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When I arrive, Aaron is scrolling through his laptop, the way I did on my phone on the way there, and I suppose that his verdict is the same as mine: shit hit the fan. Only I know that the allegation isn’t true, and my manager should have a bit more faith in me than what’s distilled in the look he gives me—of a father disappointed in his teenage son.

‘It isn’t true,’ I tell him, but the look doesn’t change. ‘Celina is lying through her teeth.’

‘One of those sites also claims that you have a secret lover and two love kids with her in Amsterdam,’ Aaron says, his eyes back to the screen.

‘As much as I love those kids, I am not their biological father.’

Although I’d love to be their dad.

Aaron begins a sermon, which basically resumes how he should have access to all information regarding my life, as if I am a criminal and he is my defence lawyer. All the while, I can almost hear the cogs of my own brain spinning, wondering how much of this bullshit has reached Corrie already, calculating the time-zones and whether she is awake because I need to talk to her before she reads all that.

My eyes blur for a moment, until Aaron’s voice sneaks in, his suggestion about a paternity test once the child is born drying the potential tears right away. It makes sense, given the fact that he doesn’t know, and I’m definitely not bringing the topic of my sperm quality to join the discussion.

‘It is absolutely impossible that I am the father of that child, even if it’s true that Celina is pregnant. All of this is one of Gwen’s lies.’

‘Right…’ Aaron looks as convinced as he sounds.

‘Just, trust me on this,’ I say, but only a hmm comes my way. ‘Aaron!’

‘Fine,’ he replies. ‘Now, let’s talk about something more positive that will distract people from all the gossip while making you rich in the process.’

I’m astounded that he just shoves the whole affair to the side. ‘And that is…?’

‘I’ve got a couple of investors lined up for you to open your own bar here in Nashville. Something like a Luuk Meiers experience. Success guaranteed.’ He looks absolutely proud of himself.

‘You are aware that I’m planning to spend more time in Amsterdam, right?’

‘Plans can change,’ he says, as if I’m a pouting kid he has to placate. ‘Especially if there’s an offspring in the picture.’

‘What will you do when the paternity test comes negative? Announce it on the Nashville Sign?’

‘Of course not! Who do you think I am?’

‘I really don’t know anymore, Aaron. But I need some fresh air.’

Chapter Forty-Four

2024

Luuk

‘So this is what a children’s birthday party looks like, when their mom works in event organising.’

Corrie, who’s standing in the middle of the living room, amongst boxes of opened presents, purses her lips. ‘Worked, as in past tense. And I’m afraid she’s lost her touch. You usually don’t have the guests tidying up before leaving…’

‘They insisted,’ I remind her.

‘I bet it was in order to stay longer in Luuk Meiers’ aura. You were the evening’s best feature, and don’t forget that you had dire competition from Bea’s birthday cakes.’

‘Still, it took some coordination to bring everything together…’

Her look turns nostalgic. ‘Ah, those were the days… Sometimes, I think I don’t know how to do it anymore.’

‘I should ask you to be part of our European team.’ My wink is playful, but I mean every word.

‘Maybe in a few years. For the time being, I’m checking the startup scene, to have a feel for the online options available.’

‘Any time, just say the word.’