“I haven’t lied to you.”
She huffs. “Then, you’d better tell me right now why I can’t contact this person who very clearly looks to be genetically related to me.” She points to the paper.
I run a hand over my face. “A lot of people.”
Her lips press together. “You know who our father is.”
I think it’s more of a revelation than a question, so I stay quiet.
She stares at me. Her eyes are hard but full of hurt. I hate myself.
“Who is he? He clearly has other children.”
She’s right. I’ve never lied to her, and I won’t now.
“It doesn’t matter. You are—”
She lets out a small huff as if I hit her in the stomach. “Like hell, it doesn’t. If it didn’t matter, you would’ve told me. I begged Mom to tell me, but she wouldn’t. How long have you known?”
“She never told me.”
Her stance softens only slightly, and I see that helps a little.
I think about what Sarah said about sometimes having to sit and be quiet when there’s nothing else to do. I can no longer protect Krissy, but I can sit with her in this.
“I overheard them talking when she was pregnant with you. I never knew who he was until then.”
“Who is he?” It’s only a whisper.
I push out a breath. “Griffin Macavoy.”
She frowns, her eyes roaming. “The big shot lawyer?”
I nod slowly, giving her a second. “I don’t know the details, but he and Mom were. . .involved for years, I guess.”
“As evidence of me,” she says, clarifying. “So, he has other kids now?”
I grip the pen, knowing this won’t get any easier. “Then.”
She stares at me.
“He had another child then and was. . .married. Still is.”
She shakes her head in disbelief. “No.” She laughs, and it’s a bit hysterical. “No. There’s no way.”
I close my eyes. “He has two kids, actually.” I give her all of it.
She huffs, and it’s a whoosh of disbelief, her face falling into her hand. “She was protecting him.”
I know what it feels like to be slammed with the truth about someone you love so dearly. To find out they made decisions you can’t fathom or will never understand.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Her question is hard and accusatory. “All this time.” Her arms fly out to the sides. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
I give her the only truth I have. “It doesn’t do any good.”
Her eyes grow wide. “What? Not to know you are a product of a long-standing affair?!” She smiles, and it’s wild and filled with pain.
“Kris.” I don’t know what to say. “I never wanted you to know.”
