“I’m so sorry you’ve carried this around for so long. That must’ve been so hard.”
Tears begin to prick the corners of my eyes. “It’s been hell.”
Her arms wrap around my neck, and I let my head fall onto her shoulder and begin to sob. It’s a childlike cry that has no limitations, as everything I’ve held together for so long flows out. For the first time in our relationship, I let my sister comfort me in a way that a mother comforts her child. A comfort I’ve never gotten from our own mother.
When we finally pull apart, I notice Eva’s tears that stain her cheeks.
“I’m sorry.” I wipe my face. “I didn’t mean to lose it like that.”
“Please don’t apologize. I think we both needed a good cry.”
I chuckle at the ridiculousness of that. Of course, Eva would savor a cry like it’s a treasured moment; meanwhile, I’m slightly humiliated.
“So, what do you think you’re going to do?” she asks as the babies start to talk next to each other.
I almost forgot they were there, so consumed with my emotions.
“One problem at a time. I’d like to head into work and just rip off the Band-Aid and tell them.”
Her eyes open wide. “Like … right now?”
I check my watch. “Why not? They’re probably all at the office anyway.”
“Do you want me to watch Eli while you do it?”
“Can you?”
“Of course. I’m sure they both need to go down for naps soon anyway.”
“I packed her bottles. She should take one and nap for a while.”
I stand up from the couch, and she stops me as she stands.
“Hey”—she opens her arms and gives me a hug—“I’m proud of you. You’re not only an amazing dad, but an incredible person with a huge heart. Never doubt that.”
“Thanks,” I manage, my voice rough around the edges. “I love you, sis.”
“I love you too,” she replies lightly.
I head out of her place and walk down the streets of Manhattan with my hands in my jean pockets, feeling a bit lighter. I don’t have everything figured out, I don’t have the women that I love, but I have at least one action item. Talk to my work.
All I can do is take it day by day, moment by moment.
Just as I thought, I walk into the office and see Stewart and Henry talking in Stewart’s large corner office. I’m sure everyone is all hands on deck, gathering information for this new case. Money is a big motivator, and this case could pay out more than anything this firm has seen before.
A wave of nausea hits me as I realize just how sick that makes me. The company has bottomless pockets, and they’re essentially writing a blank check to make sure nothing incriminating comes out against them.
I take large, deliberate steps forward and tap my knuckles on the door. Both of their heads shift toward the door.
“Ah, Walker. Good afternoon,” Stewart says with a smile.
“Good afternoon,” I reply. “Do you two have a moment for a word?”
“Sure,” Henry mutters sharply.
I walk farther into the office as my heart begins to race. “I, uh, just wanted to make you two aware of something that has come up in my personal life. I’ve worked here for a long time, and I figured you would appreciate the transparency.”
They remain stoic in their stance as their eyes stay fixated on me.
