How much Charlotte and our future child mean to me.
My phone vibrates in my pocket, shattering the peaceful moment.
I pull it out, and Jason’s name and smiling face light up my screen.
“Speak of the devil,” I mutter, showing Dana the screen.
Her eyes widen.
“Weird timing. Are you going to answer it?”
“I should. Could be important.”
Dana glances at Charlotte, still sleeping soundly.
“Take it in the kitchen. I’ll stay with her.”
I move toward the kitchen, my chest tight with a mixture of guilt and anxiety. My best friend is calling me while his daughter sleeps in the next room, carrying my child. A reality he has no idea exists.
The weight of our deception suddenly feels heavier than ever as I swipe to answer the call.
“Hey, Jason. What’s up?”
“Koda, man, sorry to call so late.” His voice sounds tired, strained around the edges.
“Everything okay?”
“Not really.” Jason sighs heavily. “Just got an email about a board meeting that got moved up. It’s for that big construction contract I’ve been chasing for months. They want to meet next week, right when Charlotte’s showcase is happening.”
“Sounds important,” I offer, uncertain where this is going.
“Yeah, but that’s not the issue.” A pause, then, “The meeting’s mandatory for all the contractors they’re considering. If I miss it, I’m out of the running completely. Which means I won’t be there for Charlotte’s showcase at the beauty school.”
My body tenses at the mention of the showcase.
Charlotte has been practicing for weeks, stressing over every detail. The thought of her father missing it makes somethingprotective flare in my chest, even as I recognize the irony of my reaction.
“She’s been talking about it for weeks,” Jason continues, his voice thick with regret. “Look, I know it’s a lot to ask, but would you mind going in my place? Just so she has someone there supporting her?”
The request slams into me with unexpected force.
My best friend is asking me to stand in for him, trusting me to be there for his daughter, completely unaware that I’m already sharing her bed, her life, her future.
“Of course I’ll go.” My voice sounds strangely normal despite the storm of emotions churning inside me. “You don’t even need to ask.”
“I know you’re busy with the gym and everything.” Relief colors Jason’s tone. “But this means a lot. She respects you, you know? I’d feel better knowing she’s got family there cheering her on.”
Family.
The word settles in my chest, heavy with meaning Jason doesn’t intend. If he only knew that the family connection would soon be much more direct than he imagines.
“Happy to do it.” I stare at my distorted reflection in the refrigerator door, barely recognizing myself. How have we let this deception go on so long? “What time is it again?”
“It’s in two weeks. Saturday at 2. It’s at the main auditorium at the beauty school.” Jason pauses. “I feel like such a shitty dad, missing this.”
“You’re not a shitty dad,” I tell him. “Charlotte knows how hard you work for her. One missed event doesn’t change that.”
“Yeah, maybe.” He doesn’t sound convinced. “Still, can you make sure to take some pictures? Maybe a video of her part? I want to see how she does.”