Page 29 of Look for Me

Corinne put the silverware down on the table and followed Martin out.

“Martin,” she said quietly, hoping that he wouldn’t hear her—then she didn’t have to talk to him.

Unfortunately, Martin heard her. He stopped at the edge of the boat.

The sunlight bounced off his brown hair. His aviator sunglasses hid his eyes from her. He hesitated for a moment, and then took off his sunglasses.

“I’m sorry,” he said.

How many times has he said that?

“I’m sorry too.” Corinne stepped closer, but not too close.

“I know you don’t want me in her life…”

“Whose life?”

“Your daughter.”

“She’s not yours.” Corinne didn’t want to start a fight, but she knew whose daughter Dahlia was. There was no doubt.

“You sure? A DNA test could…”

I wish you were her father.“Martin, I conceived her six months after I left Savannah.”

Corinne could see the mixed emotions on his face. On the one hand, he looked relieved, but on the other hand, he looked perplexed.

“Where’s the father then?” Martin’s voice was harsh.

Corinne shook her head. “He must never know we’re here.”

“Why not?”

Corinne didn’t know what to say. She prayed for wisdom. “Please.”

“Something wrong?” Martin pressed.

“I go by Dinah Miller now…” Corinne wondered how much more to add to that.

Martin nodded slightly. “Whatever.”

“A—are you staying for lunch?” Corinne asked.

Martin didn’t answer.

“Angelina makes great spaghetti,” Corinne added.

“I don’t want to make you uncomfortable.”

If there was one thing Corinne liked about Martin, it was his honesty. There was no way Flavian could measure up to Martin, ever.

“Please stay,” Corinne said.

“You want me to?”

Corinne nodded.

But only for lunch.

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