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“How old is she?”
“Three. She’ll be four in a few months.”
“Where is her mother?”
“Living in London.”
So close, right under my nose. I took another deep breath. “What’s her name? The woman you had a child with.”
“Natalie Hearne.”
“She’s an ex-girlfriend?”
“Yes. We’ve been friends since grade school.”
Hearing that made it hurt more. The woman wasn’t just a one-night stand; there was history there. I crossed my arms over my chest, trying to absorb all the information.
“And you wanted this child?”
“When she told me she was pregnant, I freaked out. She knew I didn’t want kids. I said I wouldn’t have anything to do with the child if she kept it, and she told me she didn’t care.”
I bit my lip to hide my anger. Of course he didn’t want anything to do with his daughter. That was right on point.
“So you don’t have much contact with Paige?”
“A little. When I realized Natalie was serious about keeping the baby, I told my parents. They’ve known her since we were kids, too, you know? My parents have more regular contact with her, and often take her for weekends and holidays. I see her occasionally, and I send monthly child support. I realized I was being an asshole by not at least doing that.”
“When is the last time you saw her?”
“During my suspension.”
“When I couldn’t get ahold of you.”
“I was in Birmingham for my mother’s birthday. They were there too.”
I didn’t say anything for a long time. I needed more time to absorb this news, but still, I wanted to know more.
“Why didn’t you tell me before?”
“I wanted to. But then I saw how you reacted to the Charlotte Simpson incident, and I knew it wasn’t the right time.”
I huffed. He was impossible. “Wanting a future with someone isn’t anincident. It’s not a misunderstanding,” I said quietly. “How can you be so callous about having a child?”
“For starters, I never wanted a child. Secondly, I have no relationship with the kid. When she sees me, she has no idea who I am. She just knows that my parents are her grandmother and grandfather. I’m Devin. And I like it that way.”
This was getting worse by the second. “Doesn’t she know who her father is?”
“I’m sure she’s asked Natalie, but the child calls me by my name.”
“Are you ever going to be her father?”
“I don’t know,” he said passively.
“Do you want to be her father?”
“No. I thought I made that clear.”
“At least you aren’t making excuses,” I said in disgust.
