Cancelled by Elizabeth Ann West Page A

approaches, so he opted for the easiest way.
    “Are you sure the baby is mine? I mean–is there a chance that someone else is the father?”
    “I don't run around having one-night stands if that's what you're asking. I broke up with my boyfriend at Thanksgiving. You're the only one who could be the father.” Kellie's eyes looked swimmy, but she lifted her chin up and studied the rustling new leaves above them.
    “I just had to be sure. You understand?”
    “This baby doesn't fit into my plans either. I didn't come her to beg you to play Daddy. But I'm keeping it. And I...I have to tell my parents.” Kellie stopped walking and gave Johnathan's face her full attention. Her face held an expression full of fear and resolve. “They're going to ask me how I'm going to support this baby. That's where I need you. That's what I'm asking for.”
    Bile retched up into Johnathan's esophagus and burned the tender lining. How did he get mixed up with a young woman and her baby? And she didn't think he was good enough to be a dad?
    He tossed the last of his ice cream into the trash can in between the benches. As he walked back, he pulled a pen and business card from his bag. He scrawled his personal cell phone number on the back and thrust it out to her.
    “I will be a Dad before I will ever just be a check. Pick a doctor and make an appointment. I'll be there and take care of the costs until we can confirm I am the father.” Johnathan stormed off, back towards the parking garage and his car. The crosswalk's “Don't Walk” sign halted his brisk escape.
    She caught up and stood next to him, without saying a word. Her fingers held the business card by the edges before she tucked it safely into the woven bag hanging diagonally across her chest and resting near her hip.
    “I didn't know how you'd react. I practiced what I would say, and I still screwed up. I don't even know what I'm doing....” Her voice trailed off into the emotions she was trying to hold at bay.
    Johnathan's rigid posture softened and he made a quarter turn to her.
    “No, I shouldn't have acted like an asshole back there...can I give you a lift somewhere?”
    “You keep a car in the city?
    He grinned. Does he keep a car in the city?
    “Wait until you see it, you'll understand," Johnathan said over his shoulder as she followed him towards the parking garage.
    Johnathan put the roof back on before they sped away. Kellie squealed when Johnathan flexed the car's muscle to peel out of the garage.
    “I ride the Metro most days. This is just for fun!” He slammed the gears, bobbing in and out of downtown traffic. He maneuvered toward Interstate 66.
    “No, no I get it. This car is awesome. I live off Chains Bridge.”
    Johnathan nodded. He knew that area well. Until Anna sold the old house in Annandale for a Fairfax condo, he had haunted the shopping districts of his high school days. Now living in the city, he rarely ventured beyond McLean and Tysons Center if had to visit the suburbs.
    “When is the baby is due?” Johnathan had an idea of autumn, but wondered if she'd calculated to the day.
    “Definitely know the day of conception.” She paused before giving an actual date. “An online calculator came up with September ninth.”
    Johnathan steered the car down the side streets as Kellie directed. He added her address to his Blackberry before she disappeared behind the front door. Despite all of the conflicting thoughts he had about the baby, an odd one came to the surface. His kid would be so screwed when it came time to start kindergarten and he missed the deadline by eight days.

5
    T uesday did not feel great like Monday. Johnathan ate his breakfast and sipped his morning coffee content with his own thoughts. Pulling his phone off its charger in preparation to leave for the day, he noticed the screen wasn't lighting up. He slid the screen open to reveal the keypad. Closed it. Still nothing. Feeling like an idiot, he forgot he turned his phone off after