Page 33 of Medical Malpractice

“Are there other kids? How will I know which one is him?”

Alexis smirked. “Oh, you’ll know.”

“Wha-what did you tell him?”

“The truth, Leo. I told him he was meeting his father.”

I nodded, my head bouncing like a fucking bobblehead as I tried to regain some form of inner tranquillity, which was a stupid bloody notion to begin with.

Alexis’ gaze swung out to the water, trying to disguise what was roiling beneath. “Well, I better leave you to it.”

“Wait, you’re not coming?” Oh, shit! She was supposed to play the middleman.

“Austin requested to meet you on his own. My car is parked right there. I’ll be ready if he needs anything.” But what if I need something?

As if she could read my thoughts, Alexis gave an encouraging smile. “He’s just a boy, wanting to meet his dad.”

“What about his other dad? Where’s your husband?”

If I weren’t convinced of their marriage before, her expression would have trumped any lingering reservations. Despite their previous divorce, Alexis held the look of pure devotion.

“Owen didn’t want to intrude. He was adamant in giving you this time to get to know Austin without him there to influence you or our son.”

I was speechless, in utter disbelief. Why would he do such a thing?

Owen Thorne already held my greatest respect for raising Austin as his own, and for claiming him in the most binding way possible—adoption. So, for him to openly encourage my relationship with his son… I couldn’t help but be overwhelmed with gratitude.

Allowing me a moment, Alexis turned, veering for her car, parked a few spots over.

“Wa-wait! Shit. Alexis, when I meet him, what do I say?”

“Umm, maybe start with hello?” She chuckled.

I stared at her, deadpan. Can she not see that I am losing my fucking mind here? Be serious, woman!

“Fine.” She caved, her laugh drowning out. “He enjoys soccer. Maybe start there?”

“Great,” I said. Except I don’t know the first thing about soccer.

I was doomed.

Staring down at my feet, I lifted one foot to step onto the path—the path that would inevitably lead me to him.

Inhaling a deep breath, I followed through with the next step, my spine straightening with each shift forward.

Completely caught up in my head, I had forgotten that Alexis watched on from behind.

“Leo,” she called.

“Mm?”

“He’s wondered about you for a long time. You don’t have to try to impress him. Austin only wants you to be exactly who you are.”

Chapter 20

LEONARDO

My ankles felt heavy, nerves tingling over my skin as I finally cleared the brush to get a direct shot of the playground beyond.