi,” she says, “are ye Callum’s wife?”

Maddie nods and jumps to her feet. “Yes. That’s right. I am.”

“’Tis nice to meet ye. I’m Rhona, and I see you’ve taken a shine to young Findlay. If ye ever want to pop in and see him, you’re more than welcome.”

Maddie gives the biggest grin ever. “Can I? That would be lovely,” she says.

Rhona flicks a finger towards me. “Jamie, here, knows where I live. He can bring ye next time you’re in town.”

I nod. “Aye, I can do that.”

Rhona waves goodbye. “I’m off to take the wean home,” she says and makes a beeline to her waiting husband, standing at the door.

We both sit down, just as Callum returns from the bar. “I’ve got the pens and paper and I’ve paid the entry fee,” he says, and places the items onto the table. “We just need to think of a team name, and quickly.”

“Any ideas?” I ask.