“Vanessa?” I hear Arryn call my name before she appears next to Rett, “Everything okay?”
“She’s looking for Kolt.” Rett explains for me.
“Kolt?” Arryn frowns, “Why?”
“History, I guess,” Rett chuckles before he spins and leaves me with Arryn at the door.
“He’s so cryptic,” Arryn rolls her eyes, “You okay?”
“Fine,” I lie, “I just need to go find Kolt.”
Rett had said he went for a walk, and I had a feeling I knew where he was. “I’ll catch you later, okay?”
“Yes!” Arryn beams, “Oh we promised to have a girl’s night! Can we do that soon?”
I smile genuinely, “Of course, how about Friday?”
“Perfect! I’ll be round at five!”
I say my goodbyes and make my way through the snow. It wasn’t deep thankfully, but it’s enough to make it a little more difficult to walk.
Boats bob on the icy water and the clouds tumble in the sky, a murky kind of grey that promises more snow. I come to a stop at the dock where Kolt and I used to spend time, spotting his big body at the end, sat with his back to me, facing out to the water.
I take the walk slow, the snow somewhat melted here thanks to the salt but it’s icy and treacherous and one slip will have me going over and into the water. And I could think of nothing worse than falling into those icy depths.
Kolt turns at my approach having heard my steps and immediately gets up, brows drawn down low, “Nessa?”
My heart twinges at my name on his lips, bringing back memories of those nights, “Hi Kolt.” I swallow, coming to a stop in front of him. He looks down at me, searching my face, looking for answers as to why I’m here when I turned him away so rudely last night.
“Are you okay?” He asks with genuine concern, his hand lifting only to drop again, and then he looks over my shoulder as if expecting someone else to join us.
“I’m sorry,” I start, “For last night.”
He opens his mouth to speak but then closes it.
“I have something I need to tell you.” I fill the silence.
He lets out a long sigh, “I know you have a child, Vanessa.”
I nod, he heard him last night.
“You’ve moved on,” He continues. “Are you happy at least?”
“Wait.” I hold up a hand, confusion tugging at my brows, “What?”
“The father, does he make you happy?”
Oh god.
“There isn’t anyone else, Kolten.”
“He left you!?” His eyes darken, anger twisting his features, “Who is it? Where are they!?”
I swallow, “You don’t understand, Kolten.” Unable to stay in one spot, I start to pace, “My son, his name is Ethan. He’s a little over two years old.”
His eyes flick around my face.
“He’s so lovely, Kolt. The happiest little boy.”
