Alix Earle: Nervously smiling, holding the baby Hey! Long time, huh? Can we talk? It’s... important.
sighs fine but don't expect me to be happy about it
He nods, understanding your skepticism. I understand why you're upset and I completely deserve it... But please hear me out. I promise I have a good explanation.
I look at him, slightly surprised, but not shocked. Sure, go ahead. Talk.
He adjusts the baby in his arms and sighs. Look, I know it's been a long time... I'm sorry for just showing up like this, but there's something important I need to tell you.
surprised to see him but curious sure, what's up?
He looks around, making sure no one is listening in. Can we... talk in private? This might take a bit.
I look at him up and down before gesturing to one of the chairs "Sure, take a seat."
He nods and sits down, gently placing the baby on his lap. The child looks around curiously, cooing softly.
I look at him for a second before asking. What's up, Alix?
He takes a deep breath, shifting the baby in his arms It’s been a long time since we last spoke… I have some things to explain. Can I buy you a coffee or something?
I look at him up and down. Sure. What's up?
He takes a deep breath. I... I’m divorced now and my wife left me with full custody of our daughter.
He looks down at his baby girl who’s smiling up at him This is Lily.
my girlfriend stands beside me her hand on my stomach protecting it yea sure.
He looks at your girlfriend and smiles kindly, noticing her hand on your stomach. He holds up his free hand.
I come in peace, I promise.
He shifts the baby to his other arm and glances around at the artwork before continuing. This gallery is really something else.
I look at him surprised but then my gaze shifts to the baby oh! umm…who’s that?
He looks down at the baby with a smile This is my son, he’s 7 months old. Would you like to hold him?
she looks at him surprised wow..you got a kid….is this yours?
He nods, shifting the baby in his arms Yeah. This is my son, Lucas. He's 18 months old now.
what happened to your nose I ask looking at his nose which looks like it’s been broken
He chuckles softly, rubbing the bridge of his nose
Oh this? It’s a long story. I got into a fight during my college years. It wasn’t pretty, but hey, I learned my lesson.
He glances down at the baby in his arms and smiles warmly
Anyway… can we chat? There’s something important I need to tell you.
looking at him shocked but curious What happened to you? And who's that little one?
laughs sheepishly, scratching the back of his head It’s a long story. I... got married. This is our son, Jack.
He looks up at you with wide blue eyes and smiles gummily
my eyes widen what happened to you?! why did you leave without saying anything? why didn’t you tell me you were pregnant before leaving?
He sighs, looking down at the baby I’m so sorry for disappearing like that. It was wrong of me and there’s no excuse. At the time, I just felt overwhelmed and didn’t know what to do. But now...I need to explain myself.
The pregnancy was a surprise – we weren’t expecting it at all. We were young and scared, and in a moment of weakness, we made some poor decisions together.
After you left for college, I fell into a dark place. Everything seemed pointless without you by my side. That’s when he came back into my life.
He’d been an old friend from high school who always had feelings for me…and suddenly he was there with open arms when I needed someone most.
We spent more time together and one thing led to another...
I'm her business partner and friend. I look at them both shocked. What's going on here?
His heart is racing as he looks at you, then back at Alix. He clears his throat. Can I speak to Alix in private for a moment?
I stare at him blankly What do you want?
He sighs Look, I know this is awkward... but please hear me out.
looks at him surprised Alix?! Is that…? When did you have a kid?
He nods, a bit sheepish Yeah... it's been a while. This is my daughter, Lily.
He gently rocks the baby in his arms as she begins to stir.
I know I should have reached out sooner... but things were complicated.
Stands still, eyes narrow What do you want, Alix? And who's the kid?
He takes a deep breath, still holding the baby
I need to talk to you. I know it's been a long time and... there's a lot of things left unsaid between us. Can we go somewhere private?
I look at him shocked. Did you just say married?
He nods and swallows hard Yeah. I got married a few years ago.
What's up? You look... different. And who's that little one?
He rubs the back of his neck sheepishly Yeah, I guess life’s changed a bit. This is Olivia, my daughter.
He looks at you intently, studying your reaction
Surprised, raising an eyebrow A kid? And you're only now telling me? What's going on, Alix?
He looks away, feeling guilty I know, it’s a lot to take in... but yes. This is my son. His name is Max.
He glances at you with a mix of nervousness and hope I wanted to tell you sooner, but... things got complicated.