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The guests started arriving before I managed to take Adeline to the side and apologize for my dad. I told him when I picked them up at the airport that he was to enjoy today and get to know Adeline and her family—keep all the legal shit to himself. I guess he didn’t get into too much legal stuff, but the whole quit your job and send the baby to boarding school? What the fuck?
Then I remember my father and grandfather yelling in my grandfather’s study. They always disagreed, and I distinctly recall my grandfather telling me that one day my dad would understand—when the empire was all his to worry about. I didn’t understand it until my grandfather had a heart attack and died, leaving my dad in charge when I was in high school.
Finally, once everyone has arrived and she’s made the initial rounds, I’m able to corner Adeline in the kitchen as she’s getting someone a drink.
“Adeline,” I say, and she turns to me, her cheeks pink from either how hot the room is or the fact she’s still embarrassed. I really hope it’s the former. “I’m sorry about my dad.”
She shakes her head, pouring club soda into a solo cup. The bottle slips from her grasp and falls to the floor, pouring everywhere, including on her dress. “Fuck.”
The word shocks me because I don’t think I’ve heard Adeline swear. I take it as a sign as to how much the conversation with my dad has affected her.
“I don’t want to talk about it right now. I just want to get through this shower.”
“You go and clean up, and I’ll get this. Who’s the drink for?”
“Isla,” she says and moves to walk around me.
“My favorite person,” I mumble.
“Now we each have someone on the other side we’re not fond of.” She walks off, and my anger fumes. It’s one thing for me not to like her friend, it’s another for her not to like the grandfather of her baby. I’ve got to get my dad under control.
The worst part about today is that none of my friends could come. I only invited Miles, Bryce, Cooper, and Ellery because they’re the only ones who know I’ve fathered a baby with my one-night stand, but Miles is away with Bryce attending her parents’ wedding, Ellery is working, and Cooper has a photoshoot for one of his sponsors. My other teammates would be standing in line to razz me and tell me it’s about time I get what I deserve.
My mom is with Isla in the corner of the living room. She finds friends wherever she goes.
“Here’s your drink,” I say, handing it to Isla.
Her eyebrows draw down. “You didn’t spit in it, did you?”
God, I hate this woman.
“Last I checked, I wasn’t twelve.” I slide my hands into my pockets and rock back on my heels.
“Sweetie,” my mom says, and I roll my eyes because she has no idea how much I dislike this woman.
Isla’s had it out for me from the moment I met Adeline. And it’s not just her attitude toward me either. I think she’s a shit friend to Adeline as well. It’s one thing to be protective of your friend and another to reprimand an adult for her decisions.
“That’s funny, from everything I’ve read about you, your intelligence level seems to be about that.”
“Okay, so it goes both ways then. Got it.” My mom nods.
Adeline comes out from down the hall, and I stop her by her elbow, directing her away to ask her something, anything, to get away from Isla. I go with the first thing that comes to mind.
“Hey, did you ever find out who sent me the text?” I can totally see Isla sending it out of spite or to mess with Adeline.
She shakes her head. “I asked Isla and Sami. I was at a bowling party at the time. I might have put my phone down for a second, but whoever did it was able to figure out my password and knew that I had your number, or at least I guess they assumed I did. Anyway, both of them said no.”
“Do you believe them?”
She thinks for a moment. “Why would they lie? Plus, what’s the advantage of someone texting you? I never said I was keeping it from you forever. I had plans to reach out that following week anyway.”
“Present time!” Adeline’s mom calls from the other side of the room.
“Thank God, then cake, and today is over,” Adeline says, walking away from me.
I frown. Aren’t baby showers supposed to be fun for the mom-to-be?
“Adeline and Damon, both of you sit on the couch,” Marge says.
