Chapter 3

The cab was faster than Evelyn's car.

I stood in the dark shadows of the neighborhood and watched Evelyn, her arm looped through Nathan's, turn into the yard next door to my parents' place.

A little later, my parents went in too, followed by Sophie and Ryan.

The little yard quickly filled with noise.

I walked over until only a wall stood between us.

The light inside was warm, and the laughter never stopped.

I stood under the harsh white glow of a streetlight like a clown peeking in on their happiness.

Mom's voice was gentle, but her words stabbed straight into my heart.

"The minute Richard and I saw this place was up for rent, we grabbed it.

"This way, whenever Evelyn comes to see Nathan, she can just tell Adrian she's visiting us."

Ryan grinned and clapped his hands.

"That's a great idea!"

Then he sighed.

"Poor Nathan, though. Living here, he can hardly go out.

"Otherwise, he could easily run into Adrian."

Through a gap in the fence, I saw a flicker of heartache cross Evelyn's face too.

"I'm sorry you have to put up with this, Nathan."

Nathan shook his head, his eyes red.

"I don't mind. As long as I can be with you, Evelyn, that's all that matters."

He forced a smile, and my parents looked heartbroken for him.

"Nathan's always been so considerate. Not like Adrian..."

It came out almost as a sigh, but it hit me so hard I could barely breathe.

Noticing the mood had turned heavy, Ryan quickly changed the subject.

"Hey, look! I bought a ton of stuff for my goddaughter."

The excitement on his face reminded me of the old days, after one of our basketball games.

When he heard Evelyn and I were together, he'd clapped me hard on the shoulder.

"Deal's a deal. I'm going to be your daughter's one and only godfather."

"Who knows, maybe it'll be a boy."

My answer back then overlapped with Nathan's answer now.

For a split second, Ryan looked dazed.

He gave his head a quick shake, pulled himself together, and flashed a smile.

"Godson or goddaughter, I'll love them either way!"

Then he turned to Evelyn.

"Have you picked a name yet?"

Evelyn lowered her head, rested a hand on her stomach, and nodded softly.

"Mm-hmm. Hope Cole."

My eyes flew wide, and something inside me finally snapped.

Two years ago, Evelyn and I had a baby on the way too.

We lost the baby the day I found out she was cheating.

That was the name I'd picked for my unborn child.

In the yard, everyone's expression changed a little.

But no one said a word.

Splinters from the fence dug into my palm as I shoved the gate open.

After a brief silence, everyone moved in unison to stand in front of Nathan.

Evelyn had gone a little pale.

"Adrian, how did you..."

She faltered, and her voice started to shake.

"You... you know?"

The others' faces changed too.

Every single one of them looked wary.

Rage burned in my chest until I could hardly stand it.

"His bastard doesn't deserve to share my child's name!"

I pointed at Nathan, my voice hoarse.

Evelyn's face went from white to livid. She glared at me coldly.

"Adrian! Watch your mouth!"