Page 39 of Second Chance with Seth

“That’s for Everly to decide. She’s got a lot to forgive me for.” I noticed Zara raise her eyebrows, like she wasn’t at all surprised by my comment, and I suddenly felt the need to defend myself. “Plus, there’s the not insignificant detail of discovering I’ve got a daughter.”

Tanner frowned. “You mean you didn’t know?”

I shook my head. “No. I didn’t even know Everly was pregnant.” I decided against mentioning the fact that I’d known there was a possibility. I’d felt the same when I was talking to Aiden. Not just because I was ashamed of my behavior. But I wasn’t sure how Everly would feel about me discussing the circumstances of something like that with other people. To me, it felt wrong to talk about the intimacies of our lives. That was something personal… between me and her, and no-one else. “She had her reasons for not telling me,” I said quickly, making sure they understood it wasn’t Everly’s fault. “That’s one of the many things we’ve got to discuss.”

“In that case,” Tanner said, “I wish you luck.”

“Me too,” Zara added. I was surprised by her support, but I welcomed it with a smile. It felt like I wasn’t the bad guy in her eyes anymore, and while that shouldn’t have mattered, it did. I didn’t like the idea that people – even complete strangers – would have assumed I’d have walked out on Everly, knowingshe was expecting our child. Just the thought of doing that… of being anything like my father, makes me feel physically sick.

“Thanks,” I murmured, getting to my feet.

We wished each other goodnight, and I thanked them for the coffee, heading for the stairs.

When I got up here, I switched on the TV, trying to distract myself, but it was no good, and after thirty minutes, I turned it off again and came to bed, staring at the ceiling, haunted by how much I got wrong with Everly. I wished we’d been able to talk some more, so I could have explained why I left, and so I could ask her where I stand with her… because that felt really unclear. I didn’t imagine us fighting like Tanner and Sabrina, but could we ever hope to get back to where we were? That question rolled around my head for hours… and it’s still there now.

I turn over, looking at the clock, and let out a groan. It’s just gone six, so there’s no point in trying to sleep now. I’m sick of lying here, too, and I get up and fix myself a coffee. It doesn’t taste great, and reminds me of how good the coffee is at Everly’s place. I suppose I could go there for breakfast, rather than having it here. She won’t be expecting me, but there’s no harm in letting her know I’m still here. Who knows? I might even get the chance to meet my daughter when she’s not asleep, and if I hang around long enough, Everly and I might be able to sit down and talk.

It’s gotta be worth a shot.

I’d like to say I feel refreshed after my shower, but the reality is, I just feel slightly less wiped out than I did when I got out of bed. Even so, I’m looking forward to breakfast… not because I’m hungry, but because it means I’ll get to see Everly again, and I walk along Main Street with a spring in my step, letting myself in through the door of the coffee shop.

Everly’s busy behind the counter and has her back to me, although I’m aware of attracting a few stares from other customers. I recognize a lot of them, even if I don’t know all their names, and I know they’re all wondering why I’m here. I also regret that I didn’t think this through properly. The coffee shop is always a hive of activity on weekday mornings, and I know the news of my re-appearance will be all over the town before most people have had their second cup of coffee. Already heads are bending closer, and there’s a hum of whispered voices. I might be paranoid, but I don’t think I am, when I guess I’m probably the hot topic of conversation.

Even so, I’m not turning back now, and I wander over to the counter and sit up on a stool, waiting until Everly turns around. It takes a few moments, during which I admire her divine ass, encased in tight denim as she stands by the barista machine, tapping her fingers on the countertop. Eventually, she finishes what she’s doing and picks up the drink she’s been making, turning around, her mouth falling open as she notices me and almost drops the cup.

“Are you okay?” I ask.

“Y—Yes. But what are you doing here? You’re supposed to be in Concord. You said you had to work today.”

“I know, but I called Aiden yesterday afternoon when I got back to the hotel and asked for some personal time.”

“You did?”

“Yeah. I’m gonna stay here for a few days, so we can talk and work things out.” I lean a little closer to her. “It’s important, Everly.”

She frowns and then remembers she’s holding a cup of coffee. “I just need to take this to table nine.”

“Okay.”

I watch as she carries the cup across the room, and then as she returns, I note the slight blush on her cheeks. She mustrealize we’re the center of attention, although I have no doubt she wishes we weren’t.

“What’s important?” she whispers, leaning over the counter so she can lower her voice. “Having a family?”

“Of course. We need to work out how we’re gonna do this.”

“Maybe we do, but I’ve gotta work, Seth, and in case you haven’t noticed, it’s kinda busy in here.”

“I know, but I’m happy to have some breakfast and wait until you’ve got time to talk.”

“That could be hours.”

“I don’t have anywhere else to be.”

She stares at me for a moment, and I wonder if this was a mistake. Am I making her feel crowded? I thought she’d be pleased to see me, but maybe I got that wrong. I’m just wondering if I should offer to leave, when she says, “Okay… what can I get you?”

“French toast would be great.”

“Bacon or berries?”

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