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He had the decency to look apologetic. “I wasn’t much older, though I was in college when Satya told me she was pregnant. We went to the same school, but we weren’t exactly dating.”
So, a hookup.
“Satya came to me and explained she planned to have the baby, didn’t expect anything from me concerning our child, but thought I should know. At the time, I’d felt like I’d done everything I could to earn a merit scholarship to attend college and I couldn’t afford to drop out and support a family, especially with a woman like Satya, who was used to the finer things in life.” He clarified, “She’s from a high-standing, wealthy family.”
He scrubbed his face with his hands and threaded them through his disheveled hair. “I believed it was best to let him have an affluent life, raised by loving grandparents and a nanny while Satya finished college. But I worked hard, my game took off, and my own fortune grew. I reached out to her while he was still young, begging her to let me see him. She agreed, as long as it was on her terms. And it’s been that way ever since.”
Ava had gathered within five minutes Satya was a control freak.
“It wasn’t like I asked for custody. I just wanted to get to know my boy. Make up for lost time. Make up for my poor decisions.”
She leaned against the counter, crossing her arms.
“I see the look on your face, Ava. Butyouof all people should know what it’s like to be an absent parent.”
“I do.” She exhaled, letting some of her anger go, thinking she may have judged him too harshly. “I’m just shocked, that’s all.”
“I envy you, Ava.”
“Me? Why? I’m not a millionaire with a gaming enterprise.”
“Despite what your parents made you do, you changed your life. You have the opportunity to be with Jack all the time now.”
Ava garbled profanities under her breath, thinking it wouldn’t have happened if her mother hadn’t forced her to come home. Their conversation over the phone had her panicking several months ago.
Connie Baxter had said, “I never expected to get pregnant with you, Ava. Having a baby at forty-two on a military base with your father at the height of his career seemed miraculous. I’d always wanted children. That’s why I became a teacher.”
“Mom, what does this have to do with Jack?” Ava had huffed, hauling a heavy backpack toward her helicopter. Mom always called at the worst times.
“Ava, I’m in my sixties. My arthritis can’t take the cold. It’s time for you to come home. Take responsibility.”
“I’m not responsible?” Ava worked her ass off, sending home every spare dime.
“Take responsibility for Jack. Don’t get me wrong…it’s been my privilege and honor to raise him, but honey, I’m getting older. And he needs you—his mother, not his grandmother. It’s time for a change.”
“Ava?” Wesley placed a hand on her shoulder, disconnecting her from her unsettling memory. “I want what you and Jack have—a strong relationship. How did you manage such a transition?”
“Kids adapt.”Okay, she was off her high horse now.
He stared out the window behind her, gaze unfocused. “I guess I should have told you. I wanted to, but I didn’t want you to think less of me.”
Ava took his hand, anguish in her voice. “I don’t think less of you.”
It seemed he couldn’t look her in the eye, making her feel guilty. Gawd, sometimes her temper got the best of her. She turned his chin, gazing into his brown eyes so golden in color it reminded her of the desert sands at dusk. “I don’t think less of you for decisions you made when you were young. I just want your honesty.”
“Yes, of course, you deserve that. You deserve so much more.”
They stared into each other’s eyes, allowing their emotions to do the talking, staying that way until Jorge entered the kitchen with grocery bags.
Wesley stepped away as Ava turned to wash the bowl and spoon.
“Has your son arrived?” Jorge set the bags on the counter. “I got everything you requested.”
“Yes, he has. And thanks, Jorge. I appreciate it, man.”
“I aim to please,” Jorge sang as Wesley headed toward the door.
“Oh, Ava.” Wesley paused. “I’ve postponed my meeting tomorrow in New York and moved it to Wednesday afternoon. I want to be around for Tejas. So, you have today and tomorrow free.”
