Chapter 2:
Almost 5 years later:
As always she was running late…always late. She checked her watch one last time, pushed the door to Starbucks café open with her shoulder and her eyes settled on the woman dressed in a red blouse, matching high heels shoes and tight fit jeans with long black hair and big blue eyes who was already waving at them.
'Aunty Jessica' Madison called out as she let go of her mother's hand and ran towards her. Jessica picked the little girl up, twirling her around, hugging and pampering her with kisses on her chubby cheeks, making the little girl laugh out loud.
'Ssshhh, keep it down honey' Claire told her smiling 'Hey stranger' Claire told Jessica before she reached an arm around her best friend's neck and pulled her into a big hug. The two had been friends since they were little kids, living in the same neighbourhood, but they hadn't seen each other in quite a while lately. Between living in different States, work, motherhood and now wedding preparations, time for their old coffee meeting had become somewhat difficult.
'You look good' Jessica pointed out as she checked her best friend out 'And so do you princess' she told Madison with a huge smile on her face, making the girl beam at that compliment.
'So do you' Claire replied.
'I love your hair this short and the brighter colour' Jessica told her.
'Thanks Jess…I thought I give it a go…something different and more daring' Claire told her 'So how are the wedding preparations going?' she asked her.
Jessica was getting married in a matter of three months, and she and her fiancé had agreed to move to New York and start their married life in The Big Apple. She wanted to have everything new…new life, new name, new office since she was being transferred here but most of all she had missed her lifelong friend, and Jessica had convinced her fiancé to move here plus she had always wanted to live in New York. The fact that it had been quite easy for him to find a job, made it all the more possible, even if he preferred living outside the city, but who was he to deny her such happiness. He could understand wanting to reconnect with an old time friend…he had a couple back in the days, but now they were all over the States, making it impossible to meet up.
After placing their orders, Madison went to play in the small party area the coffee shop provided for little kids, perfect for the moms who craved having their coffee in peace, and Claire was definitely one of them. Being a single mom with a very demanding job, she had no time for herself whatsoever. Sure she had a nanny to help her out with Madison and even the housework, but still, Claire loved to do as much of the mommy life herself, so she tried not to rely on the nanny as much as possible. Her job was very demanding and even though it was a Monday to Friday thing and office hours, there were days when she needed to go to the office on a Saturday or work on some proposals or new designs even after hours. There are days when as soon as she put Madison to bed, she makes a cup of coffee in the largest mug she has and sit on the bench she has in the bay window or gets into bed and continue working.
'So…when do I get to meet Mr Right?' Claire teased 'I can't believe you have been together long enough to be getting married and I haven't even seen his face. The only thing I know about him is his name' Claire told her.
'Today actually' Jessica replied 'He is coming to meet me here, I hope you don't mind' Jessica told her.
'Of course I don't mind silly. Why would I? It will give me a chance to get to finally meet him' Claire told her 'I can't believe you got away with never sending me a picture of him' she told her 'And tell me again why you don't have Facebook or Instagram or Twitter? I could have searched his name at least and see for myself without having to wait for you' Claire joked, and Jessica couldn't help but laugh at her friend for being so ridiculous.
'For one thing I don't have time for that nonsense and secondly so you won't see him' she teased her.
'Haha…very funny' Claire replied.
When they were in High School they were part of the cheerleaders team, not that Claire really wanted to join in but Jessica and Diane really wanted to and Claire didn't want to disappoint them, and besides, it gave them a chance to hang around the guys…the best good looking guys and the most popular too. Nowadays though, Claire cannot imagine being that girl anymore. She was a totally different woman now especially after that night with that mystery man.
That night had changed Claire so much more than she could have possibly predicted. She had been unfaithful to her husband, and after confessing everything to him, John had filed for divorce while in the meantime Claire had found out that she was pregnant with Madison. Having been with only that guy since her husband was medically certified that he was unable to conceive, Claire knew for a fact that Madison was the daughter of the mystery man, and if she had any doubt at all, all she had to do was look at her daughter now and she would have all the confirmation she needed. And then when Madison was born, after having been through all twelve hours of painful labour on her own, Claire had to learn how to take care of a newborn, fend all the sleepless night on her own as neither her parents nor her sister could move next to her, and the stubborn woman that she was would not move herself to the same town her family lived in…back in Madison, Wisconsin. She was not the first woman to do this by herself and she was certainly going to be the last, and besides, despite all of the sacrifices she had to make these last four years, Claire was one proud mamma. Madison was a wonderful kid and Claire wouldn't go back on that night where she and the mystery man conceived her. The only thing she would maybe change was probably that she had stayed until he woke up. She didn't give them a chance. She ran away…She ran away because what he made her feel that night scared the shit out of her. He made her feel alive like no other man ever did before…or since for that matter. After that night, she couldn't be with John physically because nothing he did could compare…she couldn't even get herself to reach an orgasm without letting her mind wonder on that particular night…and that is why she had finally confessed everything to John.
The divorce had still been very difficult even though they seemed to agree that there was no point in continuing together. They had married young, and when they had found out that he couldn't have children, even though Claire never thought that she would want to go down that road, for some odd reason it had made a difference to her. She had no control over the matter…nor that she did when she got pregnant either, but somehow when her eyes settled on the pregnancy test that morning and it finally sank in that she was in fact pregnant with a strangers baby…she loved it with all her heart, and she wouldn't have it any other way.
Sometimes she finds herself wondering if it would have worked out or not between the two. Would they have tried to see if there was something between them, because she certainly felt like there was? Did he feel it too? Would they have just gone their separate ways like they did? Would she have continued to cheat on John? So many what ifs and buts…if only she could see him again…but how was that even possible? She wasn't even in the same State for Christ sake, how could she pretend that somehow she could finally meet him again.
'Oh look he is here' Claire heard Jessica say. She could see her beam at her fiancé as she rose from her chair to greet him.
'Finally I'm meeting Mr Right' Claire teased and as she got up from her chair, pushing it slightly back with the back of her knees, and turned to greet him, the smile that had been filling her face suddenly turns into pure horror as her eyes went wide and her mouth fell wide open in silence, as her eyes took in the man approaching them. Their eyes met, and she could see that he had the same reaction she did. The way he was looking at her made her bones rattle under her skin and Claire had to grab the chair to steady herself as everything suddenly faded into the background, green eyes still locked on each other.
'Nice to meet you' she heard him say all of a sudden breaking momentarily their gaze, as he extended his hand, obviously trying not to give anything away 'Owen' he said. She could smell his scent…his fragrance…the same from that night. She would recognize it anywhere, and it was almost making her dizzy.
'Claire' she heard herself say as she slid her hand in his and their eyes connected again. The feel of his touch again sent her back four years ago and down memory lane to that one magical night. She swallowed hard the sudden lump in her throat, feeling her heart about to fly out of her mouth and then she was pulling her hand out of his again, trying to find the will to compose herself or otherwise Jessica was going to realize that something was very wrong.
She watched him walk past her then and as she composed herself and turned around to face Jessica again, she watched him slide his hand on her best friend's hips and pulled her in for what seemed like a never ending kiss on her lips. It was like he was trying to prove something by kissing Jessica, now whether it was for Claire's benefit or his, remained to be seen.
'So this is Mr Right' Claire told Jessica, trying to find some humour within her, before she explodes in the Starbucks coffee shop, trying her best to look at him.
'Yes he is' Jessica replied with a laugh as she said down, and Owen pulled a chair next to her while Claire sat back down in her chair.
That was when Claire heard Madison come running her way, and Claire almost froze in her seat 'Mommy mommy' the little girl called out and Claire could feel Owen's eyes on her getting big and wide as he took in the little girl jumping on the spot next to her 'I need to pee' Madison told her.
'I will take her Claire. I need to use the bathroom myself and besides it will give you a chance to get to know Owen a little bit' Jessica told her and with that she got up, took Madison's hand and went on their way to the ladies room, while Claire watched them leave.
'Oh my God…no no no no…this can't be happening' Claire started rambling as she let her head drop in her hands. She could feel a panic attack coming, her breath coming out in pants and her heart felt like it was about to explode out of her mouth.
'Claire…Claire calm down' she heard him say as she felt his hand on her shoulder and Claire all but jumped, pushing away from his touch 'Calm down? Calm down? Are you fucking kidding me right now?' she asked him 'You are my best friend's fiance'' she pointed out.
'I know and I know that this is a complete mess but you can't get a panic attack right now' he told her, and Claire swallowed hard and took a long deep breath knowing that he was right. She rubbed her face and pushed her hair behind her ears 'Is that…your daughter?' he asked her very carefully and Claire looked up at him, with a sudden terrified look in her eyes 'Is she…mine?' he asked her cautiously.
Feeling hot tears burn her eyes as she looked at him, she nodded a silent yes and Owen had to hold onto the chair he was standing on before the wind from that nod knock him over. What the fuck was happening? How was he Jessica's fiancé one minute and the next he is face to face with the woman who has filled his dreams for the last four years and has a daughter? Jesus…He is a father. He has been a daddy for the last…wait how old is she?
'How old is she?' he asked her feeling himself getting emotional 'She is turning four in two months' she told him.
He scratched his head and rubbed his face at this new piece of information 'What's her name?' he asked. A few minutes ago he had no idea that he had a daughter and suddenly he wanted to know everything about the little girl.
'Madison' Claire replied. Owen smiled and Claire wasn't sure if she could see tears in his eyes. Was he getting emotional?
'You named her after…' Owen started telling her when her phone started ringing and Claire apologized 'Sorry I have to take this' she told him as she got up from her chair and walked out of the coffee shop so she could talk in private. She needed to put some distance between the two of them or otherwise she wouldn't be able to concentrate. Funny how she had prayed for him to show up, close the distance that God knows how long it has been and now she just walked out of the damn coffee shop because she needed to put some distance between them again.
Owen on the other hand couldn't tear his eyes of her form. He kept staring at the door even when she was no longer visible. How the hell did this happen? She had been close to him all this time and yet he had no idea. How the hell did he end up engaged to her best friend of all the women in the world not just the United States…the world?! And not only that…he finds out that he has a daughter…a daughter with the woman who has haunted his dreams and shook his world in so many ways. He rubbed his forehead, his head so lost in thoughts he didn't hear Jessica approaching with the little girl.
'Where is Claire?' she asked him as she took a seat next to him, pulling Madison up to sit on her knees.
'She got a call and stepped out so she could speak in private' he told her and then his eyes shifted on Madison 'Hey sweetheart…what's your name?' he asked her with a smile.
The little girl looked up at him with her big bright innocent green eyes just like Claire's because even though they both had green eyes, Claire's eyes were brighter than his and clearer…no traces of hazel whatsoever, or any other colour for that matter. She was talking to her father and she had no idea poor thing.
'Madison' she replied 'What is yours?' she asked him and Owen couldn't help but smile.
'Owen' he replied with a huge smile on his face.
'I like it' she told him honestly and both him and Jessica started laughing at such cuteness. He could feel his heart swell in his chest, feeling something he has never felt before for anyone. It was almost like he already loved this little girl he just met…the little girl who he had just learned that is his daughter.
'Well thank you princess' he told her still smiling 'And I think yours is the prettiest name ever' he told her.
'Thank you' she replied before she leaned in and kissed his cheek just as Claire was walking back inside catching all the action. She stopped watching them, finding herself getting emotional at the sight. Madison was interacting with her father without knowing and Owen…he looked like he was already so in love with her. It did something to her heart even if she didn't really know the guy…well apart from how he looks in the throws of passion, and how his hands feel on her body. No she didn't know much about him but she knew the most intimate details, she could possibly know.
'What's going on here?' she asked them as she approached them, her lips stretched out in a smile.
'I like Owen mommy' Madison told her and Claire looked at him and smiled. She could perfectly understand why she did of course.
'I can't blame her' Owen joked and Jessica hit him playfully on his arm.
'Looks like she is going to have you wrapped around her little finger in no time' Claire told him as she crossed her arms in front of her chest, a smile still on her face, feeling like she was sharing something only the two of them could understand…for now at least.
'She already has' he replied and there was just something about the way he was looking at her. It felt so deep and focused, Claire had to drag her eyes away from him and swallow hard, feeling her cheeks flush a little bit.
'Well I'm sorry I have to ruin this party, but we have to go. Something came up at work and I have to go in for a couple of hours' she told them.
''Oh mommy no go. I have fun' she told her, in her broken English.
'Well, are you taking her with you at the office?' Jessica asked her.
'I am going to check if her nanny can take care of her for a couple of hours…if she can't, then I have no choice' Claire replied with a shrug.
'We can take care of her' Owen told her 'If…you don't mind that is' He didn't want to make her feel uncomfortable or cross some sort of a line. He knew that they didn't really know each other, and it was almost like she was going to leave Madison with a stranger…even if that stranger is her father. He could see the struggle in Claire's eyes, sure he knew what she was thinking, when Jessica jumped in.
'Yep that's a great idea Owen. We would love to take care of her. We can take her to the park and the playground' Jessica started telling her and Madison was practically jumping while sitting down, her face beaming.
'And if it okay with your mommy, we'll have some ice cream as well' Owen told her looking at Claire.
'Please mommy, please' Madison asked her hands together in a prayer, smiling brightly at Claire.
'Sure…okay' Claire told her and then she went down on her knees so she could speak to her at eye level 'Now you be a good girl and make sure to hold their hands okay' Claire told her daughter and Madison nodded.
'Cross my heart' she replied before jumping off her chair and wrapped her little arms around Claire's neck 'Best mommy' she told her and then kissed her cheek.
'I love you pumpkin' Claire told her as she hugged her tight. She could feel Owen's eyes on her and Claire had no idea how she felt about that. There was so much to think about, she could feel her head spinning and a headache coming.
'Love you mommy' Madison told her and with that Claire got up and apologized to Jessica for leaving so soon as she pulled her into a hug, but the minute she hugged her, Claire could feel tears prickling her eyes as her green orbs connected with Owen's.
'Don't be silly Claire. We'll catch up later. At least we met' she told her. Claire dragged her eyes off Owen, held her tears and smiled at her friend as she pulled away.
'Yeah…Owen…nice to finally meet you' Claire told him extending out her hand for a handshake. Owen smiled at her as he got up from his chair, took her hand in his, their eyes locked on one another and pulled her in to kiss her cheeks. It took everything in her not to linger against the side of his face and let herself drown again at the feel of his skin…his stubble against her face. She could feel him press slightly her hand, his thumb caressing the soft skin of her hand and then he pulled away and without another glance, Claire turned around and practically darted out of Starbucks.