We’d need a cover story, of course. What, I was unsure. Also, I didn’t know what my father recalled, and what he’d been told.
“I’m going to go outside and wait for Evan.” Yes, we needed a story quickly. Also, my mother was with Mrs. K. I should absolutely tell her immediately.
Should I tell her now? No. We needed to get our stories straight. Someone like my father coming back from the dead would be noticed, especially if he showed up at my party. My publicist had even invited a few select members of the press.
Shit. I should tell my publicist too.
After my mother. Yes. One step at a time. I’d meet my father. Get my story straight. Tell my mother–
“Spence, are yougood?” Daphne frowned.
“I’m going to meet Evan.” I went outside the mansion. The June sun made the stone driveway sparkle.
Evan’s 4x4 pulled into the massive circular driveway. My heart pounded as I saw my father sitting in the front seat, looking older and bewildered, his hair entirely grey.
His eyes met mine and lit up, making my heart skip a beat.
Baba.
The car door opened, and my father got out. Relief coated me, yes, he looked older, but he seemed okay.
Of course, who knew what mental and emotional tolls his imprisonment had taken on him? Even if he couldn’t remember, I’m sure they’d be there.
“Baba.” I ran over and hugged my father as if I were still fourteen. As I embraced him, he still felt muscular and fit. Mysuit was a little big, but that’s because I was a little taller and broader. The smell of neutrons clung to him.
“Spencer, my boy,” he sobbed in Greek as he hugged me tight.
“We’re going to need a story, fast. Zoie’s looking out the window at us,” Evan muttered.
“I think what they told me, about me being an unconscious John Doe, will have to work. We can blame it on the super collider explosion,” my father murmured in English. “I still don’t know how it didn’t rip apart space and time.”
Me neither.
“That will have to work.” I hugged him tighter. “We can talk later, but I’m so happy you’re here. I… I didn’t want to hope they’d actually keep their word and bring you to me, and I’m overjoyed to see you.”
Tears filled his eyes. “I’m sorry.”
I tapped my forehead to his. “Don’t be. We have you back, and that is the greatest gift that I could ever ask for.”
“Okay.” For a long moment he just continued to hug me.
“Incoming,” Evan told me. “Hi, Zoie.”
“Evan,” she squealed, giving him a hug. Zoie looked at us. “Theíos?” Her voice went small as she used the Greek word for uncle.
“I told you, it wasn’t bad news, just unexpected. Please, hold off for a moment, I need to tell my mother. She doesn’t know.” I reluctantly let go of my father.
“Sure. Theíos! It’s Zoie.” She gave my uncle a big hug.
“Zoie! Look at you.” My father hugged her. He looked around. “Where is Ilena?”
“With Mrs. K,” I replied. “I’ll call her and have her meet us at the venue. This isn’t where the party is. It’s just the place Pappous rented for them to stay in for the weekend. He’s here along with most of your siblings and their packs.”
The door opened, and Daphne ran out. “Theíos? We… we thought you were dead.”
“It’s quite a story, Daphne, and I’m not sure how much he even recalls.” Taking a step away, I called my mother.
“What’s wrong? Something isn’t right, I feel it,” she demanded.
