My trembling fingers move to Cole's face in the photo.Our beautiful boy, so like his father it steals my breath."Since you left us, he won't touch the piano.Why is he doing this, Gregory?When he plays, it's like watching you again - the same passion, the same gift.The same light in his eyes.I can't lose him too.He's all I have left of you."
I glance between my two loves - husband and son, both slipping away from me.One to death, the other to grief."He got accepted into Harvard Business School."A long sigh escapes, heavy with mixed pride and sorrow."Since he's not playing anymore, at least he's getting an excellent education.At least I can protect this much of his future."
As I wipe away a tear staining the glass, the doorbell's harsh ring shatters my reverie.The sound feels wrong in this mausoleum of memories.
"Jeremy?"No answer.Of course - it's his day off.He's earned it, taking care of me since Gregory's death, making sure I eat, standing guard over my grief like a faithful sentinel.
I place the photo back with utmost care, my fingers lingering on Gregory's face one last time before forcing myself toward the door.Pull yourself together, Carmen.Show no weakness.You're still a Walker.
When I open it, a young woman stands on my doorstep.Dark blonde hair falls around a pretty face marked by anxiety.Her worn jeans, simple pink t-shirt, and scuffed sneakers set off every warning bell in my mind.She shifts her weight nervously, hands clasped tight enough to whiten her knuckles.
"Uh, does Cole Walker live here?"
My eyes narrow at the mention of my son.Something in her stance - desperate, determined - makes my spine stiffen."Yes, but he's not here."
"Oh...Do you know when he will return?"
"I don't give that information to strangers."Ice coats my words."How do you know my son?"
"Oh, I'm sorry."She extends her hand, forced politeness masking fear."I'm Jessica Davis.Cole and I met in Los Angeles."
Los Angeles.Where Cole spent his summer "finding himself" instead of practicing for the upcoming concert season.What does she want from him?My protective instincts flare."What is the urgency?"
She drops her outstretched hand, teeth worrying her lower lip.A gesture so young, so vulnerable."Sorry, Mrs.Walker, it's a private matter.But you can trust me.It's crucial I talk to him."
Trust.Such a fragile thing, so easily shattered.Like piano strings under too much tension.Too many people have betrayed mine over the years."I'm sorry, Miss Davis, but I doubt Cole would want to talk to you."
I move to close the door, but she wedges her foot and hand in the gap.The desperation in her eyes turns to steel."Then I'll wait right here," she declares, chin lifted in defiance.
"You can sit there, but he won't return until next week."
Her eyes dart sideways as she runs nervous fingers through her hair."Please, Mrs.Walker.I'm begging you.I need to speak with Cole in person.This isn't a conversation for the phone."
"I'm sorry," I start to close the door again, but her next words freeze me in place, turning my world to glass.
"Cole will be a father, Mrs.Walker."
The world tilts beneath my feet.Sound becomes distant, muffled, as if I'm underwater."What?"
"I'm pregnant.And your son is the father."
A torrent of thoughts crashes through my mind, each one more terrifying than the last.Pregnant?He's too young to be a father.Look at her - worn clothes, desperate eyes.She must know about the money.This has to be a trap.My Cole is responsible, but if she talks to him...If he cared enough to sleep with her, he'll want to help.Even if the baby isn't his.He'll throw away everything - Harvard, his future, all our plans.And what if he leaves me for her?I can't lose him too.Not after Gregory.Dear God, not after Gregory.No!
My mind races through possibilities, calculations, consequences.One thought rises above the rest: I cannot lose my son.
"Miss Davis, come in.Let's have a chat."
The study feels smaller with her in it, her youth and vitality a stark contrast to my carefully maintained world of grief.Her hands shake as she stares at the check I've written, eyes flicking between the paper and my face.Her lips part, close, then open again.
"Are you trying to bribe me?"
"No."The lie tastes bitter, like ashes on my tongue."I'm simply a mother protecting her son from a mistake that could ruin his life.Cole has a bright future ahead of him.The death of his father has hurt him deeply.He's made mistakes since then."
"Mistakes?"Color floods her cheeks as she rises, trembling with fury."Are you calling this child a mistake?I'm pregnant with your grandchild!"For a moment, she stares at the check before tearing it into tiny pieces that flutter to the floor like snow.Like the confetti that rained down after Cole's first major performance.
"Cole was right about his family.My child deserves better than a grandmother like you.Goodbye, Mrs.Walker."She storms toward the door.
"Miss Davis?"She freezes, hand on the doorknob as I approach.My voice is soft now, reasonable.A mother's voice."I love my son and will do anything to protect him.Think about my offer.You'll understand it's best for both of you."I hold out my card."Sleep on it for a few days."
