The Predator by Chris Taylor Page A

into matters that were none of her business.
    Sam tugged at her arm and Alex leaned down. “What is it, Sam?”
    “Where are all the kids, Mom?”
    Lily smiled down at him. “They’re outside, sweetheart. How about we go out the back and see if we can find them?”
    She turned to Alex. “I’m afraid Cassie’s in bed with the flu. She’s really upset to be missing the party. She was beyond excited to hear that you were coming.”
    “She must be so grown up now. I wondered if she’d even remember me,” Alex murmured.
    “Of course she remembered you. She was nearly nine when you and Brandon separated and it hasn’t been that long.”
    Alex’s smile was strained. “No, I guess not.”
    “She’d love it if you went upstairs and said hello. I’m sure she’s past the infectious stage; she just wasn’t feeling up to getting out of bed and with the night air getting chillier, I thought it was probably best if she stayed there.”
    “Of course,” Alex said. “It would be great to see her again.”
    “Brandon’s her favorite uncle. She’d be thrilled to see the two of you back together again.”
    Panic gripped Alex’s belly and she had to swallow against a throat that was suddenly dry. “We—we’re not getting back together, Lily. I’m not sure what Brandon told you, but we’re work colleagues, that’s all. When he asked me to come over, I thought it would be nice to see you all again, but please, don’t read any more into it than that.”
    Lily eyed her solemnly. “I was so sad when it didn’t work out for the two of you, but that’s life, isn’t it? Some things just don’t go to plan, no matter how we wish it could be different.” She moved closer and clasped Alex’s arms, forcing Alex to look at her.
    “It’s none of my business what happened between the two of you or what is going on with you now. I’m just so glad to see you and I really hope we can be friends again. I’ve missed you.”
    That simple admission almost did Alex in. Tears pricked her eyes and her lip wobbled when she tried to smile.
    “Thanks, Lily. I-I’d like that. I missed you, too.”
    Lily put her arms around Alex and gave her a hug. “Let’s go outside and I’ll introduce you around. I’m sure Tom and Brandon are wondering what’s happened to you.”
    With arms linked together, they stepped through the double French doors and onto a large, paved outdoor area. Sam trailed behind them.
    Stylish outdoor furniture had been arranged to encourage conversation and Alex glimpsed an in-ground swimming pool behind some low green shrubbery.
    The size of the backyard was just as generous as the house and Alex could see why Lily preferred it to a cramped unit in Bondi.
    “Aunty Alex! Aunty Alex!”
    A young boy of about ten came hurtling toward her, almost knocking her over in his enthusiasm.
    “Hey, Joe. Wow, look at you. I can’t believe how tall you are!”
    “It’s so cool to see you again, Aunty Alex.” Joe turned to Sam. “Who are you?”
    “I’m Sam. Who are you?”
    Joe stuck out his hand. “I’m Joe.” Sam looked at the outstretched hand for a few seconds and then shook it solemnly.
    “Nice to meet you, Sam. Do you want to come and take a look at my bike? I got a new BMX for my birthday last month. It’s got pegs and everything. It’s really cool. You coming?”
    Sam looked up at Alex, his eyes shining. “Can I, Mom? Can I?”
    She laughed and bent down to give him a hug. “Of course you can, sweetheart.”
    His answering smile lit up her heart. “Just be careful,” she called out to his retreating back.
    “Don’t worry, Aunty Alex,” Joe called back to her. “I’ll look after him.”
    “It looks like they’re friends already.” Lily smiled.
    “Mm,” Alex replied over the lump that had lodged itself in her throat.
    “Oh, I just remembered I’ve left the garlic bread in the oven,” Lily exclaimed. “I’ll be back in a minute. Make yourself at home.”
    She dashed back toward the