-You’re no longer my daughter.

Youre not my daughter any more. Who is he and where did he come from? Im ashamed of you. Move into Grandmas house and start living like an adult. Take responsibility for what youve done.

Mia, did you hear? Theyve sent people here on a worktrip to help us out. Fancy going to the club tonight? says Maya, collapsing into the armchair, satisfied.

Maya, what are you talking about? And what about Victor, who am I going to leave him with? Should I take him with me? Olivia laughs.

What if I ask AuntLucy? Maya asks cautiously.

Olivia waves her hand helplessly.

Dont bother. She still cant forgive me for giving birth to a son. She wanted me to marry Andrew, but I left town instead. I didnt get a job; I came back pregnant. She spent a whole year stewing, and only two months ago did she start talking to me again. So go out with someone; maybe youll get lucky and find a proper partner.

Maya sighs.

Fine, Ill go with Tasha. Ill tell you everything tomorrow.

Olivia puts her baby to sleep, then steps onto the front porch. Music drifts from the neighbours house. Wrapped in a shawl, she imagines everyone dancing and having a good time. Maya will probably be wearing her leopard dress again. Olivia smiles quietly, feeling like a leopardspotted caterpillar herself. She sighs, feeling a pang of regret, and goes to bed.

At dawn, Maya bursts in, and, as if on cue, Olivias mother arrives for a visit. Olivia puts a finger to her lips, but theres no stopping Maya.

Its a shame you werent here yesterday. There were some boys around. One of them, Tom, actually walked me home. Hes chatty and funny. Im going on a date tonight Maya blurts out in a single breath.

Olivias mother asks, eyes narrowed:

Hes married, I guess?

Maya shrugs.

I havent checked his passport. If he is, at least there will be something to reminisce about.

Oh, girls, what are you up to? Andrew is a decent enough fiancé. I missed my chance at happiness, but you, Maya, could still spin his head around, AuntLucy chimes in, thrilled by the idea.

AuntLucy, really? Who does he need? His mother, too. Good grief, what a happy mess! Maya exclaims.

She turns back to Olivia:

There was a guy, you couldnt take your eyes off him. All the girls were swooning. He hung around with his mates and then left alone. He didnt even ask anyone to dance.

Suddenly AuntLucy says thoughtfully:

Olivia, you should go to the club too. Ill stay with Victor. Maybe youll meet someone serious and dependable. Victor needs a dad, but dont look for married men. They can smell a lonely woman from a mile away. Got it?

Olivia nods, unable to believe her luck, and plants a quick kiss on her mothers cheek before muttering:

Go on, you sly dog.

Dressed in her best outfit, Olivia laughs with her friends, reminiscing about carefree nights.

Look, here he comes again, the girls whisper.

Olivia watches him, her legs trembling. She spins away and whispers to Maya:

I think Ill head home. Victor is probably crying without me.

Maya is shocked.

Olivia, what? You just left the dance floor for home? You didnt even get a single dance in.

Olivia declares firmly:

Im out. And Victor will probably end up with your Vick, not me. You wont be bored without me, and she walks toward the exit.

Someone grabs her arm at the door:

May I have this dance, miss?

Olivia tries to pull away without looking:

I dont dance.

The gentleman persists.

Give me just one dance, please.

She finally turns, and her heart skips. Its the same guy, the random encounter that will change her life forever. He doesnt seem to recognize her. Her pulse steadies and she smiles.

Alright, just one, Im in a hurry. she says.

He twirls her around.

I assume your husbands nervous?

Olivia replies dryly:

Im not married.

He winks, and a familiar spark catches her breath.

So I still have a chance? he asks mischievously.

Olivia steps back.

Dont even think about it, and she darts out of the club.

She walks home, tears streaming, remembering the boys face as though shed fallen in love at first sight.

Later, on a train, they meet again. Olivia is returning home, dejected after failing her university exams. Hes heading to his parents house. Seeing her gloom, he tries to cheer her up.

Im Max Greene. My mother calls me Max, my niece calls me Masey. Pick whatever you like.

Olivia smiles.

Masey sounds better.

He offers his hand.

Were almost introduced. And whats your name, lovely creature?

She grins.

Olivia Hart.

Max nods seriously.

I thought so. A regal name.

Word by word, she tells him about the failed exams and how her mother will keep reminding her of this for years.

Then study over the winter and try again, Max advises.

Olivia lights up.

I hadnt thought of that. Thanks.

He looks at her pensively.

Youre welcome. And has anyone ever told you youre stunning?

Olivia blushes.

Just an ordinary girl, dont exaggerate. Still, thanks.

Max moves closer.

Its true, and unexpectedly kisses her. Olivias head spins; what follows is both embarrassing and sweet. Max leaves early.

Ill find you again, he promises.

Only later does Olivia realize, with a pang, that he never asked for her address.

Eventually she discovers shes pregnant, and her mother, with a harsh tone, says:

Youre not my daughter any more. Who is he and where did he come from? Im ashamed of you. Move into Grandmas house and start living like an adult. Take responsibility for what youve done.

Olivia, now in maternity leave, works in a library until her maternity break. When she leaves the hospital, Maya meets her. Her mother never shows up. When Victor turns five months old, his heart cant take the wait any longer and she finally appears.

Hes not our breed, she declares.

But she starts visiting more often, bringing toys for her grandson.

Why so early? her mother asks. There wasnt anything interesting there. Hows Victor?

Her mother smiles.

Hes sleeping soundly. Since youre here, Im staying home.

Olivia closes the door behind her and tries to sleep, only managing to drift off at dawn. Sleepy, she feeds her son. Victor tosses his food around and refuses his porridge.

You wont grow unless you eat, just like your fatherwhos strong and handsome.

Is that about me? Im flattered. So, is this my son? a voice calls from the hallway.

Olivia hands him a spoon.

Who are you? Where did you come from? Max grins.

I told you Id find you. I didnt know Id have a son by then. I was so stunned I forgot to ask where you lived. Maybe fate decided we were meant to be together, he says, making a funny face at Victor.

Victor bursts into laughter.

In the morning, Olivias mother finds a happy Olivia and an unfamiliar man carrying a contented son on his shoulders.

Is that him? she asks.

Yes, Olivia replies with a radiant smile.

Her mother walks over to Max and extends her hand.

Im Lucy Bennett. Ill keep a close eye on you as husband and father.

Max shakes her hand firmly.

Understood.

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