Page 59 of Revealing Mark

“If you’re not ready I understand. We can take this as slowly as you need.” The understanding and reassurance in his voice blanketed me and I felt like I had someone on my side again.

Deep down I wasn’t sure how Mark would have reacted if I had told him.

“I’m ready,” I breathed. I wanted to meet him. “But just you.”

“I get it. You okay to meet up later today or would you like to wait for tomorrow?”

He was giving me the choice.

“Later today. I need a couple of hours.”

“Sure. Text me where you want to meet up and I’ll see you then.”

“I will.”

My shoulders felt a little lighter when I ended the call. I was nervous but just the short conversation with him had eased a lot of the things I had been worrying about.

When I saw my reflection in the window, I decided I had to make myself more presentable. I didn’t want this to be Sebastian’s first impression of me.

I ordered some food from the room service menu before I jumped into the shower and washed my hair. The food arrived just as I was finished slipping on a new outfit. I tipped the guy before he left. I had only ordered a sandwich, unsure I would even be able to finish it.

While I ate, I tried to make a list of questions I wanted to ask Sebastian. There was still a little doubt and I wondered if he had more concrete evidence than just my birth certificate to prove his father was also mine.

Would he be angry if I questioned him?

In all fairness I was meeting a stranger. This wasn’t someone I knew or had grown up with. It made me think of Matthew and Sophie. As much as my brother could drive me nuts, I loved him so much. And the same went for Sophie. We shared childhood memories. I wouldn’t have that with Sebastian and Cole.

When I allowed my mind to wander that far ahead, it all became too much and I pushed the half-eaten sandwich away. I had decided to play it safe and meet him in a public area until I was more comfortable, so we were meeting downstairs in the bar at the hotel.

It was only when I entered the bar ten minutes before we were due to meet that I realized I had no idea what he looked like. I scanned the room and there were a few older men that were just too old to be him. Then in the corner I saw a guy stand. He was dressed in an expensive suit and looked a few years older than me. He had short, dark-blond hair.

He looked straight at me with awe and I looked over my shoulder to make sure it was me he was looking at.

When I turned back to him, he came up to me and I linked my hands nervously.

“I’m Sebastian,” he introduced, his wide eyes taking in my features.

He was my brother. I felt the burn of tears but refused to allow myself to allow it to overwhelm me. This meeting was too important.

“Don’t cry.” He brushed a tear that slid down my cheek.

“I’m sorry.” I felt self-conscious.

“It’s okay,” he whispered. “Let’s sit.”

We sat down at his table and I felt my stomach tied up in knots as I brushed remaining wetness from my cheeks.

A waiter came up to ask us if we wanted something to drink.

Sebastian ordered a whiskey, which reminded me of Mark. I decided to stick with water. I wanted to keep my mind clear.

“You must have questions,” he said.

I nodded. There were so many, I wasn’t sure where to start.

“Gabriel…your friend…the lawyer…he showed me my birth certificate,” I babbled, not making as much sense as I had in my mind. Sebastian nodded.

“Do you have anything else…like more concrete evidence to prove that I’m really who you…believe I am?” I waited for his response. I needed more proof before I tore my family apart.