For a few moments, Annie busied herself in the kitchen with tidying up, hoping that the run-of-the-mill activity might settle her shaking hands.

And when she was sure Charlie was settled in front of the TV and well out of earshot, she dialed the number.

“You told me once that if I ever needed anything for Charlie, that you would help. Well, I need that now...” Annie couldn’t believe how normal she sounded as she explained her situation, as if this was no big deal.

She hated, hated, lowering herself to this, the idea of being beholden to anyone.

It was possibly her lowest moment yet.

A deep sigh on the other end. “I understand, and I’m sorry but...the timing is not good.”

At this she began to shake with fury. As if this was something she could control!

Well, fuck that. And boo hoo.

“Are you serious? I never had the luxury of deciding when or if the timing was good. No, I was too busy trying to keep my head above water, trying to keep me and Charlie going when we had no one else. And now, the only time I ever ask you for help, you throw it back in my face?”

“I’m sorry. Truly, I’d love to do what I can to help, but like I said, it’s just a very bad time...”

She couldn’t believe how anyone could be so goddamn cool, so unaffected by her plight or her request.

“So after all your promises, and my keeping quiet all these years so you can maintain your sweet life, you’re telling me that you’re just going to turn your back on it all now—on your own son?”

Annie was so enraged she hung up the phone without even waiting for an answer. But she’d got her answer, hadn’t she? There would be no help forthcoming from Charlie’s father, despite his promises and so-called best intentions.

She was on her own. Same as always.

“Mum?” Her son reappeared in the kitchen doorway, concern written all over his small face. “Why are you crying?”

Was she? Annie didn’t even realize. She put a hand up to her face, finding that yes, she was indeed crying.

“It’s nothing, sweetheart. Someone just upset me, that’s all.”

“Who upset you? Someone on the phone? Who was it?”

“Just...something to do with work, pet. Nothing for you to worry about.”

“But I am worried. You look like Callum’s sister when she broke up with her boyfriend. She said she had a broken heart. You don’t have a broken heart, do you, Mum? Uncle Nick didn’t break up with you, did he?”

Nick? What the hell was he talking about?