Paradise Found

14

ALISTAIR

George and Miranda had their baby a couple of weeks ago, and I’m not sure how I’m feeling about it. On the one hand, I’m an uncle, and on the other, fuck them for betraying me. I’ve been summoned to meet the baby at my parents’ house—neutral ground, some would say—and my mother has told me in no uncertain terms to suck it up and show up for the happy couple.

Why do I have to celebrate their betrayal?Yes, I know it’s not the baby’s fault, and I do want to meet my nephew, but why do I have to be the one told to not make things awkward? As if somehow this entire situation is my fault. They should be the ones walking around on eggshells after what they did, but I can’t be mad at the baby—it’s not his fault his parents are assholes.

I’ve decided to head to Hyde Park for a run this morning to clear my mind before heading over to my parents. I need to be Zen to get through this damn dinner.

As I enter the park, my mind wanders to Elle, and I think about the way I pushed her up against the tree as I pass it. Then that night at the club after my disastrous date, I had the perfect date with Elle and have been back to the club for the past month a couple of times a week. I’m a sucker, I know, trying to woo a woman who works at a sex club. But I do know there’s something between Elle and me—there’s something more. I’m a patient guy, but the more time I spend with her at the club, the more I wish things could be different.

How much does she need to reach her goal? Because I’m willing to pay if it means we can date outside the club.

I push myself running around the park until my legs ache, and I think I might have a heart attack, but I do feel better—clearer about everything that’s going on in my life.

I can get through tonight with my family,I tell myself.I think I can anyway.

As I walk back to my home, I spy the local markets. They’re set up every Sunday, but I never go in. Maybe I should get Miranda some flowers. After all, she did just birth a human. I let out a heavy sigh and cross the road to head into the bustling market. As I meander through the crowd, I spy the flower lady and order a bouquet of blue flowers, seeing as they had a boy. She adds a blue bunny and new-baby balloon to the assortment.

Once I have the assortment in my hand, I keep walking through the markets, thinking I might as well check it out while I’m here.

The scent of coffee and food captures my attention as my stomach rumbles. I head to the coffee van first and grab myself a hot drink, then I continue looking at all the different food on offer. There are tons of things available. I had no idea. Maybe I need to come down here more often. Then I spy towers of cupcakes in the distance with a line out the front. They must be good, so I head toward them. Maybe I should bring some dessert tonight? Make it look like I’m not bitter over the entire situation.

Let’s face it, I am well and truly over Miranda. There isn’t an ounce of attraction or love there for me anymore, but I know my brother is going to have his back up waiting to see if I’m going to try to steal his girl.

I don’t care.

I want nothing to do with either of them.

Good riddance!

I’m happy for them.

They are now a family, but I don’t want any part of whatever game my brother wants to play regarding Miranda.

It’s done.

We’re done.

He’s won.

Game over!

The tension I seemed to have dispersed after my run is back again. Dammit! I might need to head to the gym back at my apartment to burn it off again. The closer I get to the cupcake stall, the hairs on the back of my neck begin to stand up as if there is static electricity in the air. The girl working at the stall is flat out serving people, and I think,maybe I should come back when she’s not so busy,but then she turns around, and I realize who it is.

Elle.

My Elle.

What the hell is she doing serving cupcakes and sweets at my local markets?

Does she live around here?

Then my mind goes back to that time I ran into her at the coffee shop. She told me she was visiting a friend. Was that a lie? Does she actually live in this neighborhood?

The longer I stare at her, the more I realize how much she’s in over her head by the sheer number of people she’s trying to serve all by herself.

My feet pick up speed as I move to the side of her stall. “Need some help?” I ask.