Page 53 of Pucking Fate

He deserves to know Christian is his father. He deserves the chance to have that relationship with him.

I’ve known that for years.

The only problem was that I wasn’t sure if I was ready for what that meant for me as well.

Am I ready to let Christian back into my life in such a big way?

Once Finley scarfs down his pancakes, he goes to brush his teeth and clean his room. I pick up my phone, staring at the screen for what feels like forever, before finally dialing Christian’s number.

“Hey, I’m on my way over,” he answers softly, sounding gutted. That’s the only reason I don’t lay into him.

“You should’ve told me.”

“I know,” he replies with a heavy sigh. “I’m sorry, Maya. I wasn’t planning to tell him last night, I swear. You know I wanted to, but I was trying to be patient. Then, the topic of dadscame up and Finley was wishing he knew more about his father, about the kind of job he had. So, I caved and told him the truth.”

Based on his distressed tone and Finley’s sluggish demeanor this morning, I say, “I assume it didn’t go as well as you hoped?”

“It did not. Finley ran off to his room, slammed the door, and refused to let me in or talk to me.”

“Oh. Well, welcome to the parent club,” I tell him.

“What do you mean?”

“That’s pretty much our son’s normal reaction to anything and everything that upsets him.”

There’s a long pause. “So, I didn’t ruin everything? You think he’ll forgive me?”

“No, Christian, you didn’t ruin anything. I’m sure he’ll forgive you like he always forgives me,” I explain to him. “Finley asked me this morning to confirm that it was true. I also told him that you staying away for so long wasn’t your choice, that it was mine.”

“Maya…you didn’t have to do that,” he says softly.

“No, I did need to say it, to be honest with him. He should know that it wasn’t your fault for not being a part of his life sooner. I take full responsibility for that. I’m so sorry my issues kept you from him for so long.”

“You did what you thought was best for you and him. I hate it, but I can understand where you were coming from. All is forgiven, okay?”

“Okay,” I agree. “And I promise you that Finley will be fine with you when you come over.”

“You think he still wants me to come over today?”

“Of course he does. He’s already asked if you were coming.”

“Good. That’s…god, I thought he might never speak to me again,” Christian says in a rush, his voice hitching with emotion.

“It’ll be fine,” I assure him. “I’ll see you soon?”

“Yeah, I’ll see you soon.”

22

Christian

It takes me twice as long as usual to get to Maya’s. Most of that time was spent when I pulled over to get my shit together.

All night long, I thought about calling her to confess what I had done. Even though I knew she would be angry, I wanted to beg for her help to convince Finley to speak to me again, to forgive me.

And it turns out, everything is going to be fine.

At least that’s what Maya said.

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