A week later...

Danny was going to a crime scene with Junior and stopped at the traffic light.

He looked out the window and saw his cousin Marcy walking. She was hugging a guy.

What's Marcy doing? Danny thought.

Further ahead, she kissed the guy, got into her car, and left.

Danny was appalled.

Danny, the light is green. Said Junior.

Okay, said Danny.

Glad that Junior didn't see what I saw. That would be embarrassing for Steve. Danny thought.

Far away Hawaii, Steve took Steven out of the water under the boy's protests.

We've been here for hours, Steven. Let's go back and see if your mother's back from town. We'll swim more tomorrow.

All right, Daddy! Steven said upset.

Your mother is right. You look like a litlle fish.

Steve went to Catherine's bungalow but she still hadn't arrived.

Your mother isn't home yet, son. Let's go to my bungalow. I think I have some shorts of yours there.

Steve gave bath in Steven, dressed him up and combed his hair.

Wait here in the living room, son. Now I'm going to take my shower. Steve said, locking the door so Steven wouldn't leave.

Then we're going out to eat, Daddy?

Come on, son.

Steve was in the shower when his phone rang.

Steven got his father's phone.

Hi.

Steve? Danny asked.

No, I'm Steven.

Stop nonsense, Steve. I want to know how you're. Danny said.

Daddy is taking a shower. Steven said.

Danny didn't understand. He knew John was in Hawaii.

Steven heard his father opening the bathroom door, so he put the phone on the couch so Steve wouldn't quarrel with him.

Did you say something, son? Steve asked.

Not daddy. I didn't say anything.

Okay. Steve said, backing to the shower.

Danny recognized Steve's voice.

Steve has another son and he never told me. And Marcy probably doesn't know that child. But she also betrayed Steve. Poor John, he's in the middle of this mess. Danny thought.

Catherine came back from the city and went to Steve's bungalow to find Steven.

Steve had just gotten out of the shower and opened the door for her.

Hey. Do you usually open the door without clothes, just wrapped in the towel? She asked.

I just got out of the shower, Cath.

Thanks for lending me the car. Here's your key.

You're welcome. You had lunch? He asked.

Not yet. And you already gave my son lunch?

Not yet. We just got back from the beach. Do you have lunch with us? Steve asked, hoping she'd say yes.

Yes, I'll keep the things I bought. By the way, I bought you a shirt. Who comes to this paradise and doesn't even buy a shirt as a souvenir of the trip? Only you, Steve!

Catherine took the shirt and gave it to him.

Thank you, Cath. He said, smiling.

Catherine avoided Steve for a few days, talking to him only as necessary. But she realized that it was no use, because talking to him or not, her feeling was the same.

I'm going to dress Steven for lunch. Catherine said.

Why? Steven looks great like that. It's very hot today, Catherine. He has to wear light clothes.

All right. Let's have lunch then. I'm hungry. Catherine said.

Wait a minute, I'm gonna put something on. Steve said.

Ok. Catherine said.

Marcy was late to catch John at school. He was sitting alone, with tears in his eyes.

John, I'm sorry, son!

Why did you take so long? He asked.

I was busy, John.

If my father was here, he would have come to get me. John said annoyed.

But your father isn't here. He preferred to stay on that damn island!

John don't like show much of his feelings, but this time he was visibly upset and was missing Steve.

Marcy took him home, but she didn't pay much attention to him. She only thought of Michael.

Come and have lunch, John!

John had lunch and picked up Marcy's phone and went to the his bedroom.

Steve was having lunch with Catherine and Steven. A man, who was eating alone at another table, was looking at Catherine.

Damn it! Steve said angrily.

What is it, Steve? Don't say ugly words next to Steven.

This guy doesn't stop looking at you. Steve said.

AND? Catherine asked.

He's disrespecting me!

Why? You and I aren't a couple. And I can date anyone I want. And he's handsome!

No! You can't, mommy ! Steven said.

You two are plotting against me. Catherine smiled.

Steve's phone rang. It was Marcy's number.

Hi, Marcy.

Catherine's smile disappeared and she motioned for Steven to be quiet.

Dad? John said.

John? Did something happen, son? Steve asked, worried.

Mom forgot me in the school again. And you weren't here to get me. John said crying.

I'm sorry son. I will talk to her. Don't Cry. What are you doing now?

I'm laying on my bed. John said.

You could have stayed here with me, John. It would be more fun than being locked in the bedroom.

John didn't answer.

I'll call your mother later. I'll tell her that this can't happen any more. All right?

All right, Dad. Bye.

Goodbye, John. I love you son.

John finished the call, put the phone on the nightstand and slept.

Steve was thoughtful. He already felt what it was like to be torn between the two children. He wanted to see John and at the same time didn't want to leave Steven.

Sorry Catherine.

You don't need to apologize. It's your family.

She forgot to pick him up from school again. Steve said.

What? How does a mother forget her son? I don't understand that. Catherine said.

Steve sighed.

I'm sorry that things are like that. Catherine said.

Yes, me too. But at the same time I'm happy. It's the first time he's asked me for help. Steve said, upset.

He's missing you. Catherine said.

I think so. Steve agreed.

Steven looked at the two of them without understanding anything.

Daddy, I want ice cream.

There's still room for ice cream in your stomach? Steve asked.

Yes. I have a big belly!

What a boy glutton! Catherine said, smiling.

Days later...

It was only five days before the vacation was over and Steve was already thinking about how hard it would be to leave Steven ... and Catherine.

Steve had already gotten used to swimming with Steven every day, having lunch, dinner and playing with him.

And what about Catherine? Nothing else had happened between them after that night. She didn't allow it. But the coexistence was very good. They went to the beach together, had lunch and dinner together and played with their son together. And Steve was happier that way than with Marcy.

Steve and Catherine were putting together a giant jigsaw puzzle with Steven.

Why did you buy a puzzle so big, Steve? I'm tired! Catherine said.

I thought he would like it. Steve said.

But I liked it, daddy. I liked very much. Steven said.

Almost an hour later they finished playing.

Now I'm leaving, son. It's time to go to sleep. See you tomorrow. Steve said kissing Steven's head.

Goodbye, Cath! Dream with Me! Steve said, leaving.

Catherine smiled.

Let's go swimming tomorrow, daddy? Steven asked.

Yes son. I love you!

Steve went to his bungalow and slept.

It was at 6:00 in the morning when Steve woke up with the sound of his phone ringing. It was Danny.

Hey Danny Why are you calling this time? It's still dawn in Hawaii.

Steve, you need to come home urgently!