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I reach across the table, gently sliding my fingers into Lily’s, a silent affirmation of our shared excitement and connection. As we wait for our dishes to arrive, the air is filled with a sense of contentment, the promise of a memorable evening ahead.
“I only just realized we’ve never been on a proper date,” I tell her.
Lily frowns. “Of course, we have,” she responds. “We go out all the time.”
I give her a look. “Without the kids,” I add.
She looks at me with doubt, not believing me. “I…oh, God, you’re right!” She laughs.
Our drinks arrive and we chat while we’re waiting for our meals to arrive. We decide we need to start going out more together before the baby is born. We also show each other some things we want to buy for the baby. Lily has found the cutest stroller and she’s determined she wants to buy it with her wages. I love that she is so independent, and she wants to get things for herself.
The conversation flows effortlessly between us, laughter, and affection lacing each word spoken. For a moment, it feels like the world has faded away, leaving only the two of us in this secluded corner of the restaurant. Just as we’re savoring the moment, relishing in the connection we share, an unwelcome presence disrupts the serenity. I catch a glimpse of Matthew standing near the entrance, a look of determination etched on his face. My heart sinks and I exchange a worried glance with Lily.
“Blake is that…Matthew?” Lily’s voice trembles with a mix of surprise and concern.
I nod, a knot forming in my stomach. I thought I’d have more time to talk to Lily about Matthew. I still haven’t told her that he showed up unannounced at Ethan’s new school. This is not how we envisioned our evening.
Matthew approaches our table, his eyes fixed on Lily. The tension in the air is palpable, threatening to suffocate the delicate atmosphere we had carefully cultivated.
“Lily,” Matthew begins, his voice strained but determined. “We need to talk. Now. It’s important.”
I exchange a brief glance with Lily, silently conveying my support.
She takes a deep breath, mustering her strength. “I’m a little busy right now,” Lily tells him. “You can’t just barge in here when we’re out on a date.”
“Fine, then. It’s Blake I have a problem with anyway,” he rebuts, his voice drips with accusation, each word slicing through the air like a sharp blade. Matthew’s gaze locks onto mine, his eyes burning with intensity. “Blake,” he spits out my name, his voice laced with venom. “You have no right to be in Emma’s life. You’re unfit to be a father.”
My jaw tightens and a mix of anger as a defense rises within me. I want to lash out, to retaliate against his unfounded claims, but I know that would only escalate the tension, casting a darker shadow over our evening.
“Matthew!” Lily exclaims. “That’s completely uncalled for. You know nothing about Blake.”
I take a deep breath, trying to steady my racing thoughts. This is not the time nor the place for a heated argument. My gaze shifts to Lily, searching for guidance, for a sign of how to navigate this treacherous terrain.
“You can’t just turn up after months of pretending Emma doesn’t exist and make claims like that,” Lily continues. “Blake has been there for her almost every day for the last six months. So, if anyone doesn’t deserve to be her father then it is you.”
As usual, Lily has spoken before she has thought about what she’s saying. I appreciate that she’s just trying to defend me, but I know arguing with Matthew will only make things worse.
“Matthew,” I reply, my voice steady but tinged with frustration. “I understand your concerns, but I assure you: I am committed to being a positive influence in Emma’s life.”
Matthew scoffs, his disbelief palpable. “I knew you would say that Blake butactionsspeak louder than words.”
I fight the urge to retaliate, to defend my character but as I look at him, I realize that he knows something that Lily doesn’t. I glance toward Lily. Instead of arguing, I choose a different path. I take a moment to collect myself, to channel my emotions into a calm resolve.
“Matthew,” I say, my voice measured. “I understand your skepticism, but I ask that you give me a chance to prove myself. Emma’s well-being is my priority, and I will do whatever it takes to ensure she is safe and loved.”
“Damn straight I’m skeptical,” he says.
I meet Matthew’s gaze, my eyes locked onto his. “Look. We’re going to have to find a way to coexist for Emma’s sake,” I propose. “I’m not going anywhere, and she deserves to have both of us in her life, supporting and loving her.”
“I think Lily will feel differently once she knows about your little issue,” he says spitefully.
Lily looks between me and Matthew confused. “What is he talking about?” she asks.
I sigh. The entire evening has been ruined and I can feel a headache coming on. All I wanted was some time to come clean about everything. I just wanted a nice date with Lily, a chance to spoil her and enjoy her company. I know that Lily is going to understand, but I should have told her about this earlier. I worry that Blake is right. I worry that if Lily finds out she will say I shouldn’t be around Emma too. What if she changes her mind about us?
“Lily, I was going to tell you,” I say. “I just…I wasn’t sure how to broach it.”
Lily’s eyes meet mine. Her concern and support are evident in her gaze. She knows that I’m being serious right now. She reaches out, her hand gently squeezing mine, offering a silent reminder that we’re in this together.
