For a night Stand

The report

Danielle POV

As soon as I got to the red light, I heard my phone ring and I looked at my smartwatch, it was Aki texting. Reaching for my bag in the passenger side, I picked up the report that Daning gave me at the beginning of the week. I still can't believe that she hired a private investigator. It was better not knowing the truth.

I haven't opened it really. I just read the first sentence where it was boldly written: Sara Walker (ex-fiancée); Cody Ash Cooper (son).

I didn't read any further, but I said earlier just to test him. He failed miserably.

I threw the papers in the back seat and started to drive to the restaurant. I am too tired to be mad. I haven't process any of that information during the week and I am still in denial. Why am I driving to that restaurant? Can I still pretend that I am okay even if I have no idea what is going on in my life?

I was in the parking lot looking at them talking on a table outside. He was looking around probably searching for me. I took off my coat and put it in the back of my chair and hand brush my shirt, took my handbag and walked towards them. Aki got up as I got closer and pulled the chair next to him.

- We can order now, Cody states with excitement.

He waved at the waitress and sat straight as she was walking towards him.

- Any idea what you want, Aki asks.

I skim through the menu; I really don't want to eat anything. I pick the first thing that captivates my attention and smile at the waitress. After we all ordered, Aki was telling Cody about the plan for the following week and how he would be living with me. He kept looking at me for approval, but I was not able to place a word.

- Will I drive with you in your car later, Cody asked me?

- Sure, we can go grocery shopping and you can get what you want to eat for the week that you will be with me.

- You heard that Papa, that is awesome.

For the first time this week, I smiled genuinely and then remember that he is or can be Aki's actual son. I didn't have the courage to read everything in that report. Just the first page was enough – he lied and I want him to have enough courage to face me.

When I got back from the grocery store that night with Cody, he was in there, in his car, waiting. Cody and I grabbed a few bags as we walked toward the door.

- Let me help you, he said, walking to me as I was overloading myself with bags because I did not want to walk back.

- Help Cody instead. I am good, thanks, I stated drily walking pass him.

I dropped everything on the kitchen counter and walked back so I can hold the door for them. It started to rain as they walked in and Aki still rushes back because Cody had dropped something. By the time he came back, he was soaking wet. I close the door behind him and held him by the door.

- I will get you some towels, stay here. I stated as I grabbed the last bag from him.

Cody was digging in some of the bags that were already on the counter as I walked in the kitchen. He was holding a strawberry applesauce in his mouth, two cookies in his left hand and digging with his right. He stopped as he saw me walk in and took out the applesauce with his right hand which is now free.

- I just wanted to eat some before doing homework, he muffled.

- Speak louder young man, I said smiling. Clean your little mess also.

He put down everything on a little corner and walk back to close the cookie's bocks. He started to explain how he has been thinking about the cookies and also the chocolate bar since we brought it. I put down the bag as I listen to him. A loud rumble and the rain banging the windows reminded me that Aki was still waiting at the door.

- Let's go get some towels for your dad.

Cody handed him a towel and walked right back to the kitchen. I was still holding one too. Frozen at the same spot, I stared at the water dripping from his hair as he was focusing on drying his arms and chest. I wanted to cry. It was just now that the feeling of betrayal, the sadness and the anger was kicking in.

I walked over to him and put the towel that I had in hand over his head and shoulders.

- I will try to find you some dry clothes. I murmured as I walked by him. In the rush, our hands brushed off and he tried holding me back. Don't, was all I said. He let go of me but still followed closely.

A few minutes later, as I walked out of my closet, I saw him tighten the towel around his waist and shake his hair as they were now a little damped. I handed him his plain black oversized t-shirt that I had from my visit to his place and some joggers.

- Will you be able to drop me at the airport on Sunday morning? He asked as soon as I made my way to the door.

I stopped and started walking again. For some strange reason, I ignored his request and made my way towards the kitchen.

I did not know how to react. I wanted to cry but at the same time, I wanted to scream at him. Impulsively, I took an umbrella and walk to my car. I grabbed the report and walk back. I went in my office and drop it on the couch next to one of my work computers. I walked back to the kitchen and started to put the groceries in place. By the time I was done, Aki was leaning on the counter and staring at me while Cody was seating quietly and eating.

That was a family picture. One that we were not.

Aki combs his hair with his fingers and was trying to say something but didn't know how to start.

- Want to go visit your room, I asked Cody as he was finishing with his snacks.

- I have my own room. He asks perplexed, looking from me to.... His dad.

- Yes, you do. Come.

I gesture to him walking by Aki and still trying to ignore him. My heart skips a beat as our arms touch. I stopped without realizing that and I couldn't and did not want to move. We both turn around, staring at each other. I just wanted to be in his arm for some reason. I wanted him to tell me that he didn't lie, that he has been honest with me.

Cody touching my hand brought me back to reality.