Page 12 of Assisting April

“I’m looking for biological father.”

“Do you know who it is?”

“Not exactly.”

“Are you checking everyone in town?” another asks.

“Uh, no. I have a specific person I can ask.”

“Oh, who, if you don’t mind me asking.” I don’t because in a town this size they can probably tell me where to find him.

“Not at all. His name is Drake Ransom,” I say, and the table goes quiet. “What?” Is he in jail or something?

“Drake Ransom?” Rachel finally asks.

“Yes. Do you know him?’

“Oh we know him.” They all exchange glances before they burst out laughing.

“What’s funny?” I ask confused.

“It’s not funny, per se, you may have heard of Mr. Ransom.” Now that Rachel mentions it, the name does sound familiar.

“Is he famous or something?”

“Oh yeah. I'm Lavinia, it’s nice to meet you. Drake Ransom is a porn star.”

“I think star is subjective,” Miriam says.

“Oh, my God. I’ve seen him… uh… perform… oh God.”

“And your mom slept with him? Samantha. Hi,” she says introducing herself.

“No, nothing like that. She used a sperm bank. Wow. This is a lot to process.”

I don’t get a chance to say more, because a swarm and I do mean swarm of guys, including Ken come into the bar.

“Ladies’ night is over,” Rachel says, smiling.

I watch as all of the ladies pair off with their husbands and either leave after making their goodbyes or head out to the dance floor. Ken comes to sit down beside me.

“What’s wrong? You look pale.” he asks, feeling my forehead.

“Drake Ransom is a porn star.” He says nothing for a few long moments, then bursts out laughing. I smack his arm, though not hard. “This is not funny. I’ve seen things. With my luck, he’ll be my dad, and I’ve seen things.”

“Oh, baby. I’m sorry,” I say, chuckling. “I mean, that’s… that’s fucking crazy.”

“We have to go right now. It’s only eight o’clock. I’m not going to be able to sleep if I don’t know.” I check my phone to make sure it’s not later than I think it is.

“Fine. Let’s go.”

“And stop laughing at me.”

We ask were we can find Drake Ransom and head over to house. It’s just off of Main Street. I ring the bell and he answers the door. I am legit freaking out.

“Can I help you?”

“Hi. You don’t know me.”

---