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I frown.
“No father in the picture?”
“No. She said it was a brief fling, and she couldn’t bring herself to get rid of the baby. She had to drop out of college to give birth and raise her daughter.” Diane sighs. “She lives with a couple of friends, so she’s not completely alone, but Elle is not keen on relying on anyone else too much. What she can do herself, she will.”
“I see.”
No father around, a brief fling…wait, did she say that Elle had to drop out of college?
I knew Elle when she was in college. Did that happen later? Or…
“How old is her daughter?” I ask. “You said she’s in kindergarten?”
“Amy turned five not too long ago. Sweet kid. Elle brings her in every now and then.” Diane looks pleased. “A little budding photographer, she is.”
It sounds like Elle has managed to get a fresh start for herself. When I met her, she was a waitress dealing with her mother’s death and her father’s betrayal. Now she’s a photographer with a child.
A child that is five years old.
Did that mean…?
No, of course it can’t mean anything. It’s just a coincidence, that’s all.
Even so…
“Luke?”
I jump, and turn to see Marcus sticking his head around the door.
“What?”
“We’ve finished up. Aren’t you coming? I’m starving, and Coach Stephens has told me about this place I want to check out.”
“I…”
I should be going with him, but I can’t. Now my path has crossed with Elle and I know she’s close, I have to see her. We need to talk. I don’t know if she’ll listen to me, but I can try. I’m not about to let her walk away again.
I wave at Marcus.
“Give me a moment, Marcus. I’ve got something to do here first.”
“Okay.” Marcus looks curious. “What’s going on?”
“Just wait in the car for me, will you?”
Marcus opens his mouth, but then he glances at Diane and decides not to speak out. He nods and leaves, closing the door. I turn back to Diane, who is looking bewildered.
“Is there something I should know?”
“Let’s just say some unfinished business.” I clear my throat. That didn’t sound right. “I…I knew Elle a while ago. Back when she lost her mom.”
“Oh.” Diane’s expression shifted. “I see. She didn’t give any indication that she knew you, though.”
“We kind of left on…uncertain terms. Things were up in the air, what with her family situation…” I didn’t know how to explain it further without giving away all of the details. “I didn’t get the chance to apologize, to catch up. You know how it is.”
“I suppose.” Diane tilted her head to one side. “Elle doesn’t talk much about her past. Just that it was painful.”
“I hope not to be that part anymore.” I hesitate. “Is it possible to have her address? I want to drop by at some point. See if she’ll speak to me. Lay things to rest, you know?”
