Page 19 of Depraved Favors

Owen

Beginning of Summer

Keeping the bouquet tucked to my chest, I make my way through the crowd till I see Elise. I sigh in relief when I spot the empty chair next to her because I half-expected her to be petty and not save me one. But I guess our daughter’s college graduation would be the right time for both of us to act like civil adults. Ironic, since Elise gave me the wrong date for her high school one and I missed it.

Dropping into the seat, she glances at me and the flowers before rolling her eyes and returning her attention to the stage.

“They should start any minute. I almost thought you wouldn’t show up,” she says, the snark grating on my nerves immediately.

I crack my neck. “When have I ever bailed on her? You’re the one who moved out of state. I couldn’t just pick up my business and move too.”

“Oh, please. A bar is a bar no matter what city it's in.”

“Years of customers and a solid reputation can’t just be relocated. That’s—you know what, this is the same fight we always have. I’m here for Brit, and once this is over, I hope to have even less contact with you.”

Elise scoffs. “Fine by me.”

“Perfect. One can only hope,” I mutter back.

She turns back to me. “You know, Brit wouldn’t have even asked to come visit you over winter break if I didn’t suggest it.”

I roll my eyes. “Please, Elise. I know you were off gallivanting with whatever boy toy of the month and left our daughter all alone. I’m glad she knew she could always come to me.”

Her red lips curl into a smirk. “Jealous? At least the men I have now can afford to whisk me away on luxurious vacations at a moment’s notice.”

It’s my turn to scoff now. “The only thing I’m jealous of is their ability to avoid getting baby trapped by you.”

Elise opens her mouth to screech something back, but we’re interrupted by music suddenly blaring. We fall into silence as the ceremony begins, my body tense from being in her presence. Minutes seem to drag on as we go through a bunch of speeches, and then the graduates finally start to walk.

My heart fills with pride as she walks the stage, grabbing her diploma. Elise jumps to her feet, clapping loudly. I can’t believe that twenty-two years ago we made that little girl, and now here we are celebrating her as an adult. Brit turns, beaming in our general direction, and her mom snaps a ton of photos before sitting back down. Elise wipes her tears, sniffling as she goes through the pictures she just took.

I keep watching, waiting for the next name I’ve been impatient to hear. I’m not sure what her last name is, I never bothered to ask Brit because how could I manage to sneak that into the conversation? It’s been weeks without contact from the woman haunting my dreams, and I hate it. But I’m not going to take her time if she doesn't want me to. She’s still young enough to find someone and settle down, and do the whole thing right. I’m just an old man that desperately wants that person for her to be me, but rational enough to know it will never be.

When Peyton is finally called, I perk up, dying for a glimpse of her. I smile as she starts to strut across the stage, and then I freeze. My body chills and I can barely breathe. Her belly protrudes forward, a very obvious bump even in the graduation gown. As if the size is too small for her from the way it clings to her round, pregnant stomach.

It’s mine. I know she is growing my baby with every fiber of my being. There isn’t any logical explanation for why I know that. I can just feel it deep within. Elise scoffs, crossing her legs as she watches Peyton.

“Good thing Brit got rid of that one,” she mutters under her breath.

“Excuse me?”

Elise rolls her eyes, picking at something on her dress. “I’m just saying. Next thing you know Brit would have been thinking it was a good idea to have a baby along with her. She’s too young for that.”

It’s my turn to scoff now. “She’s four years older than we were, so don’t be a hypocritical bitch.”

She bares her teeth at me. “You’re the one who got cheap condoms.”

I lean in, glaring at her with all the disdain I feel for her. “You’re the one who lied about being on birth control.”

Elise flips me off, straightening in her seat and facing back towards the stage. It’s exhausting to deal with her, and it’s a miracle if we can make it through a conversation without arguing.

Brit is chatting excitedly to friends standing near us, and I slip away unnoticed. Storming over to where I see Peyton and her family exiting, I follow them into the parking lot.

“Peyton!”

She stiffens at my shout as they all turn around to face me. My eyes drop to the very obvious bump and my walk slows as I take her in. Her eyes widen, the surprise evident that she was expecting me to be someone else.

“Owen,” she says hesitantly. “What are you doing here?” Then she shakes her head and her hand rubs at her stomach. “Nevermind. That was a dumb question.”

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