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“Calm down. I was just thinking about when we were kids,” he confesses.

“Nostalgic much?” I sigh. I hate talking about our past, even more than I hate thinking about it. He knows this. What’s gotten into him? “How many drinks have you had?”

He shrugs. “One and a half. It’s not that...it’s—”

“Is this about Willow?” I blurt out, not really wanting to know the answer, but getting it anyway when he looks down nervously. Willow, the one person who’s always been wedged between us.

He scrubs his hands down over a five o’ clock shadow, and when he lifts his head, his weary eyes find mine, and I know it’s bad. Piers’ are swimming with emotion, and I know it’s not for me. I should go. Leave now.

“Well?” I ask instead, unable to walk away from my oldest friend. Even though I know it’s going to hurt. It hurts me either way. “Look, I get it. I’m sure seeing her was difficult.” He raises his brows, and I force myself to carry on. “Okay, so I can’t imagine what that must have been like. But did she at least sign the papers?” Please say yes. Please!

A long sigh drags out, and he avoids my gaze. I can’t believe it. If she had, this would all be over. He wouldn’t be hung up on her ghost anymore. We could move on. I could finally show him it’s me he needs.

“She didn’t sign the papers? I can’t believe you would leave the states and not get them signed.” My voice shakes with anger. It’s been five years. She needs to let him go!

“She needs to meet with Mr. Barrington herself. You know that.” He backsteps. Bullshit!

“But I thought you found a way around that?” I know he did. A way for Willow Darling to sign her share of the estate over and never have to come back again. It’s what’s best for everyone.

“I did,” he admits.

“So, what’s the problem? Why didn’t she sign?” I’m so confused. She left him. The estate. Her family. The perfect fairytale life. To run away like a coward.

“Why do you care so much about whether she signed or not?” He eyes me warily.

“Because I’m your friend, and I was here to pick up the pieces when she left.” I can’t help but pace. “I don’t know why you would want to prolong closing that chapter in your life once and for all.”

“It’s not that simple, Scarlett.” It never was.

“What aren’t you telling me?” Dread fills my stomach as my heels clatter around the room, the sound only causing me annoyance now.

“I have a son.” His words are like bullets to my heart. He. Has. A. Son. Each one striking and getting lodged in a heart that’s already barely beating.

I can’t help the shocked look that registers on my face. The room grows silent as I’m frozen in place.

“He’s called Drew,” he says proudly, voice dripping with love and adoration.

“A son?” I force my feet to function and walk to his desk, taking the tumbler and letting the warm alcohol wash over me as I try to pull myself together to give my friend the reaction he deserves. Not my selfish, misguided one I feel inside. But the one he needs.

“Yeah, a son.” He smiles. I feel like a bitch for what I’m about to say, what I can’t help thinking. Something that makes me feel sick to even hope, but the darkness in me can’t help but hope.

“So, he’d be about?” I ask, impassively, waiting for his anger.

“Five,” he finishes, annoyed at what I’m implying.

“He’s mine, Scarlett.” And the look he gives lets me know the subject is closed. I see the hurt register on his face, and I look away, ashamed.

“He has my eyes.” He extends an olive branch as pride fills his voice, and my chest aches, knowing I can never compete with that kind of love. “It’s like seeing myself at that age.” His words break my heart. Imagine seeing him like that again. The boy he was, the friend—the one who became my family, who stole my heart, without ever realizing it. He’s all I have. I can’t lose him!

“So you’re leaving? Going back to the states?” My voice quivers, betraying me as I try to pull myself together.

“They’re here.” He takes the empty glass I didn’t realize I was clutching and sets it down.

“Here?” I whisper, suddenly feeling lightheaded. That’s why she didn’t sign the papers. She came back. For her family, the estate, and him. Piers. Instead of saying goodbye, she came to take it all back.

“Yes, why wouldn’t they be? It’s what the will stipulates anyway. You really think I would leave without him? My own son?” Anger tinges his voice, and I flinch.

“You’re right. Sorry.” I can’t help but fidget and look anywhere but those dark green eyes. I take a second and pull myself together, putting a mask firmly in place, ready to play the part. A part I’ve perfected, the role of friend. “I’m just really tired. That’s great news, Piers. I’m really happy for you. Really.” I look him in the eye, forcing myself to smile.