Page 131 of Revenge
“I will.” I leave the kitchen feeling like I should be doing something. Then I hear Niko’s cry on the baby monitor. I shake my head and go to his bedroom. “Hi, little man,” I say as I open his door. His arms reach out to me as soon as he hears my voice. Picking him up, I walk out of his bedroom and run into Grace.
“Hi Ava, I was just coming to get him. I didn’t realize you were here.”
“I was near.”
“I can take him if you like. I know Mr. O’Brien is coming over. Not sure if you still have things to do.”
“That’s very thoughtful, but it’s okay. Is Aisling up from her nap?”
“Not yet. I’m sure she will be at any minute now that Niko is awake, though.” She smiles.
“They do seem to be in sync,” I agree.
“They sure are. Did you need me to do anything?”
“Could you set up the play area in the living room?”
“No problem.”
I make my way downstairs to the play area with Niko. At the very least, I can enjoy my time with him. Every day he looks more and more like Viktor. Niko’s eyes are the perfect shade of hazel. When Niko smiles at me, it’s like Viktor is smiling at me. I sit with him for a while, him playing with his blocks or at least attempting to. I can sit and watch him for hours. About ten minutes later, Grace enters the play area carrying Aisling. The minute Aisling sees me, she wants me to take her. She holds out her hands, opening and closing her palms, letting me know this is what she wants. Of course, since I’m a sucker, I gladly take her from Grace.
“Hi, my sweet girl. I hope you had a good nap.” She smiles, then looks at Niko, letting me know to put her down. I feel so lucky and grateful that they are so good together.
I’ve been reading a magazine for the last fifteen minutes while Niko and Aisling play in the castle playpen. The room is filled with giggles and music, and I love every second of it. Then I spot Marco walking toward me.
“Ms. O’Brien, your father is on his way up.”
“Thanks, Marco.”
“Hi, Pumpkin,” Dad says, entering the living room shortly after.
“Hi, Dad.” I stand and give him a hug once he reaches me. “It’s so nice to see you.”
“It has been some time.” His voice sounds a little odd.
“Let’s take a seat. Would you like something to drink?” I ask, trying not to read anything into the situation.
“No, thank you. How are you doing?”
“We’re fine. Thanks for asking. The kids are growing up so fast.”
He looks over at the playpen. “That’s kids for you. They grow in a blink of an eye.” He sits down.
“Do you want to hold Niko?” I ask, looking between Niko and him.
“Maybe not now. He looks like he’s having fun.”
“Okay. Maybe later then.” I sit, a little unsettled. He’s so different from Anita. She never passes up a chance to hold her grandchildren. But I guess I have to accept that Dad is nothing like Anita.
“Were you able to get me the money, Pumpkin?” I’m annoyed by his question.
“Dad, you’ve been here a few minutes. Don’t you want to relax a bit? I haven’t seen you in a long time.”
“Sorry, I wasn’t trying to be pushy. Of course, we can relax. How have you been?”
Suddenly I notice how sweaty and fidgety he is. Something isn’t right with him. I’m certain he’s trying to hide something from me.
“What’s going on, Dad?” I ask him directly.
