Page 9 of Three More Shots
Seconds pass and nothing. I’m trying to be patient, but I know I’m not going to be happy with the answer based on how hesitant she is to reveal her secret. Finally, she shakes her head.
“He’s ashamed that our daughter is autistic. He doesn’t want to have anything to do with her because she embarrasses him.”
I have to tip my head down to hear her confession. Although I don’t know much about kids and disabilities, I know for damn sure I wouldn’t abandon mine regardless of her diagnosis. “He pays child support, doesn’t he?”
She looks around, as if worried someone will hear. As if something bad will happen. Unaware I will never let anything harm her. Or her daughter.
“No. He told me if I made him, he would take her away from me. My friend said he can’t do that, but I’m scared to take the chance. His family is very rich and powerful. I could never win against them. It’s just easier this way to do everything myself.”
Rich and powerful. I chuckle at the description, and she glances toward me with a wounded expression, hurt from the mistaken conclusion I’m making fun of her. But the only person who’s going to be hurt is him. “I swear to god I’m not laughing at you, Corinne. I just realized I could help you with this.”
“No, please don’t.”
Slim fingers wrap around my forearm with her plea. Damn. I fucking love the look and feel of her clutching me. A preview of what’s to come for us in the future. The very near future.
“I appreciate you wanting to help me. I really, really do. But I can’t risk losing her.”
“Don’t you know who I am?”
“You’re…” Her hand jerks away from my arm. I lose her touch and her gaze. Instead, she focuses on lining up the edges of her silverware. More interested in her knife and spoon sitting in their proper places than answering my question. “I mean, I’ve heard stories, but I’m sure they’re probably exaggerated.”
I let her misconception hang between us.
“Or not.”
A sweet blush warms her cheeks with my wordless confirmation. She doesn’t make excuses to try and leave again or pry deeper, which would be fine either way because I’d chase her down. Or answer any questions she asks. Maybe even be honest, depending on what she inquires about. “Only an asshole would abandon his own kid, or the kid’s mother, even if they aren’t together anymore.”
Her head tilts, studying me this time. Sympathy floods her tone. “You sound like you know what that feels like.”
“My parents divorced when I was two, but my Dad was always in my life.” And always on my ass since I was a hellion, but at least I knew he cared about me and took care of my mom. “No question or doubt that he loved me, and he always made sure my mom had what she needed. She never even had to ask. It was just done.”
“He sounds like he was a good man.”
“Nah, he was a bastard just like I am, but he owned his responsibility. Family, loyalty, and honor have been drilled into my head since I was born.”
“You’re not a bastard. You’re very nice.”
Nice. I can’t hold back my chuckle on that description. She really has no idea, and no opportunity to find out with my long drink of scotch. Otherwise, I’d say more that will really scare her. She’ll know how much I want her.
She takes another big sip herself, no longer shaking or as jumpy as she was before.
Good. Now we’ll be able to enjoy our meal together.
Kyle hustles toward us and sets down her plate first. Her eyes are almost as wide as her plate from the huge hunk of meat, steaming baked potato, and roasted vegetables weighing down the platter.
Despite the shock, she doesn’t forget her manners. “Thank you.”
“Of course. My pleasure, ma’am.” The waiter turns to me and tops off both of our glasses while he nods. “Anything else, sir?”
“No, we’re good.”
Better than good, actually, with her here. I leave my comments at that as Kyle bows and departs. Corinne seems hesitant and only pushes a baby carrot through the glaze dripping off a Brussel sprout.
“Dig in. I promise you’ll love it.”
“Oh yes, I’m sure I will. I’m just not used to having so much … I mean, eating so much.” Her sweet voice fades, and she shakes her head as if she’s caught herself revealing something she didn’t intend to say.
Which is so strange to me as I’ll tell you exactly what I think. “What do you normally eat for lunch?”
