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This was the most difficult conversation I’d ever had with Jace. I thought we’d reached the pinnacle of difficulty with the conversation preceding the paternity test, but this one was worse. It was the first time I’d ever lied to him.
Looking at him, I realized that him being Vander’s son shaved off some of the pain of George’s existence. Hopefully, by the end of the weekend, what I said to Jace would have at least some truth to it.
Jace set our bags at the end of the hallway, ready to go into the car. I had the same rolling suitcase that I’d had on that conference, the conference where we made Jace. Two things could be true at the same time. I could be devastated at the outcome of the conference, and still feel grateful that Jace came out of it.
Yiayia came up behind me and placed her hand on my shoulder. “Yiayia is so proud,” she whispered, her voice breaking.
I nodded. A single tear escaped. I sniffed and dried my face. “It’s okay, Yiayia. It is what it is.”
“It is whatever you make it, poulaki mou.”
Ah, Yiayia’s wisdom. I’d take that nugget with me.
The front door opened, and I heard Yiayia effusively greet George, then heard Vander’s smooth, deep voice as he introduced his sons to one another. I could delay no longer.
I put on my best rendition of a smile and walked into the kitchen, my eyes on the boys.
“Hello, George.” I smiled at him and held out my hand. “I’m Ruby. I’m really happy to meet you, finally.”
George looked both smaller and younger than I envisaged.
George extended his hand and shook mine, his eyes skittering over my face. “Are you sick?” He blurted out.
My eyes bugged out. “I’m sorry?”
“Are you not feeling good? You’re very white.”
“Oh,” I waved a hand dismissively, “I didn’t sleep very much last night. I’ll get lots of rest this weekend.”
I couldn’t look at Vander. Furious with myself for being so emotional, furious with him for not believing me when I said I loved him, furious with him for not choosing me after the conference, though I knew it was unfair.
“How was your flight?”
“It was okay.” He pushed his hands deep into his pockets and looked at the floor.
The tension in the kitchen was almost palpable. Could no one else think of something to say? My God, help me. I was the adult here. I needed to pull it together.
“Let’s get some lunch. Yiayia is the best cook.” He looked up at me cautiously. I winked. “She’ll tell you that herself!”
“Okay, agoria.” Yiayia clapped her hands. “Come eat. I don’t want you to starve when you head out to the wilderness.”
George’s mouth fell open, and I laughed. I closed the distance between us and put my arm over his shoulders, hoping he wouldn’t reject me.
“Does she remind you of your Yiayia?”
He glanced up at me quickly, looked to his dad, and then looked back at me, “I think she’s worse!”
I laughed and gave him a quick squeeze and released him. “Don’t let her hear you. You’ll only encourage her.”
He laughed and looked, again, to his dad.
“You can go on into the dining room with Jace and Yiayia,” Vander instructed.
As soon as George left the room, Vander stepped forward and put his hands on my shoulders to turn me around.
I flinched then shuddered at his touch. I looked down at the floor, both sickened and ashamed.
He lifted his hands quickly, then seemed to change his mind and put them back more firmly than before. Stepping up close behind me, he dipped his head and spoke quietly in my ear.
