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broken in her.
    I hadn’t realised she was keeping herself together to that degree for them, but of course she would. That’s what a mother would do, wouldn’t she? Anything to protect her children, and there is no doubt Alexa is a formidable lioness. I’m not a parent but I imagine I’d be exactly the same.
    ‘I must … I have to …’ Her words are muffled as she sobs hard into my chest and all I can do is hold her for as long as it takes. Forever, hopefully. She is the love of my life and I know she won’t be leaving this building until we have worked out a way forward that doesn’t involve her returning to Xsade and walkingback into the hands of that psychopath. Even if she hates me for it.
    I’m not sure how long we’ve been entwined in each other’s arms on the lounge by the time Adam deposits two cups of green tea on the coffee table. The kids are squealing in delight in the pool with Robert, and poor Alexa looks like she has been put through an emotional wringer.
    ‘Hi, I’m Adam.’ He stretches out his hand to Alexa as a way of introduction. I feel a little guilty that this hasn’t already happened; it is his place, though these are unusual circumstances and I’m sure he’ll understand.
    She quickly wipes her eyes, her natural politeness kicking in. ‘Hi, I’m Alexa. I’m so sorry about this mess.’
    ‘Not at all. Thanks for sharing your man with me,’ he responds with a cheeky wink. God, could this be any more awkward? Much to my surprise, his acknowledgement makes Alexa smile for the first time in ages.
    ‘My pleasure, Adam. I hope you are enjoying each other.’ She too, gives him a wink with her puffy, tear-stained eyes. This may not be too bad after all, what a relief.
    ‘Would you like me to show you to your room? I thought you might like to freshen up.’
    ‘That bad, hey? Jeez, what a first impression.’ She smiles weakly at him. What is it about gay men and their ability to connect with women? At least she is smiling, that’s more than I could achieve. I keep my arm around her as he shows us to our room.
    ‘How long are you expecting us to be here, Adam?’ Even in the state she is in, she doesn’t miss the opportunity to ask him, not me, in the hope of eliciting some answers.
    ‘That is entirely up to you, my friend.’ Good answer. He shows us to our suite and indicates the fresh towels. ‘ Mi casa, su casa . Don’t rush, I’ll be out bonding with the kids.’ With those words he closes the door behind him and leaves us with our green tea, our luggage and each other.
    She looks exhausted, overcome. ‘Please tell me, what are we doing here, Jeremy?’
    ‘I’m sorry you’re not happy about this, sweetheart, honestly I am.’ I smooth a few strands of hair away from her accusing eyes. She no longer has the resolve to keep me at a distance. ‘We need to make some informed decisions about what is best for you and your children and we can’t do that without Robert’s input.’
    ‘And Adam?’
    ‘It looks like he’s as much a part of his life as I am yours, my love.’
    ‘Great. Anyone else you think should be involved? Do you have my parents’ number?’ she adds sarcastically.
    ‘You know I wouldn’t do that without your knowledge, but there is someone else …’ I trail off, not knowing whether now is the best time to mention it.
    ‘Oh god, who?’
    ‘It looks like Moira has located Leo —’
    ‘Leo is coming here?’
    ‘Sometime in the next 24 hours.’
    ‘I don’t believe this!’
    ‘We are here to help, and we will get through this together.’ I go over to place my hands on her shoulders and this time she does have the energy to brush me off. This is not good.
    ‘I need some time alone, J, to thinks things through.’
    ‘We are all here to support you, Alex.’
    She glares at me. ‘Support me in every way except in what I have decided. Yes, believe me, your support is loud and clear — everything on your terms.’
    ‘You’re not going to do