A Baby of Convenience

“Yes, they will,” Neal answered. “I’ve got it covered.”

“Meaning?”

“The paternity test will cite George Hargrove as the father of your baby,” Neal said confidently.

Elena understood. “How much money did that cost?”

“A significant amount,” Neal admitted, “but if it helps me keep control of this company, then it’s worth it.”

Elena took a deep breath.

“I suppose we need to get started,” she said.

Neal nodded, his confidence fleeing swiftly. Wordlessly, he led her to his bedroom. He realized with a start that he had not cleaned up. Elena had asked for three days, he had not expected her to come back with an answer so soon. He kicked himself internally for not being better prepared. He looked towards her cautiously, as she seemed to be panicking.

“Elena –"

“I… I don’t know if I can do this,” Elena replied shakily. “I want to, but…”

Neal approached her slowly and put a hand on her shoulder.

“I’m sorry,” he said sincerely, “this was the wrong way to go about it. Let’s go back outside and talk a little. Maybe watch a movie?”

His tone was soothing. Elena felt herself relax a little. He smiled at her and she felt a little boost of confidence. He had kind eyes, she noticed suddenly. This thought was strangely comforting and she let him lead her back out to the living room.

For the next five hours, Elena and Neal sat on the large, comfortable sofa, and talked. They spoke about generic things – music and movies, politics and architecture. They discussed what they had studied in college, their favorite lecturers and respective group of friends. Neal ordered some food and after it arrived, they moved to the kitchen island, simply for a change of scenery. They ate out of the containers and enjoyed the first bit of silence in almost five hours.

“Who’d have ever thought we’d see each other again after that first meeting?” Neal said lightly, watching for Elena’s reaction.

Elena smiled. “Not me. I hoped I’d never see you again.”

“That was obvious.”

Elena laughed.

“But you know,” Neal said after a long pause, his tone turning serious, “you were right.”

“About what?”

Neal sighed. “A lot of things… maybe even everything. I don’t have any sense of what hard work means, and I do depend on my brother for everything.”

Elena suddenly felt like she needed to justify her anger that night.

“I’m sorry,” Elena replied. “I shouldn’t have said those things. I was just frustrated with my life, and I took it out on you. It really wasn’t about you at all.”

“I think it was about me a little,” Neal said.

Elena smiled and qualified, “Okay, maybe a little.”

“Can I ask you a question?” Elena said cautiously.

“Sure,” Neal replied, tensing a little.

“Well… umm, I guess I’m just curious about why you live the way you do. Why not get involved with the business and help your brother?”

“I told you –"

“I know, I remember. You said you weren’t interested in the business… but that still doesn’t explain why you haven’t attempted to find a career that you are interested in.”