Nini POV
"Dad." The word comes out strangled and my throat feels sore, like I'm trying to hold back too much emotion. "Nina." His voice is like a whisper, nothing I could've imagined, if I were being honest. It's soft and kind, nothing like the image I had in my mind during the years I've lived without him. I see the resemblance between us, that's for sure, and as I stare at the man who helped create me, a get this sense of uncertainty but confidence. Ricky's hand on my back is keeping me somewhat grounded but I step away from him, towards my dad slowly. He does the same, and he regards me carefully. "So you... you're here." I state dumbly and he cracks a smile. "I am... so are you." He says and I bite my lip. "Yeah I... yeah." I fidget with my hands out of discomfort and I suddenly wish Ricky was right next to me, but he was giving me the space he thought I needed and I'd look like an idiot scurrying back to his side. "You're even more perfect in person. Look at you." The man says and I blush, looking down at the ground. "Thank you. I try." Heat rushes to my face as I continue with my stupid comments but my dad takes another step towards me with a kind smile on his face. "I didn't plan on seeing you for the first time like this. In fact, I just saw your moms who wanted me to stay away." The second part of his sentence comes out quieter and I audibly gasp. "You saw my moms? They knew you were here?" He gives me a nod but doesn't elaborate. "So I suppose you're staying at this hotel until you leave?" He nods and switches his footing. "Yeah darling. But I really want a chance to get to know you." My heart lurches at the name he's already given me, but I don't say anything. "I must ask, what are you doing in a hotel Nina?" He chuckles and there's not an ounce of judgement in his voice. Just curiosity. "Oh I..." I'm not sure what to say, because my boyfriend is behind me, holding an infant while visiting his newly reformed family and none of that was my business. My dad seems to finally register Ricky though, and I watch as his eyes flick down to the baby in his arms. Then, he seems to put two and two together. "Wait..." He says and I wave my hands frantically. "No no. Don't think whatever you're thinking." I urge, moving quickly back to Ricky's side. "This... this is my boyfriend and his newborn half brother. His parents are staying at this hotel." My dad still seems confused but his focus seems to shift as he notices Ricky pull me closer to his body. When Ricky lets go of me to hold Lucas more securely, I wrap my arm around his waist, knowing he'd feel better if there was a little physical contact (or I'd feel better, I'm not entirely sure). "The boyfriend!" My dad musters up a little excitement as the confusion finally leaves his facial expression and I watch Ricky's facial expression turn stone cold. "Yeah." He says stiffly and I squeeze his side, hoping he'll give up the rude act before it gets awkward. "Taking care of my daughter I see... or the other way around since she's here for you!" He laughs but his attempt at a joke just makes Ricky tense up a little more. "Yeah well since you haven't been around..." I cringe and press a kiss to his shoulder, silently trying to thank him for his protectiveness but urging him to loosen up a bit. "You're right son, and I'm really glad she has someone." I bite my lip and stare at the Ricky's shoulder before looking back up at the tall man. "I can take care of myself." I say and I notice his facial expression falter, his false happiness starting to give way. "I didn't mean-" I cut him off and shake my head. "It's whatever." I say quietly and I feel both Ricky's and my dad's eyes on me as I stare at the floor. Almost as if he senses the silence and my uncomfortable situation, Lucas begins to cry, and not just his small little whimpers that had interrupted us last time... but loud, painful cries. I frown and Ricky looks unsure of what to do so I lean into him, silently encouraging him to give Lucas over. He does without any hesitation and gives me a grateful smile as I bounce the little infant and encourage his cries to turn into little whines. "I think you're upsetting the baby." Ricky all of a sudden quips towards my dad, and one of my hands comes out, slapping his side and giving him a warning look. Ricky tries to hide his grin and I roll my eyes, suppressing my own smile. "We should probably take him back to the room." I say to Ricky and he nods, biting his lip. "Yeah before my mom kills me for letting us hang out in the hallway with her crying child." I giggle and his eyes dance with amusement. "So... Nina-" I cut my dad off. "Nini. Please." I say and he nods. "Nini, hon when will I get to see you again?" Ricky speaks up before I can say anything. "Maybe another thirteen years." I cringe, though I'm holding in my laughter. "Maybe we'll have lunch maybe? I need a second to process all of this." My dad grins, nodding quickly. "I'd love that. I'd love that Nini. I'm in room 412, knock anytime okay? We'll definitely have lunch." I nod but start to panic as he seems to be coming near me, like he wanted a hug. I jump back a little and realization flashes in his brown eyes and he immediately understands, backing up. "I'll see you soon okay?" I nod and Ricky takes me by the hips, leading me down the hallway. "Oh my fucking god." He speaks for us, and I can't cover the baby's ear in time.
