Yesterday's Future 2✔️

5. The house warming party.

10:29
Adam's flat,
NY

BREAKFAST
was scrambled eggs piled high on a bread bun, all served with cold homemade apple juice. Food fit for a king, and Adam couldn't help but smile as he took in the sight before him, his stomach rumbling in anticipation.

Afterwards, he indulged in a long leisurely bath, the hot water easing the tension from his muscles and soothing his mind. He got ready to meet up with Dylan—his coworker and closest friend, in New York.  They were meeting at the park where Dylan volunteered as a soccer coach for kids on weekends. He'd missed his goofy Caucasian friend and the good times they always had together.

Five years ago when Adam started working at Wellington Corporation as a sales representative, Dylan O'Connor had also been a new recruit in the accounting department. Initially, they didn't notice each other until they were teamed up for a project. Starting out as colleagues who had lunch together, to work buddies who drank beer and watched games after work, to friends who got wasted at Santos' bar on weekends, even they hadn't thought that they would become so important to each other. Dylan was especially supportive during Adam's divorce, letting him stay in his trailer until he got back on his feet and could move into his own apartment, where he now resides.

As expected, Dylan was hungry for all the gist, everything that happened in Nigeria and the news of his son, asking questions upon questions, but Adam could only tell him what time permitted because he planned to pick up toys and presents at the store for Wayne in anticipation for their meeting tomorrow. Dylan definitely understood, patting him on the back where they stood under a tree at the park, watching the kids playing afar off.

"Go ahead pal, you do what you have to do. We've got plenty more time for catching up this week."

"Yeah, man," Adam muttered, slipping his sunglasses back on to shield his eyes from the harsh glare of the sun.

Oh, and pass on my regards to Wayne. And make sure he knows about me," Dylan added with a chuckle, his tone tinged with a hint of concern. "And... Lily. I know things between you two have always been complicated, but don't let her mess with your head again."

Adam met his friend's gaze, a flicker of determination igniting behind his shades before he averted his eyes. If only Dylan could see the resolve burning within him.

"Not this time," Adam replied, his voice firm with resolve. "All I want is my son."

""I hope so," Dylan replied, his tone serious.

With a nod, Adam said, "Gotta run now, Dee. I'll see you Monday, huh?"

"Sure thing, brother," Dylan replied, a smile crossing his face, his gray eyes squinting under the scorching sun. They hugged in the park, and Adam walked back to his car, while Dylan returned to his soccer team, leaving Adam to drive off in his Lexus.

He couldn't control his anticipation and nervousness about meeting his son. It grew with each passing moment, feeling his heart beating in his head. It was still unbelievable to him that he was a father, realizing he and Lily had a child together during their short marriage. Worse, she had hidden it from him for two whole years. He needed answers desperately and had many questions for her.

At the gift shop, Adam perused the aisles, his mind split between finding something for Wayne and selecting a gift for the Sulzas' housewarming party that evening. The pressure mounted as he paced back and forth, eyeing household items without much conviction.

Finally, he approached a young African American attendant, who, with his uniform and charming smile, seemed eager to help. Adam hesitated, then decided to confide in him. "It's a housewarming present, but for a family I haven't really met yet... so I'm kind of clueless," he admitted, hoping for guidance.