Going Home

Part 133

Connor! What the hell was he doing there? Josh was furious and glared at the man approaching the table. They had not seen him for months and the last time, when they ran into him at a pub, it wasn’t pleasant. Josh had no idea what his life was like now but the few times they had been unlucky enough to see him he’d been drunk. And this time appeared to be no different as it was clear from the way Connor was walking he had been drinking. Christ how the hell were they going to get out of this with her whole family there?

Grace could only watch helplessly as a clearly inebriated Connor stopped at their table and in a loud voice announced himself. Surprised at the interruption, her family, who were all focused on Josh due to his unexpected movement of a moment ago, turned almost in unison in Connor’s direction, and unsure how to handle the situation, looked at Grace a little before greeting him. Grace could only give a tight smile in response knowing that they had little choice but to humor her ex husband if they wanted to avoid an unpleasant scene. Then closing her eyes for a second, she turned to look at Margaret and Robert, mortified that they had to witness this. Saddened by what Connor had become she felt more than a little guilty for the part her actions may have played in it. But because he was so objectionable the last time they saw him she had little sympathy for him now.

Connor meanwhile, too drunk to notice the awkwardness, was pleased with the seemingly warm welcome he received from Grace’s family and turning to Grace muttered “I had to come and say happy birthday Gracie.”

Grace lifted her eyes to look at him but remained silent. She didn’t trust herself to speak. She was afraid if she said anything she wouldn’t be able to stop herself from telling him exactly how she felt about his presence. But she was well aware that would only make matters worse.

However her silence only seemed to anger Connor anyway. As when it became clear that Grace wasn’t going to respond his expression hardened and turning to Josh he sneered, “Josh, you still hanging around. I’m surprised she hasn’t moved on by now. That seems to be the way Grace works.” Then with an unpleasant smile he added “besides I thought you’d have gone on to destroy some other marriage.”