Chapter 62 62
Elliot's POV
I rode the elevator up, staring at my own reflection in the polished metal while the receptionist chatted about how well the branch was doing, how satisfied Andrew was with the team, how much the atmosphere had improved since he arrived.
We got out on the executive floor. Long hallways, glass-walled offices, river views from almost every angle. An older woman, perfectly put together, was waiting for me.
"Mr. Martins, this way."
I followed her.
My footsteps sounded too loud on the shiny floor. We stopped in front of a light wood door with a metal plaque.
Andrew Ellis. Director.
The secretary knocked twice and opened it.
"You have a visitor."
I stepped into the office and the door closed behind me. Andrew was already coming around the desk, arms open. He hugged me quick and hard, two pats on the back and a low laugh that sounded genuine.
"Elliot, long time no see. Glad you're here."
He pulled back and offered his hand even though he'd already touched me. I shook it because there was no other choice. His grip was firm, confident—the grip of a man who knows exactly where he stands. Me, I felt like I was on ground that could give way any second.
"Sit down, man," he said, pointing to the chair in front of his desk. "Water? Coffee?"
"No, thanks."
My voice came out normal. Too normal for what was going on inside me.
I sat. Andrew went back to his big chair and settled in, leaning his forearms on the desk in that open, comfortable posture. The office was huge. Floor-to-ceiling windows with the river in the background—gray-blue, calm. On the right wall were several framed photos: him with people I didn't know, suits, conferences, measured smiles. And one smaller one, tucked in the corner, not really meant for visitors to notice.
Him and her.
Katherine.
Barefoot on a beach. Her in a light dress, hair loose, head tilted toward his shoulder. Him laughing—really laughing. I stared longer than I should have and had to look away because my eyes started burning.
"Your mom didn't mention you were coming," he said. "I figured if you showed up it'd be for work. Internship, some project..."
I shook my head.
"No. It's... a short trip. Vacation. I came with my girlfriend."
His eyebrows went up with genuine surprise.
"Oh, congrats. That's great. Lisbon's a good spot for couples."
"Yeah, I guess."
"What's her name? Your girlfriend."
"Emma. She goes to school with me."
"I'm happy for you, Elliot. Really." He said my name so casually it made me uncomfortable, like he had the right to use it that way. "You look different. More settled." More settled? I felt pressure in my chest that forced me to shift in the chair. "College is treating you well," he added. "Your mom's happy with you."
I nodded.
"I'm... keeping up."
"That's a lot already," he said. "You've always been steady. She always speaks so highly of you—she's really proud of the man you're becoming."
I didn't want to respond. I didn't want his assessment. I didn't want him measuring me like a project that's going according to plan.
Andrew glanced at his computer screen for a second, like something clicked, then back at me.
"Hey... Kate's going to be thrilled to see you. I'll let her know you stopped by."
Kate.
Not Mrs. Ellis.
Kate.
He said it without thinking. Like saying the name of someone who's just part of your life, no conflict.
My stomach knotted hard.
"Sure," I muttered.
"She's doing great, honestly," he went on. "This move has been perfect for her." I didn't know where to put my hands—I left them on my thighs, fingers clenched. "The city, the pace, the apartment... everything. She adapted fast."
He said it with pride. With affection. Not a hint of doubt.
"I'm glad," I said.
He leaned back a little in his chair.
"And things here at the office are going really well. Closed two big deals this week."
I nodded, not listening.
"But anyway," he said, shifting tone. "Don't want to bore you with work. Tell me about you. How long are you staying?"
"A few days."
"Perfect for a first taste of Lisbon," he smiled. "It's a grateful city." Short pause. "By the way... there's some news. Not sure if your mom told you." I didn't look up—I knew what was coming. I wanted to tell him I already knew, stop him from saying it, from showing off his pride, his happiness right in my face, but I couldn't make a sound. "We're going to be parents."
He said it straight. No beating around the bush.
The air caught in my throat.
"A boy." Why the hell did he think I needed that detail? "Exactly what we wanted."
It wasn't the words—I already knew them. It was his voice.
That soft, proud, restrained way—like he didn't want to brag too much about something that still filled him completely.
I felt the hit inside. Literally. A sharp blow to the chest that left me not knowing how to breathe for a few seconds.
I knew.
My mom had told me.
But hearing it from him was different.
Hearing it here, sitting across from him, with his office, his river view, his ordered life.
A boy.
His son.
I looked down.
The gray carpet under my feet was the only solid thing right then.
I felt uncomfortable heat in my eyes. Swallowed hard. Brought a hand to the bridge of my nose like it itched.
"Congratulations," I said.
My voice came out low.
"Thanks," he said with a smile he didn't try to hide. "We're really happy."
I nodded.
He kept talking. Damn it, wasn't he ever going to shut up? I just wanted to know where the hell she was!
"After what we went through a few years ago... this feels almost like a gift." His tone softened. Respectful. "Everything's going great this time. We've almost got the nursery ready," he went on. My jaw tightened. "Kate's really excited about it." He smiled. "She's always been so organized."
I nodded again. Didn't know what else to do.
"We're still debating the name," he added. "But no rush."
I felt my fingers shaking.
Hid them between my legs.
"I'm really happy for you," I managed.
It wasn't a lie.
That was the worst part.
Andrew stood slowly and came around the desk.
"Hey, come over for dinner tonight," he said, leaning casually against the edge of the table. "At the house. Kate's going to love seeing you. Your girlfriend too, of course. Nothing formal—we'll order in, open a bottle, done."
Blood rushed to my head.
"We're tired from the trip," I said fast. "Maybe another day."
He shook his head.
"No way. You just got here—the least we can do is give you a proper welcome. Kate'll be so happy." He came closer and put a hand on my shoulder. That touch hit me like a taunt. "I insist. It's been a while since she's seen you—she'll love seeing a familiar face. I'm sure you want to see her too." He squeezed lightly. "Eight o'clock work?"
I don't know... I wasn't... I wasn't entirely sure how the hell I ended up saying yes.
This was all so wrong, so out of my control—from the trip with Emma to this damn meeting with Andrew. Fuck.