“He may not come around anytime soon but he accepts the situation.” I tell Nick.
“It’s fine. I understand. I was a massive jerk to you. I’m honestly surprised that you’ve allowed me back into the house.”
“I don’t actually have a choice, Nick.”
I’m preparing the beef patties while Nick washes the lettuce. The domestic scene cuts me like a knife to the heart. This could have been our normal. I stop what I’m doing and stare at him for a moment, he would hardly ever spend any time in the kitchen beforehand, at least not voluntarily. I giggle at the way he’s massacring that lettuce and watch the way his hands and fingers move. My stupid body finds this moment to recall how his hands used to feel on my body and goose bumps break out over my skin. The way his fingers would caress my back after sex, as I would lie on his chest. How he made sure his lips would kiss every inch of skin it could reach. My nipples stiffen at the erotic memories inside my bra. Snap out of it Alannah. I don’t get to dwell on it for long however since my dad and Charlie come back inside because he’s heading off. I don’t have a spare room so he usually stays with my mother and Pat when he’s here, which I find odd but it works for them.
“Dennis, can I have a word please?” I hear Nick ask. My father doesn’t reply just heads for the front door. I follow them and hide behind the door in case things escalate between them and I need to step in. “You don’t have to like me but the least we can do is be civil and respect each other for Alannah and Charlotte’s sake. I’m her father, that’s not going to change no matter how much you may wish it to and I’m not going anywhere either .”
“I thought the last time we spoke I made my feelings very clear.” When did Dad see Nick? He never mentioned anything to me.
“Well a lot has changed since then.”
“You listen to me and listen good. I do not care who you are or how much money you have, I can’t stand the sight of you. Alannah may be willing to give you a chance to be a father to that darling girl because that’s the type of person she is, her big heart has always been her downfall but I’m no fool, people like you don’t change. Screw with my daughter and granddaughter and I will not hesitate to crush you. In the meantime stay away from me and we won’t have a problem.” I quickly run back to the kitchen to not get caught eavesdropping and pretend to know nothing, however my heart is racing at their exchange.
Nick left right after dinner after helping clean up. He was smiling and acting fine for Charlotte but he wasn’t fine, it was all an act. He was lost in his head somewhere. I did the best I could to make the meal a fun one for our daughter but it wasn’t easy, not that she noticed anything was wrong.
Standing in the shower I think over our conversations today. I have more questions than answers. He said he came for me then left. He was going to get me to choose between them. I can’t believe that, he was never that cold and heartless before. Regardless he would have lost. When did my father see him, does he know something more than he has let on? What caused Nick to run out like that this afternoon? Why did it take him so long to show up? I’m giving myself a headache trying to makes sense of it all.
There has to be more to the story. I shouldn’t care but curiously I do.
I only hope I don’t live to regret this.
Chapter 13
Nicholas
I'm staying at the Hyatt Regency and waiting in the hotel's restaurant at lunch time for my guest to arrive. If she shows up that is. I’m still not positive that she’s coming. While I wait I nurse my glass of scotch and think about my shopping trip with Charlie. Normally I’m not one to volunteer to go shopping but I enjoyed myself. I acted like such a big kid trying out new toys I had never heard of before. I grin as I think about it. She is such a well behaved little girl and I loved the one on one time we had. As soon as she spotted the Belle costume that was it, she had to have it, even though she still politely asked for it and insisted on wearing it then and there. I wasn’t sure how to handle that request so I gave in and put it on her over her clothes. She looked adorable and wore it to the supermarket getting smiles from everyone we passed.
During my conversation with Alannah I started having a panic attack. What if I had gone up to that apartment and convinced her to get rid of the baby? Charlotte wouldn’t be here right now and that thought makes me sick to my stomach. I’m such a stupid son of a bitch, she would have ended up hating me in the end and the world would not have had the chance to know what an amazing young lady my daughter is, because I know just by looking at her that she’s going to achieve great things. I’m certain all parents must feel the same way.
Then when Alannah and I were in her kitchen together last night preparing dinner I caught her looking my way on a few occasions, perhaps I still affect her more than she wants to admit. When we sat down to eat I couldn’t get the idea out of my head if we would have had dinners like this if we stayed together or if I would have been the type of father who was always too busy with work to have meals with my family. So many what-ifs are running through my brain with no clear answers.
Glancing across the room I see her walk in, dressed in black pants and flower patterned long sleeve shirt. She stands by the entrance looking around the room for me. I notice how the past few years have changed her, even though she's still a good looking woman at her age. She spots me, straightens her back to stand taller and walks across the dining room to stand next to my table. I rise up out of my chair to greet her.
“Gina.”
“Nicholas.” Alannah’s mother throws daggers at me with her eyes, eyes that match her daughter’s.
“Please take a seat.” I indicate to the chair opposite me. She hesitates for a moment but does as I ask.
“Would you like a drink?”
“Sparkling water will be fine, thank you.” I nod to the nearby waiter who heads off to the bar to bring her a bottle and glass. “I don’t know why I'm here but call me curious. Why did you ask to meet with me?" She says getting straight to the point.
“I want to apologise to you. It’s long overdue. Before Alannah and I became engaged I made certain promises to you which I broke in the worst possible way. I never intended to hurt her. I’m sorry. I'm sure you’re aware that Dennis came by Alannah's house yesterday and found me there.”
“Yes, I heard. He had plenty to say about it. I appreciate you wanting to see me and apologise in person, Nicholas, but I don’t know what else you are expecting from me.”
“It’s obvious that Dennis is never going to forgive me, and if I’m being honest I don’t really care, it’s not his forgiveness I need or want but you're Alannah's mother. You live here. I would like for us to get along. I don’t want Charlotte to pick up on any animosity between us.”
“Why now all of a sudden, Nicholas?” She peers at me with disbelief while narrowed eyes are fixed on me.
“I was wrong, I admit it and I've lost enough time as it is with them. I want to put my family back together. If any other man was in my shoes he would have reacted the same way. Don’t tell me that he wouldn’t have.”