THIRTY ONE

My luck has clearly run out and my time is up. This is the long-awaited moment of truth that should have taken place ages ago. I pace the lobby nervously waiting on Aliyah to come over so I can talk to her. My palms are sweaty and I’m starting to develop a pounding headache.

I should’ve told Aliyah the truth from day one. It’s bad enough I had anything to do with Romina, but adding in the possibility of Andrew being my son make me certain this relationship could be heading over a cliff.

After a slow breath, fighting my lightheadedness, I look to the glass door. I’ve gone over my speech hundreds of times, but I’m still not mentally or physically prepared for this conversation.

What if she blows up before ending things abruptly?

My heart sinks considering the possibility of never seeing Aliyah again. I’ve had a million chances to tell her the truth and it will serve me right if she does decide to walk out of my life.

Maybe I should call her and break it to her now?

I’m not sure I can handle whatever her reaction is with her standing right in front of me. I know how pain and anger looks on her face and I don’t want to witness it firsthand again, especially knowing it’s my fault.

I’ll burn a hole into the floor if I keep pacing around like this, but I don’t know what else to do because standing still is not an option. I need to get in touch with Nathan and have Andrew’s hair analyzed as soon as possible.

I really hope these few strands are enough to run the test. Nathan said after he looked into the DNA issue that hair with the root was easiest and fortunately the strands I caught in my fingers and from the baby’s top appear to have a bump at the end. I hate that I had to go to such extremes, but I can’t trust Romina to tell the truth and be upfront. She’s denied that I’m the father numerous times, but the dates are too close for me to accept that answer without proof.

I mull over the things I need to do as a familiar blonde blur surges in my peripheral.

Aliyah?

Running out of the door as I fail to catch her, I holler for her attention. Even with her arms loaded down with bags and clothes, she’s still ten times faster than me, getting further away by the second.

“Aliyah!”

She doesn’t turn around at all, but instead speeds up, which I didn’t think was possible. The lights flash on the back of her car and she quickly pulls the door open and shoves everything inside.

“Aliyah, wait!”

Her hand reaches for the driver’s side and pulls the door open. She turns to look at me and the second she does, my heart drops. Her cheeks are red, and her eyes swollen with tears still streaming down her face.

After watching her for a matter of seconds, I’m sure of two things. One, Romina must have said something about our previous relationship. Two, my relationship with Aliyah is over.

After shaking her head, she ducks inside the car. I try to chase after her, but she speeds out of the parking garage and out of sight. I’m left standing there, my chest heaving, as I watch the love of my life drive away.

Seeing the pain and anguish on her face, and knowing I’m the reason, is unbearable.

I did this to her. It’s all my fault. I really messed up this time.

I could kick myself for letting things get this far without telling her the truth. My hands can’t get to my phone fast enough, but my fingers dial Aliyah’s number in vain. After repeated calls to her phone are sent directly to voicemail, I’m certain she’s ignoring me.

What should I do now? This isn’t how I pictured things going at all.

After accepting there’s no way to talk to her, I walk back to my penthouse in defeat, unsure of my next move. My heart aches and I feel terrible for putting Aliyah in the middle of such an unfair situation. I dial Aliyah’s number one last time, ready to finally leave a message.

Instead of her sweet honeyed voice picking up, the robotic voice of the voicemail answers instead.

Damn it.

"I'm not sure what Romina said to you, Aliyah, but please give me a chance to explain everything." All I want to do is talk. I don't care if you scream and yell at me. I'm just hoping to hear from you. Allow me the opportunity to make things right. I'm truly sorry for everything. Please return my phone call as soon as possible."

I end the call knowing Aliyah will not return it. My next call will be to Nathan, with the hope of resolving the unfinished business we have. I need to have all of my cards face up on the table.

"Hey, boss," Nathan says. "How are you? ”

"I have Andrew's hair, Nathan, and I need the paternity test results right away." If you have time, please stop by my penthouse."

"Give me 15 minutes and I'll be there," he promises.

I walk to the bar after hanging up the phone and grab the first bottle that comes to hand.

I'm going to need a drink or three to help dull the pain in my chest.

Aliyah was the one bright spot in my life, and she's now gone. A woman like her comes along only once in a lifetime, and I just missed my chance.

Instead of anticipating the next business deal, I've spent my daily moments anticipating my stolen time with Aliyah. I no longer have anything to look forward to. No more planning dates, dinners by the sea, or late-night phone calls just to hear her voice.

I already know that no amount of apologies will make this right, but I have to act.