"Where have you been?" Marco asked.
Her heart dropped. "I…" She blinked. "Uh… I… I was with Vee," she stammered. "I wanted to… uhm… see if she needed any help. She left the hospital so suddenly, I was worried about her."
Marco nodded. "Hmmm…"
Val swallowed. "Welcome home," she said quickly. "How long are you staying for?"
"For however long Luca needs me here."
"Of course." She smiled again.
It was getting worse. She could feel it. Her face was becoming a theatre of bad acting, and her husband had unfortunately bought front-row seats.
"I… I'll have the kitchen make you something."
Marco nodded. Val turned and left the nursery before her mouth decided to ruin her life. Marco remained where he was, watching the empty doorway.
The smile left his face.
Slowly.
He turned back to Matteo. The baby had no interest in adult misery. He was crawling towards a colourful toy in the corner. "Hey, little man...do you have any idea why your mama just lied to me, uhn?"
