An Unforeseen Turn of Events

Chapter Forty-Six

Ryan did not take a taxi—he walked the three miles to his hotel. He walked with a spring in his step, enveloped by a wholeness and contentment he had never experienced before. He felt giddy—he wanted to laugh but was afraid strangers would look at him as if he was deranged. He recalled not even feeling this complete happiness when he won his Academy Award.

Ryan viewed the world through different eyes. For the first time, he actually noticed and smiled in appreciation at the young children he saw on the street. He never contemplated having his own. His own were already grown up but so what? They were still his.

He had to hand it to Christine—she did a phenomenal job raising the kids.

Christine. Ryan ceased smiling and his countenance turned serious. He wanted to meet with her but at the same time dreaded the prospect.

He had to see her again. He shuddered at the thought but reasoned it must have been her that sent him that letter. Would she still be the sweet, beautiful Christine he remembered or had life hardened her? Would she want to reminisce about the old days, revealing why she had failed to inform him about the children's existence or would she be demanding and bitter, rehashing fresh accusations about his unfaithfulness 18 years ago?

She was probably desperate for college tuition money, he figured. Why else would she inform him of their children's existence now? It's been many years but their children would forever link the two of them together.

Ryan's head was swirling in a mixture of anticipation and fear. Would they have a confrontation? Would she stoop so low as to threaten to blackmail him if he didn't pay up?

Ryan's whole body stiffened. He was forced to stop walking and take a seat at an outdoor cafe. The waiter rushed over to take his order and Ryan thoughtlessly ordered an espresso, the first drink that came into his mind.

He stared at the heavy traffic, drivers trying to maneuver ahead despite the congestion; the pedestrians with their shopping bags from major retailers and famous Boston storefronts.

The waiter placing a glass cup of espresso before him interrupted his thoughts. He stared at the hot drink as he recalled the fresh, kind faces of his twins. They seemed like good, well-adjusted kids. Nothing sinister, devious, or desperate about them. The pressure was pounding in the back of his head as he contemplated flying out of Boston and returning to Los Angeles and his old life.

The life he was satisfied with.

His career at the forefront of his life.

Staying close to his parents.

Fewer complications. The only pressure was the search to star in a hit movie.

Yes, his inner voice told him, return to your old life. You were happy and never wanted ta family to tie you down.

But as he brought the hot drink to his lips, spilling a few drops as he weighed in on his inner battle, Ryan knew he couldn't do that.

He was going to jump into unknown territory—meet the children he never knew he had—and then be forced to face the consequences.

There was no going back now.

As Ryan took a few sips of the espresso to calm his jittery nerves, he stared at an old car parked across the street. His eyebrows narrowed. Then he sat up frightened, nearly spilling the whole cup.

That stranger keeps finding me. How can I get rid of him already?

***

Ozzy felt a creeping terror when Ryan stared at his car for an inordinate amount of time. He wanted to sink in the driver's seat but there wasn't enough room.