Conflicted Innocence by Netta Newbound Page A

stepped aside for him to enter and called Jimmy who came down the stairs with a chuckling baby on his hip.
    “Hello, mate. What’s up?”
    “It’s Lydia. She’s refusing to go in the house.”
    “I did worry that might happen.”
    “I was wondering...can I bring her in here for a coffee? Let her get used to the idea a bit. I really don’t want to drive off as I know she definitely won’t return.”
    “Of course you can,” James said, glancing at Geri.
    “I’ll put the kettle on.” Geri headed to the kitchen.
    “Thanks, I appreciate it,” Lee said, stepping back outside. Back at the car, he opened Lydia’s door and her petrified eyes broke his heart.
    “It’s okay, Lyddie. We’re just going into Jimmy’s for a coffee.”
    “But, I really don’t think...” Suddenly her gaze left his face and settled on a point just behind him.
    “Hi, Lydia. Long time, no see,” Jimmy said.
    “James.” Lydia’s eyes welled up as Lee stepped away, allowing his friend to move closer.
    She unbuckled her seatbelt and took his proffered hand.
    “You look well,” she said, as she stepped from the car.
    “I know I do.” He laughed, causing her to smile.
    “Still the same, I see.”
    He pulled her in for a bear hug. “You can always count on me.” He kissed her on the top of the head. “Come on, let me introduce you to Geri and Grace.” He led her down the path and into the house.
    Lee locked up the car and then followed close behind. He dreaded his wife’s reaction to the baby. Grace would be the first child she’d been in contact with since Joseph, and he honestly didn’t know how she’d react.
    Jimmy led them both into the lounge and eased Lydia onto the sofa. She gripped her bag tight to her chest once again.
    “I’ll just go and check on the drinks. Still black coffee for you both?”
    They nodded.
    Lee sat next to her, feeling totally inadequate. What kind of man couldn’t comfort his own wife when she was obviously distressed? But he didn’t have the energy, and prayed Jimmy would return quickly from the kitchen.
    Moments later, Geri appeared carrying her daughter, and Lydia’s face changed. She appeared shocked at first, and then she smiled.
    “Hello, beautiful. What’s your name?” Lydia said, her eyes filling up.
    “This is Geri, my girlfriend. I told you she was beautiful,” Jimmy said, carrying in a tray.
    “Oh, you.” Geri gave him a mock stern look and shook her head.
    Lydia laughed—a real, tinkling laugh that pricked at Lee’s eyes.
    “Hi, Lydia. I’m Geraldine, and this is Grace. I’m so glad to finally meet you.” Geri extended her hand.
    Lydia took it, smiling broadly.
    The baby reached for Lydia, and an awkward moment passed between them.
    “Do you mind?” Geri asked, offering the baby to Lydia.
    “Of course not, if you’re sure?”
    Geraldine smiled and plonked the child on Lydia’s lap.
    The emotions gripped Lee again. He couldn’t cope with all this pressure. Not today. “I...I need a bit of air,” he said, rushing back outside.
    He needed a cigarette. Fuck what Lydia would say about it. They were all very different people nowadays. He pulled the pouch from the glove box and lit one of the already rolled cigarettes with Susie’s lighter.
    “I didn’t know you smoked?” Jimmy said, suddenly behind him.
    Lee exhaled noisily. “Only now and then. Want one?”
    “No, I’d have an asthma attack.”
    Lee wafted the smoke away. “Oh, sorry, mate—I didn’t think.”
    “I’ll just stand up wind of you. Are you alright? You know you can talk to me, don’t you?”
    “I know. I’m just wound up, that’s all. This has been a long time coming, and now it’s actually happening, it’s just too much.” He took another deep drag, coughing as the smoke caught his lungs.
    “I know. I can see it’s affecting you badly, and can’t imagine how you feel. She’s your wife, but after all this time you’re relative strangers.”
    Lee’s face fell as tears pricked