“Mmhmm. The first day I saw him in person. When he walked into the conference room, I could see it in the eyes, and that smile … matches hers. Then, with the way you were acting strange, I had my suspicions.”
I glance at my dad, who’s looking amused because he just said the same thing.
“So, what’s happening then? Between the two of you?”
My dad laughs. “Well, I caught them kissing in the hall.”
“Ohhh,” she says, clearly entertained by all this.
I roll my eyes. “We’re spending time together. He’s been around Sera. And we’re … taking things as they come.”
“How is he with her?”
“It was,” I say, my voice softening, “love at first sight, I think. After he got past the shock.”
“Wait, what? He didn’t know about her?”
“I’ll tell you the story later, darling,” my dad says.
“Does Sera like him?” she asks.
“She does.” I think about them on the beanbag earlier and smile.
“Have you told her who he is?” she asks.
“Not yet.”
“Alie, you have to tell her if he’s going to be spending time with her.”
“I know, Mom,” I huff. “We’ll handle it.”
“No more secrets, Aliette Grant,” she says firmly.
My dad nods in agreement.
“I agree. No more secrets.”
“I have to run, but James, I expect a full report when you get home. Love you both,” she says, but doesn’t wait for us to reply before disconnecting.
“For the record”—my dad clears his throat—“I won’t make this uncomfortable or awkward for him, but I do care that he’s the father of my grandchild.”
I nod.
“And there’s more at stake here.” He pauses. “We brought him here to win.”
“You’re right. I do think he needs to be the one to tell his teammates, if that’s what you’re thinking about.”
He nods. “I agree. I think it would be best, coming from him, as their team leader.”
Then he looks at me thoughtfully.
“You know what I can’t get my head around?”
“I mean, the possibilities are endless.” I laugh sarcastically.
He smiles, but it fades quickly.
“Aaron knew the whole time. And he’s helped you with Sera quite a bit. Have you given any thought to why he would lie?”
