I cock an eyebrow. “Defensive much?”
“I’m not being defensive.”
“Of course not. You just let the status quo continue even though you knew it was wrong. It was easier for you to pretend everything was fine rather than reaching out to her and setting things right.”
“Don’t judge me. You don’t know what it was like. What would you have done in my place?”
“I don’t know, since I’m not you. But I wouldn’t have let her think she’s just a substitute. I would’ve treated her like her own person withher own worth. If you’re here to earn points, it’s not working. I don’t give a damn about your karma math. I won’t be used in your weird mental scheme. If you want to know how she’s doing, ask her. If you want to apologize, say it to her face. But don’t come to me for an easy way out. That’s despicable, and I won’t do your dirty work.”
“I haven’t done anything wrong.”
“Guess you aren’t going to apologize.” I glance at my watch. “Your time’s up. You can walk out on your own feet or I can have security drag you out.”
Sherry stands, her spine stiff. “You’re rude. No wonder Finn didn’t turn to you back then.”
Her jab hits the mark. I hide it with a smile that’s all teeth and no warmth. “Her name is Fiona, not Finn or Finley. At least I call her by her real name while you’re still using her to soothe your loss.” I lever myself up off the door. “A lot of mothers lose children, and I’m sure it’s traumatic. But I’ve never heard of one who’d use an orphan to satisfy her own selfish desires. You’re a one-of-a-kind bitch, Sherry. Don’t ever come near me or my wife, or I’ll expose every dirty little secret you have.”
* * *
I head home, my mind churning as I process what Sherry said. Something happened to Finn ten years ago. She was crying…
The way Sherry tried to link Aaron to Fiona, claiming I should be nice to that subhuman trash, doesn’t sit well. Why bring him up at all? He’s never been on my radar.
I tap the steering wheel in a steady rhythm. Sherry dropped a few clues, albeit without any order or clarity. I try to process them.
Fiona went from sweet to overwrought, confident to doormat, almost overnight. It was almost like somebody flipped a switch in her brain. She couldn’t stand Jude, then all of a sudden acted like she couldn’t live without him. But how does Aaron fit into it, if he even fits into it at all? He and Jude were close, but that doesn’t mean he had anything to do with Fiona’s abrupt change.
Regardless, whatever happened to her must have been awful. I wantto give her what comfort I can, let her know that I’ll always be on her side, and whenever she’s ready to talk, I’ll listen. Then I’ll take appropriate measures against those responsible for hurting her—behind her back, since she doesn’t need to know all the sordid details. I want her to see only beautiful things, hear only pleasing sounds. I don’t mind bloodying my hands to give her the sanctuary she deserves.
I park my car and slip inside the house, moving quietly in case Fiona is still napping. She isn’t in the living room. I make my way to the bedroom, trying to select the right words to express what’s in my heart…and failing. What good is a Harvard Law degree if you can’t come up with a decent opening?
The bedroom is empty. The door to the en suite bathroom is wide open. I glance inside. A slim white stick stands out next to the sink on her side of the bathroom. Head cocked, I pick it up. Two lines in a small square box. A pregnancy test.
My mouth dries. When did she take the test? Before or after she stopped by the office? She seemed a little tired, but not overly upset or concerned—
Something crinkles underneath my shoe. An onion-skin-thin piece of paper lies on the floor. I step off and pick it up. An instruction sheet with tiny writing.
Two lines means…Fiona’s pregnant.
My mind empties for a moment. Heart pounding, I spin around. “Fiona!” We agreed there would be no babies, but my chest swells with emotions that are too hot and special. Fiona and I are creating a life—a precious baby made even more precious because it’s half Fiona.
No matter what I’ve been grousing and deluding myself about, I can’t hide the fact that I’m in love with her. I fell in love with her when she rescued Gardy. I was in love with her even after she betrayed me. And in spite of everything, I’m still in love with her.
An overwhelming need to confess to her thatI want this babyhammers in my heart. I want to nurture this beautiful new life and watch it grow and be the most amazing human being it can be.
“Fiona!” I call out again.
Silence.
Did she panic when she found out? I check my phone. She hasn’tcalled. The security system says she left the house in the Maybach about two hours ago. Where did she go?
I text her, but nothing. The message remains unread. She hasn’t seen my photo or the haiku about the cupcakes. I try calling. Still no response.
I send her another text.
–Me: I saw the pregnancy test. Don’t do anything hasty, and don’t make any decisions. Baby, Fiona, let me see you and we can talk about this. We’re going to be parents! You have no idea how happy this makes me!
Still nothing.
