

It’s the perfect day to finish up my refurbishments on the swimming pool. Maybe treating him like he’s anything else has been the problem all along. He smiles and waves, and I forget in that one moment that he’s anything other than a normal kid enjoying the summer. I see her through the window, pointing me out to Cam. Serena nearly falls over herself as I pull onto the driveway. I cruise back up the hillside with my window down low and music up high, feeling ten years younger and a whole lot wiser than I did this time yesterday. Instead of taking a left back onto the industrial estate, I take a right. The combination of the warmth of the sun on my back and the need to take my sunglasses from the glovebox makes my decision for me. I can’t remember the last time I’ve taken an afternoon for myself during work time. Early enough that I should head back for the last of the daily shipments. The sun is shining bright when I step outside and head back to my truck. I thank her for her time, even though I’ll pay through the nose for every second of it. The onus will very much be on your brother to prove otherwise.” Legally, at this time, Cameron is undeniably your son. It’s your name on Cameron’s birth certificate, and you were Mariana’s common law partner when she passed away. Start keeping records of your interaction. “In that case, I’d say just keep on doing what you’re doing.

“Jake isn’t the kind of dog you want to throw a bone to,” I tell her.
