Free Never Say Never by Sonja Myburgh

nodded.
     
    “So did you call him yet?” Grace asked when Owain was out of hearing range at the park.
    “No.” Hayley shook her head and looked over at Owain.
    “Did you tell Owain?” Grace asked.
    “No.” Hayley looked at Grace.
    “So what did you do for the last day?” Grace asked and looked at the children playing in the park.
    “I found out that my child is more attentive than we initially thought.” Hayley looked at Grace.
    “How do you mean?” Grace asked. “Did he notice how drunk you were when you got home?”
    “He noticed how everyone’s father is around, except his, and he wanted to know why.” Hayley looked at Grace and stretched her legs out in front of her.
    “Oh god.” Grace grimaced.
    “Yeah, I should have seen that one coming.” Hayley frowned and put her sunglasses on.
    “What did you tell him?” Grace asked.
    “The truth.” Hayley frowned.
    “Which is?” Grace looked at her.
    “That his dad left and that we don’t need him.” Hayley said.
    “And he didn’t ask any questions after that?” Grace asked.
    “No, but I’m waiting for him to drop a question bomb on me.” Hayley sighed. “I can see it on his face that he is loading up his ammo.”
    “How can you tell?” Grace asked.
    “I know my son, Grace. I know when he’s keeping things to himself and I know when he is getting ready to shock me with his profound questions.” Hayley said and looked over at him.
    “I suppose.” Grace frowned.
    Hayley let out a little laugh and turned to Grace. “He asked me this morning if we could invite Lucas to the park with us today.”
    “What? Are you serious?” Grace exclaimed.
    “I’m serious.” Hayley chuckled.
    “Well, that’s got to be a good sign.” Grace smiled.
    “A good sign for what?” Hayley frowned.
    “If he wants him to come with, then he likes him, and if he likes him, he wants him around.” Grace said. “Owain doesn’t like a lot of people, Hales.”
    “I know, but what makes Lucas so special?” Hayley asked.
    “Because as much as you hate to admit it, you want Lucas around too.” Grace grinned. “And Owain is smart, he most probably picked up on that.”
    Hayley opened her mouth to say something, but snapped it shut instead.
    Grace smiled smugly and sat back in her chair. “And as much as you hate to admit it, you know I’m right.”
    “Whatever.” Hayley muttered and playfully smacked Grace on her forearm.
    Grace dug around in her handbag and handed Hayley her phone. “Use my phone and call him.”
    “I can’t do that.” Hayley frowned.
    “Of course you can.” Grace nodded.
    Hayley reluctantly took the phone from her and shook her head.
    “Just do it. The sooner you call him, the sooner you can see him again.” Grace smiled.
    “And when do you propose we have dinner?” Hayley asked.
    “Tomorrow night. The sooner the better.” Grace nodded.
    Hayley sighed and scratched in her bag for her wallet. She took out the business card and dialed his number. “It’s ringing.” She whispered and for some strange reason, she felt butterflies in her stomach.
    “Lucas Donovan?”
    “Good afternoon, is that Lucas?” Hayley asked, realizing too late that it was indeed him. She slapped her palm against her forehead and shook her head in disapproval.
    “Yes it is.” He answered, sounding a bit puzzled.
    “Hey, Lucas. This is Hayley.” She said.
    “Good afternoon! I was beginning to think you accidentally lost my number.” He laughed.
    “Why would I do that? If I did, it would definitely not be on purpose.” She smiled and Grace narrowed her eyes at her.
    “Well, that’s good to hear. How are you today?” He asked.
    “I’m great, thank you. How are you?” She asked.
    “I’m much better now. It sounds like you’re at the park.” Lucas said.
    “Yeah, Grace and I brought Owain for the day.” Hayley nodded. “Listen, are you busy tomorrow night?”
    “Tomorrow night. That would be Monday, right?” Lucas sounded