Matt&Central Park

I hadn't called Lily for 3 weeks, mainly because I was so angry. I didn't want to allow myself to be that vulnerable in front of her again. It was supposed to be my way of showing that I was indifferent. The only person other person in my daily life that knew Mattie was mine, was Rita. I hadn't figured out how I was going to approach the topic with Michelle. I guess it's one step at a time.

I started getting ready at noon on Saturday. I kind of felt like I was getting ready for a date. It was a meet your kid for the first time, kind of date. I had decided against a suit and tie. Too stuffy, especially for the park. Jeans and a t-shirt seemed to be the best choice. I tried to rehearse what I would say. Was I going to totally screw this up?

My clock showed 3pm and I was standing at the park, scanning a crowd of people for a sign of Lily and Mattie. As soon as Mattie came in view, I knew it was the same precious girl from the store. Long blonde hair. Crystal blue eyes. Snaggle-toothed. I hope she liked the doll I had ordered and had my assistant pick up this morning. I had even paid the assistant overtime to get a female's expertise.(Rita)

Lily spoke up first. Thank goodness.

"Mattie, say hi to Matt."

"Mama, I remember him," Mattie says eagerly.

I addressed Mattie.

"Oh, you do?"

"Yeah, you're the guy from the grocery store."

Lily tried to guide the conversation along.

"Mattie, remember the talk we had this morning? Mommy told you she found your daddy and he wanted to play with you."

"Yes, mama. I was listening!"

"Mattie, Matt is your daddy."

Mattie let out the biggest sigh, walked up slowly, and rammed into with a huge hug. She had a smile from ear to ear and so did I.