Page 18 of I Wish I Would've Chosen You

“Mr. Donovan, this is Maya Pearson with Manhattan Obstetrics,” a woman says, killing my telemarketer hopes. “Is now a good time?”

“Never would be better.”

“Great!” She completely misses my sarcasm. “We’ve recently switched systems, so I wanted to confirm the special cupcakes you wanted to have ready for your wife’s next appointment with us.”

“I won’t be attending any more of myex-wife’s appointments,” I say.

“Oh. Well, would you like to give me your email address so I can set you up on the new patient portal for updates?” She’s not hearing me at all. “I’m sure that’ll be a fun way to keep up with your son before he arrives!”

“I’m not the baby’s biological father, so I’m not interested in speaking to you or your office about anything ever again.” I enunciate every syllable.

Silence.

“Please remove my number from her files.” I end the call and let out a sigh.

Just months ago, I thought the baby was a renewed sign of hope for my toxic and failing marriage. That maybe, just maybe, we hadn’t made the biggest mistake of our lives bymarrying young and rushing into adulthood against everyone else’s advice.

That was until my wife decided to randomly suggest getting a DNA test “that we can frame,” and I discovered her infidelity.

Shaking away the ugly memory, I continue walking toward the party.

The moment I open the doors, a server holds out a tray of champagne.

“Would you care for a glass of Goût de Diamants,sir?” He smiles.

“No, thank you,” I say. “Is there any whiskey?”

“Only the top brands.” He gestures to the balcony. “Enjoy your night, sir.”

I walk in that direction, but a pretty redhead suddenly blocks my route.

“I don’t believe we’ve had the chance to formally meet.” She holds out her hand. “I’m Vanessa Shaw. I teach Advanced Cinema Appreciation, and I live a block away from you.”

“Nice to meet you, Miss Shaw. I’m Liam Donovan.”

“I know that already.” She blushes. “I read your profile and saw that we have a lot of things in common.”

“What types of things?”

“Morning runs, swims in the ocean, and a few other things you didn’t publicly mention.”

“I didn’t list anything inappropriate in my bio.”

“I could see it in your eyes.” She’s still smiling. “Your irises practically screamed ‘Come fuck me’ in that photo.”

I smile at her, unsure of how to respond to that.

“I’m old school, so I slid my number under your door earlier,” she says. “Call me whenever you want a running buddy. No pressure.”

She winks at me before walking away.

I make it to the bar without another introduction, and order two glasses of Jack Daniels.

“Glad you showed up to this, Liam.” My grandfather pats my shoulder. “I was beginning to think you’d be M.I.A.”

“Almost.” I set my glass on the railing. “I’m committed to change, though.”

“I’m concerned about Miss Edwards,” he says. “Deeplyconcerned, actually.”

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