Me, Love, & Secrets

Father and Son

"Rentrer chez soi. Je m'occuperai de toi plus tard, Roberto." Go home. I'll deal with you later, Roberto.

"Et pourquoi devrais-je?" Roberto growled.

"Je vendrai l'entreprise..."

We all watched as Roberto clenched his fists and stomped over to his car. He got in, and with one last writhing glare, drove off. I was finally able to relax and took my first deep breath since everything happened. Evan didn't seem to recognize me, so that was sort of relieving. I didn't want him to recognize me and Melinda ask how we met. Definitely would be an awkward conversation. Even worse since I know Roberto is his nephew.

"I'm so sorry about all of this. How can I make it up to you?" Evan finally looked me in the face. I couldn't tell if he knew me or not. "Dinner? Money? Tout ce que tu veux."

"I don't want anything," I said. "Thank you for everything, though."

"Are you sure? I could even beat Roberto. Just say the word."

"Now, now, Evan, you don't have to go that far." Melinda chuckled nervously. "You've done enough with coming just in time."

"Ah..." Evan smiled and nodded. "Why don't I treat you to a quick lunch? It's the least I can do."

"I--"

"Please, let him do it," Renée said. "We'll watch Joël for you."

"He probably thinks I'm in the treehouse..."

"We'll make sure he knows where you are. Lucas, too. Just go."

I reluctantly agreed. It's not that I didn't want to be alone with Evan, I just didn't feel comfortable with him after so many years. We haven't seen each other since he treated in the hospital. That was awkward enough. Lucas hadn't left my side during my stay. I had grown out of liking Evan more than just a doctor, so I hadn't minded being in Lucas's company 24/7.

Melinda and Renée left without another word. Once we heard the front for close, Evan pulled me in for a hug. I was stunned. Did he not know how risky this was? Anyone could see us and take it the wrong way. I can't go to lunch with him. People will talk like they did when I got pregnant.

"You haven't changed...at all," I said.

He really hasn't. I would have thought he would get older in the face, but he still looks as if he's in his early thirties. I never knew how old he was, but this was just downright weird. I never thought about it when I was younger, but...I don't like where this is heading.

"You've changed a lot." Evan chuckled. "I'm sorry we had to meet again like this."

"Under normal circumstances, meeting up would have been even more awkward."

"I didn't know you were related to Cédric and Alizée."

"Cédric is my uncle. My mom moved to America with my grandparents when she was younger."

"Makes sense. Why are you back here?"

I sighed. Do I have to tell him? I don't want him to think I was coming back for him. I barely remembered he existed after he left. France was the last place I thought he'd come.

"Just visiting. My birthday is around the corner, so we're having a little celebration before I head back home."

"I get why Roberto decided to come bother you. I'll make sure you never see him again."

"Thank you. Although, you being here when he was younger would have been a great help." I tried not to laugh. "Maybe he wouldn't have gotten out of hand."