He stares at the floor, running a hand through his hair as he shifts awkwardly.
“What do you want?” I mutter, glancing behind me so as not to disturb Danielle.
I step outside, pulling the door shut behind me.
Issac exhales, pushing his hands into his pockets as he finally lifts his gaze to mine. “Your mom rang me.”
I glare at him, wondering if he knows I don’t care who fucking rang him. He has no reason to be here. “And?” I ask, my tone sharp enough to cut glass.
Issac closes his eyes. “And you’re my best friend.”
“Was,” I correct him, wondering whether to knock him the fuck out.
“Blake, come on. I’m sorry about Danielle.”
Does he think this is it?
One measly apology and I’m his buddy again?
“I’m sure my mother meant well, Issac, but I have nothing to say to you.” I move away, heading back into the house when he speaks again.
“Blake, she was so excited about Danielle’s pregnancy.” Issac grabs my arm, stopping me from walking away.
I stare down at his fingers which he removes quickly, his eyes scanning mine.
“I wondered if she knew.”
“Knew?” I echo, turning back to face him.
“That there’s a question about who the father is.”
A hollow laugh leaves my mouth as I lift my eyes to his, shaking my head in utter disbelief.
“She has a right to know.” Issac crosses his arms, glaring at me. “Everyone does. Your marriage is fake.”
It takes everything I have to remain calm and controlled, the thought of my pregnant wife on the sofa the only thing helping me keep it together.
I grit my teeth as I jab my finger into his chest, walking him away from the house as I do.
“You and I are done, Issac. I meant it when I said I have nothing to say to you. Go and tell the world about the fake marriage, but it will still be going strong in fifty years’ fucking time.”
Issac shakes his head, holding his ground. “But that doesn’t change a damn thing about the paternity!”
I reach into my pocket, scrolling through my emails as I try to control my breathing. I send the email in question, and nod at Issac one last time. “I’ve sent you the results of the paternity test, Issac. From now on, you are an employee and nothing more to me. Should you ever show your face here again, I’ll beat you to a fucking pulp. Now, get the fuck out.”
Issac frowns, his fingers dragging his phone out clumsily as he swipes at the screen, his eyes wide. “This could be fake! Like the marriage!”
I can’t hold myself back anymore.
For the second time in my life, I smash my fist into the hole in his face that won’t stop fucking squawking, and then revel in the silence that follows.
Kneeling down beside him, I lift him from the floor so his ear is close to my mouth. “Get. Out.”
Issac scrambles backward towards his car without once looking back.
How could he not believe me?
Did he really think I would lie about a baby?
