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“And when the child was born?”
“A paternity test showed I wasn’t the father.”
The door opened again and Onava popped her head in. “People are asking for you.”
Adam took a deep intake of air and placed his hand on my shoulder. “Think about what I said.”
I nodded, but was confused about his almost business-like tone and the things he had just revealed.
“But what…” I started, but he was gone before I could finish my sentence.
So Adam didn’t lie about being a father.
And he didn’t leave me without a goodbye. It was just a stupid misunderstanding.
My palm went up to my face and with a deep sigh I admitted that I had been a fool. But then my mind took me through the apartment again. The dishwasher had been running in the kitchen; I remembered thinking that it was an odd thing for him to do the dishes before walking out of my life without a goodbye. Maybe that’s why I didn’t hear the washing machine in the other room.But what about his toiletries?Why would he pack them when he was staying that night? If his claim was true there should at least have been a toothbrush, some perfume, shampoo, or a razor in the bathroom.Men have beauty products too.
Maybe hedidleave, but just doesn’t want to admit it?Determined to get to the bottom of this, straightening my hair and dress I walked out to confront Adam with my questions.
The line of people who had been waiting to get a photo with me turned into a swarm of eager fans that came at me from all sides, effectively creating a separation wall between me and Adam.
As always I wanted to please my fans and took time to meet them, but several times our eyes met across the room and I tried to signal to him that we needed to talk more.
“Can I borrow you a minute?” Faith whispered in my ear.
“Yes.” We moved to the side and my security made sure no one followed.
“Jim Greengard from Nuvok is here,” she said with excitement.
“Who?” I asked, completely blank.
“Owner of a huge medical company, investor and one of the biggest philanthropists in Washington State. Ring a bell?”
“No.” I was looking for Adam over Faith’s shoulder.
“I think he might be interested in donating to your foundation. He’s right over there by the bar speaking to Onava.”
“That’s great.”
“He wants to meet you, and I said I’d fetch you and we could all go out for a drink or something. Darren is opening his gallery for a small after party.”
“Faith, I can’t.”
Faith lowered her voice and gave me a sharp look. “Youhaveto.”
“No, I need to speak to Adam, and I’m not interested in hanging out all night with some stranger who might want to pull out his wallet.”
Faith pressed her lips into fine lines. “Fine. Then I’ll do it.” She hooked an arm under my elbow and pulled me to the nearest bathroom.
“Get in,” she said and opened the door to the handicap stall. As soon as we were both inside she pulled me around to unzip my dress.
“Are you serious?”
“Of course I’m serious,” Faith exclaimed. “I’ll try to do it quick, but I’mnotletting you waste a golden opportunity to raise money for people who need it.”
“Calm down, Mother Theresa,” I said when she was literally pulling the dress off me.
“If only you would be more responsible,” Faith exclaimed, slightly out of breath.
