Page 12 of No Love Lost

“So you went to college full-time, held down a job, supported yourself, and grew a human.”

That made her laugh. “I had some money saved up from the jobs I had in high school. It was fine.”

Again, he figured that was doubtful. Addy had worked at least two jobs since he’d known her, but the money wouldn’t have lasted long.

She smiled. “I met a friend while I was working at the café. Nimii Theriault. She was going to MassArt at the time because she’s an incredible visual artist. She was the first person I told when I realized I was pregnant.”

He felt like a jerk because that should have been him.

“Nimii was awesome. She was in her last year of school, and she was living with her grandmother. They invited me to live with them so I could save the money I was paying for rent.”

Her eyes filled with tears, but she smiled. “They wouldn’t let me pay a dime. Claimed I was helping them out by being a companion for Granny. The woman was sharp as a tack and involved in about a dozen clubs and activities. She had no need of a companion. I did my best to help with cooking and cleaning to make up for them letting me stay there.”

They were happy memories. “Nimii’s girlfriend was in culinary school in Boston. Ginny is from Phail. When they graduated, the two of them invited me and Nina to live here with them. Ginny’s parents had left her a house that was fully paid off. She also runs the No Fail Diner. They’re really good people.”

“That’s the woman Nina mentioned?”

Addy nodded. “She’s always called them her aunts. They’ve been amazing.”

“I’m so glad you had them. I’m so damn sorry I wasn’t there. And I’m angry as hell that I missed out on all of it. The pregnancy. The three a.m. feedings. The diapers. The temper tantrums. I missed it all, and I’m so pissed.”

Addy shrunk back into the couch. The movement was slight, but he caught it and squeezed her hand. “Not at you, Addy.”

Figuring he needed to be honest, he tried to smile. “An hour or two ago, maybe I was, but now that we’ve figured things out, I know where my anger needs to be directed.”

“I’m sure they thought they were protecting you. They thought I was after your money, and they never liked me much.”

Understatement of the year. Because, if nothing else, Georgiana and Clarence Wilcox were world-class snobs. Privileged, superior, and racist.

Once again, he was thankful for the influence of his grandparents. They’d been grounded and grateful. Not a single racist cell in either of them. “I have to go to Boston and find out what the hell they were thinking.”

A shadow crossed Addy’s eyes, but she nodded. “They’re your family. You need to talk to them.”

He nodded. “I do, and I will. But not right now. Right now, all I want is to start making up time. Start figuring out how to be a part of Nina’s life.”

He was relieved when Addy smiled and nodded. “That’s good.”

“What have you told her about me?” Because if his kid thought he’d ignored her all these years, she’d have a lot of righteous anger aimed his way. And he wouldn’t blame her a bit.

Addy shrugged. “Mostly the truth. I can’t keep track of lies. I told her I would tell her your name and the entire story when she was sixteen.”

But none of that was about him.

As if sensing his thoughts, she smiled again. “I’ve told her that her dad is a good man. Smart, kind, charming, athletic, hard-working.”

He waited while she sipped more tea.

“I told her you would love her if you met her. Since she’s been old enough, she’s helped me make up the birthday packages I’ve sent.”

That gave him a bit of relief. Addy hadn’t believed he was a complete asshole. And she’d given him a shot with Nina. “So you suspected my parents weren’t telling the truth?”

She shrugged and hid behind her hair. “It sounds awful to say it, but I hoped they were lying about you.”

He had to swallow hard against the emotion. Addy was such a good person. “It doesn’t sound awful at all. Thank you for not telling Nina I was a complete jerk.”

She laughed at that. “I try really hard not to lie, especially to Nina. You’ve never been a jerk. I just didn’t know how to find you. I’m sorry. I tried looking for you online once, but all I found was information about your parents attending events. I found nothing about you.”

“I don’t have social media. Never saw the point.” His anger at her had completely dissipated. He believed her story. “Can I hug you?”

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