Chapter 10: A Bold Suggestion

Gwen showered and chose some formal clothes for her meeting. She wanted to show a more mature and serious side of herself, especially now that they would discuss custody. She didn’t want to look unpolished if Finn came to their meeting with a lawyer.
She didn’t want to look like a desperate ex-girlfriend who could be trying to take his money. She had to show that she was an amazing mom who wouldn’t be intimidated into accepting everything that they proposed.
It was Cody’s life after all, and this time, she wouldn’t let anyone decide her future for her. Or her son’s.
But Gwen’s concern was in vain. Finn didn’t come with a lawyer, and was actually being extremely friendly with her.
However, she was still suspicious, and her body was tense in anticipation of what he was going to propose, so she was not able to relax. But Finn’s years as a CEO had honed his skills, and he quickly noticed her discomfort.
“You know what…you don’t need to be afraid. I won’t take your son away from you, if that’s what you’re thinking. I’m not a monster.”
Gwen sighed in relief, although she could sense that his statement was slightly a criticism of her.
“I was just thinking that maybe he could live here, I mean, you both could live here. I’ll provide for him, you won’t have to worry about it.”
Gwen looked at him. Finn was driving, so his eyes were on the street. But his features showed her that he was very calm. And she was astonished.
“I have my job, Cody has his school, I can’t simply change everything just because you want to,” she replied, forgetting to keep her cool like Stephanie suggested.
It was extremely hard and she didn’t want to feel powerless. She wouldn’t allow herself to have no choice again. If she could do something about it, she would.
“Cody can go to a different school here. A better one even. And I’m sure you can find another job very quickly. You are very professional, so it shouldn’t be a problem for you.”
She sneered.
“Yeah, right. Coming from someone who doesn’t need to worry about any of these things, ever,” she said, sarcastically. “Life is not that easy for those who are not billionaires, Finn.”
He looked at her, visibly offended.
“I didn’t say it was. I’m just showing you that it’s not as hard as you think.”
He was asking her to change everything just so he could be near Cody, and he didn’t even blink. And she was wrong for not agreeing?
“Finn, listen… I’m truly sorry for how things turned out, alright? You have no idea how much, but Cody is the only thing I have. And I can’t simply change my entire life just because you want to be near him. You can visit him whenever you want, I won’t oppose that.”
But he simply shook his head.
“I want to be with him as much as possible, to catch up on everything that I lost during these years,” he explained, with his eyes back on the road. “Can’t you at least think about it? Just think about him, alright? He can finally have a father, and I promise you I will be the best he could have.”
Gwen was moved by his words, but at the same time, she couldn’t make a decision immediately. She had to think and consider every single thing.
“Okay, I’ll think about it. But…”
A loud ring in the car interrupted her. Someone was calling him and his phone was connected on the car’s speaker.
“Excuse me just a second. I need to take this."
He didn’t hesitate before answering. He pressed a button on the wheel and Gwen heard a woman’s voice echoing.
“Yes, Melanie.”
“Mr. Lane, sorry to disturb your lunch time, but we need you back at the office now. The contract was accepted by the board and we need to send it signed as soon as possible.”
“Okay, I’ll be there in fifteen minutes,” Finn hung up, and Gwen looked at him a bit intrigued.
He looked very satisfied all of a sudden.
“You can drop me here if you want. I can take a cab to go home.”
But he shook his head again.
“That's not necessary. It won’t take too long. And we can continue our conversation after that. I think I’ll take the rest of the day off, since I finally got that contract.”
Gwen was curious to know what the contract was about, but she didn’t ask. It wasn’t her place to meddle with his business anymore. Or ever.
But if they were still together, she was certain that he wouldn’t mind her interest in his life.
“Congratulations, I guess,” she murmured, not really sure of what she should say.
“Thank you! You know, I feel like throwing a huge party to celebrate now. And maybe I could also take the opportunity to introduce Cody as my son,” he uttered, excited and glowing.
It was very pleasing to see him that way. It made Gwen remember the Finn she loved back then. He was a completely different person and he had always been great company.
But the idea of a party made her worried and surprised. Was it even a good thing to do it so early? He hadn't even met Cody properly.
Now he wanted to tell society that he had a son? An heir?
“A party? To introduce Cody?” she murmured, but Finn didn’t listen, since he continued to babble about everything he wanted to do.
“I can’t wait to see the look on their faces when they find out that I’m already a father. It’s going to be major, I’m sure of it. Maybe we could throw it next weekend, I think it will be great,” Finn continued, unaware of Gwen’s discomfort.
She didn’t think he would do something like that. But he sounded so excited that she wasn’t even able to protest against that idea.
Gwen didn’t want him showing off Cody like was some kind of prize, but she also knew she wouldn’t be able to control the press. Or worst, people’s tongues.
And one thing was certain, they were going to say a lot of things and assume even more.