“No. His lawyers did. Mick Turner was too busy chasing surf titles to stop by. But I have to admit, the money helped.”
“Alejandra knows about him. I met him in Ericeira a month ago. He… acted weirdly. He—” Callum tried to remember the exchange. It hadn’t meant anything to him back then, but now, everything made sense—his utter panic, the excuse to leave. He knew who he was by Callum introducing himself, and it must have been shocking to him.
“You did?” her eyes widened. “What did he do?”
“Run off.”
His mother chuckled, a very sad and dark laugh. “Typical of him. Running away from his responsibilities.” Then, she added, “I met him when he was just a boy with big dreams. We fell madly in love and we just… we did that, and I got pregnant.” She covered her face with her hands. “Not my proudest moment. I didn’t want to have an abortion, it didn’t feel right.”
“How does he know about me?”
“I told him I had a son. Found a PO Box when he got famous and wrote a letter to him. He’s been sending money to my account ever since. Even when I told him we didn’t need it anymore, that you had a good job in London, he kept sending it. I offered him to meet you, I did…but he never wanted.”
“And why didn’t you ever tell me?”
She shook her head. “Because he never wanted to meet. Said it would mess up his prep, his mindset, his reputation. And I didn’t think you should know that a man who’s supposed to be your father didn’t want to see you. ”
Mick Turner.For what he remembered by the quick encounter, they didn’t seem to share much resemblance. Maybe he should be grateful for weak genes, it meant his mother didn’t have to look at someone she resented through him.
“So, no interest in talking to me?”
“He said it’s better to keep things separate.”
“Does he have a family?”
“Not that I know of.”
“I’m sorry, mam.” He sighed, then after a pause, “Can I ask something else?”
“Of course.”
“Why did you never marry? Or date seriously? Or introduce anyone to me?”
“I had flings, mostly after you left for uni, but nothing serious,” she admitted. “I preferred living life alone. No problems, no heartbreaks.”
“But love is good,” he said gently. “Rihannon told me you were scared I’d never fall in love again after Vanessa. Is that why?”
She gave him a sympathetic look. “Maybe.”
“There’s hope, mam. Have you seen Alejandra?”
“She’s perfect for you,” she said, without hesitation. “No matter what Vanessa said before. That bitch has no idea. Alejandra is definitely not Mick Turner. And not all surfers should be falling under his category.” She sighed. “But going back to my love life…I’m too old for this. And not interested in meeting men.”
“Whatever’s best for you.” He smiled, hugging her tight.
“I’m sorry I kept the truth from you.”
“It’s okay. I had taid, I had you. I had a great childhood. No need to apologize. If anything, I should be thanking you for giving me everything, even when we had nothing.”
She kissed his cheek. “You’ve grown into such a good man. I’m so proud of you.”
He held her close. She’d told him that before, but every time she did, something in his chest softened. Then Alejandra appeared, chatting with the doctor, her shoulder in a sling—again.
“I’m fine,” she said immediately. “It’s just a precaution.”
“Miss López did an amazing job saving your grandfather,” the doctor said, smiling warmly. “Her shoulder needs rest, but she’s strong, her muscles are helping a lot. Still, she should follow up with her specialist.”
“I guess I’ll have to make a quick stop to Seville and talk to Doctor Gonzalez for a check up.” Alejandra sighed, offering a sympathetic smile to the doctor as he waved them off.
