Whats this dress doing here? Emily gasped, staring into the kitchen bin. Youre not seriously telling me *I* threw it in there?
Seated at the table, she clenched her jaw. The same unanswered question nagged at her dailywhat had she ever seen in Daniel?
Average in every way, she was too embarrassed to introduce him to her friends, so as far as they knew, she was still single. Only her sister knew they lived togetherand kept the secret.
Daniel hadnt achieved muchjust a mechanic at the steelworks. Some evenings, lounging in front of the telly, Emily caught herself thinking it was time to end things. But then hed bring flowers or some cheap trinket, and shed postpone the inevitable.
Before Emily, Daniel had been marriedbriefly. The union lasted two months, but long enough for a pregnancy and a daughter.
When they met, his daughter was twelve. Emily had never laid eyes on hernever wanted to.
The chance came just before her birthday, which shed planned to celebrate with the girls.
Emily, Daniel hesitated, my ex has a business trip. Shes asked if I can take Lily for a bit
How longs a bit? Emily grimaced. The last thing she wanted for her birthday was a child in the flat.
A month.
A *month*? Her brow furrowed. And her mothers just expecting us to foot the bill?
She didnt send any money, Daniel admitted helplessly.
So youre paying child support, and now were stuck with her for a month while her mum swans off? she snapped.
You know what I earn, he said weakly.
And hows this supposed to work? Emilys irritation flared. School runs, looking after her. Whyd you even agree?
Because Im her *father*? Daniel looked baffled. Or am I just meant to abandon her?
You *should* remember you dont live alone. *One.* Two, this is *my* flatyou shouldve asked. Three, its my *birthday*, and I wont have it ruined!
Lilys not a problem, Daniel muttered, guilt creeping in.
Oh, I *know* thisll go wrong, Emily folded her arms.
Daniel insisted she was overreacting.
The next day, a round-faced girl with garish makeuplooking at least sixteenslouched in their doorway. She glared at Emily, then turned to her father without a greeting.
Where do I sleep?
Kitchen, Daniel forced a smile.
Lily rolled her eyes and fled to the loo in tears.
What the hell was that? Emily hissed. Rude little brat. Good thing Im celebrating at the café. And youre *not* coming.
Why? Daniel frowned. I thought youd finally introduce me to your friends. Weve lived together six months
Youre babysitting, Emily said smugly, relieved she wouldnt have to parade him around her friends, whose boyfriends were gym-toned and polished.
Right. Daniels voice was tight.
The next morning, Emily bustled about preparing for her party. She ironed her dress, hung it up, and waited. Daniel hadnt spoken to hernot even a birthday wish.
She refused to let it spoil her mood.
After work, she rushed home to changeand froze. The dress was gone.
Wheres my *dress*? she shrieked, storming into the kitchen where Lily lounged on the camp bed, glued to her phone.
*Hello*? Emily snatched the phone.
Give it *back*! Lily screeched. Daniel rushed in.
Whats going on? Give her the phone!
Wheres my dress? Emily hissed.
I didnt take anything! Lily sneered. She just *hates* me!
Give it *back*, Daniel ordered.
Oh, *shell* confess! Emily hurled the phone. The screen shattered. Lily burst into tears. Emily smirked and marched out.
She grabbed another outfit and left for the café, pushing the mess from her mind. By dawn, shed made her decision.
Daniel stirred as she stumbled in. Do you know what time it is?
Playing strict *husband* now? Too late. Youre out by morning.
So its *my* fault?
You broke Lilys phone
She *stole* my dress! Emily screamed.
She took *nothing*, Daniel said coldly. Im sure of it.
Emily scoffed and reached for a half-finished wine bottle in the cupboard. She took a swigthen spat it out.
*Shampoo*? You gonna say I poured this too? She laughed bitterly, then froze. Peering into the bin, she whispered, And heres the dress. *Did I throw this in as well*?
You just wanted an excuse to leave! Daniel snarled. I *know* youve been planning it!
Emily arched a brow. She remembered perfectly.
I bugged the flat. Heard every call with your sister. I *know* what you said about me.
*Surprise*, Emily spat. I *wondered* how you always knew! She was stunned. Now *get out*.
This time, Daniel didnt argue. He knew it was over.
