8
Ethan asked to meet at our old coffee shop.
I knew I couldn’t avoid this forever.
“You know?” I said.
Ethan didn’t answer. He pushed a DNA report
across the table.
He picked up his coffee, his hand shaking
slightly.
A few drops spilled onto the report.
He quickly grabbed it and wiped it clean with
his sleeve before setting it on the chair next
to him.
L
“Are you and Riley okay?” he asked softly.
“That’s none of your business, Ethan,” I said.
“Why didn’t you tell me you were pregnant? I wish I would have known.”
“I tried to find you. But you wanted me gone. You were so worried about Bethany’s kid. You said I would regret what I did if my presence
hurt her.”
I wasn’t the same naive girl.
I stared straight at Ethan, my voice filled with
cold determination.
Ethan looked down, ashamed. He started
hitting himself.
L
“It’s all my fault. I’m so sorry. I’m a horrible
person.”
I took a sip of my coffee.
It didn’t matter if he beat himself to death. I
wouldn’t forgive him.
“If you just wanted to put on a show, then
let’s not waste our time. Riley’s waiting for
me.”
I grabbed my bag and stood up.
Ethan grabbed my hand, his eyes desperate.
“It was my fault. I was scared Bethany would hurt herself. I sent you away so you could have time to think. I was going to get you
<
“I want a chance. I want to be there for Riley.”
“You’re being ridiculous,” I said. “Do you think
Bethany would be happy?”
“She deserves to have a dad like her, but if
Riley finds out…”
Ethan knew what I meant.
He stood up, wanting to stop me, but he
couldn’t move.
I walked out of the coffee shop.
I saw him collapse into his chair through the
window.
He started tearing at his hair until a server
く
came to see what was happening.
He threw his coffee cup and flipped the table.
As I got into my car, I heard him cry out.
