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“Or, she was, and it didn’t work,” I offer.
Mistake. Zayden gives me a look suggesting he doesn’t buy into that theory. “Again, I’m a wealthy man, Bailey. This was deliberate.”
I’m not going to argue. Maybe it was, maybe it wasn’t, but I don’t know Olivia’s mom from a hole in the wall, so I’m going to give Zayden the benefit of the doubt because at least I knowhim.
“Anyway, we went our separate ways, and that was it. Then, last month, I’m contacted by social services telling me Noelia Bardem claimed I was the baby’s father and I was required to take a paternitytest.”
“Noelia…”
“Olivia’s mother. So I did, and paternity was established as positive, and here we are. I don’t know much else. Social services told me I could fight for custody, but I don’t have any intention of doingso.”
“What? But why?” I ask, aghast. “You could give her a much better life than a mom who’s in and out of jail, couldn’tyou?”
“Like I said, I’m not good when it comes to losing people. I’m not cut out forthis.”
What makes him think he’s not cut out for it is what I want to know. In fact, this whole conversation, Olivia’s enraptured listening to him talk, as she bites down on my hand to ease her teething discomfort. It’s like she knows him, like they’ve been connected soul-to-soul for quite some time and she’s only waiting for him to acknowledge her presence.
“Did something happen to you?” I ask all out of theblue.
It’s an out-there question, but something inside me says it’s the right question.
Zayden doesn’t answer, doesn’t even move, as if frozen.
“Did someone hurt you, Zayden?” I followup.
He stares atme.
“Because I feel like someone did. I can see you’ve had a hard time.” I watch him across the space between us, cold NYC evening air growing uncomfortably chilly. His silver blue eyes gaze at me, brain going a million miles a minute. He’s going to get up and leave any moment, watch.
“You’re a perceptive one,” he mutters, breaking our stare. He downs the rest of the whiskey in one gulp. “But too insistent.” And there he goes, leaving the roof, taking his aura of mystery withhim.
I struck a nerve. I’m sorry if I hurt him, but at least now I know. Something did happen, and that gives me hope that he’s not just a complete asshole. Because who wouldn’t love this little girl I’m holding once they get to know her? Nobody.
Olivia gurgles and looks up at me, like asking, Where did hego?
“He’s running away,” I tell her. “It’s a common thing people do when someone calls you out. But I’ll get through to him for you, pumpkin. If it kills me. You deserve it.” I boop her nose, and she giggles. I hold her closely and close my eyes. If I could make her father love her, I would do it at any expense.