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“That’s not an answer,” Tom replied.
I stepped out of the elevator. We were on a high balcony above the hotel’s mezzanine where the restaurant lay. On the balcony above, I could hear the chattering of the people I invited to my apartment. To the private engagement party I planned to hold for Jamie.
“Tom,” I said. “Four years ago, you sent Jamie for a job interview with me.”
And then Tom’s jaw dropped. His face went white.
“After the interview, we went back to my hotel. One thing led to another, and …”
“Eric!” said Jamie.
“So, you deny it?” I said. “You didn’t sleep with me?” And suddenly I felt like an unbearable burden was lifted off my chest. I was free of all the guilt I was holding onto all these years.
“You,” said Tom. “You’re …”
“Yes,” I said. “I’m Cassie’s father.”
I looked down for a moment, my heart hammering in my chest. When I raised my head, Jamie was looking at me with nothing but hurt in her eyes.
“You knew,” said Jamie. “You knew all along that it was you?”
“No,” I said. “Not until recently, Jamie. Not until the night of the storm. I knew I couldn’t leave you out there alone anymore.”
“Jamie,” said Tom. “Why didn’t you tell me?” He looked utterly broken.
Tom wasn’t the kind of man to shed a tear, but waves of guilt began to fall back down on me as I heard the crack in his voice. My best friend. I betrayed him. I lied to him. And now I was going to pay for it. Just like I knew I always would.
“Jamie,” said Tom, his voice shaking. “Is this true?”
Jamie nodded. Tears were streaming down her beautiful face.
“It is,” said Jamie, and then she looked at me.
“Why couldn’t you just leave well enough alone?” she said.
“I couldn’t,” I said. “Not you, Jamie. You’re different. Things with you are different. They always have been.”
“THAT’S ENOUGH!” barked Tom. His voice was loud and taut, choked with emotion.
“No, Tom,” I said. “It isn’t. Because it’s more than that. It’s always been more. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you, Jamie, but when I found out that I was Cassie’s father, I started thinking. About how I can make it right with you and Cassie. Doesn’t every kid deserve to know their father? God knows,” I added bitterly, “It screwed me up not having mine around.”
“Don’t you dare,” said Jamie. “Don’t you pretend this is some noble thing about wanting to do what’s right for Cassie? If you cared enough about me, then you would have found out sooner than a few weeks ago.” She sobbed. “I can’t believe the things I said. The way you … used me.”
“I never used you!” I snapped.
“Then what is this?” said Jamie. “All of it?” She waved her hands around at the hotel. “Part of some sick plan to get me? To get Cassie?”
“Never,” I said.
“Then what? You don’t love me, Eric. Not enough to marry me for real? Oh sure, you can plan a fake wedding when you want one. But face it. The idea of actually caring for me, caring for Cassie …”
Her voice had faded to a whisper, an angry tirade dissolving as sorrow overtook the two of us. “You wouldn’t have the first idea about that,” she said. “All you’ve ever cared about is yourself. Your business. Well, it stops here and now.”
Tom had gathered himself, and as he straightened his back, he glowered at me. “I don’t want to see you or hear from you again,” he said. “And I don’t want you to contact my daughtereveragain. You hear me, Slade?”
I narrowed my eyes and squared up to Tom. I can’t let my pride be insulted like that.
“Or what?” I said coldly.
