The Drake Unwound Complete Collection (The Drake Series Book 9)(36)

We drove up to the deli and I dropped Kate off outside while I went in search of parking. The streets were busy and the parking a bitch, so I wanted Kate to go in and find her parents, and get her order.

I drove a several block radius around Katz’s Deli until a spot came open and then I walked back to the restaurant. I searched in the window and saw Kate and her parents, then I wound my way through the line until I was able to make it inside the restaurant. I smiled when I saw Ethan and Elaine, and we shook hands as per our usual routine.

"Congratulations, young man," Ethan said to me, pumping my hand. "Katherine's told us the news. You must be so relieved."

"Ethan, you don't know how relieved."

"We're so happy for you, Drake." Elaine kissed me on the cheek when I bent down to her.

I decided to go right to the counter to place my order, not wanting to delay any longer since they had already been waited on. I stood at the counter and ordered a pastrami Reuben with fries. As I waited, I glanced around at the room with its crowed rows of tables filled with hungry customers. Once I had my order, I put my tray down on our table and everyone admired the food while I removed my coat, hanging it on the back of my chair.

I handed them my plate of fries to sample.

The restaurant was packed with diners, the atmosphere busy and loud. I looked around, smiling as I remembered going with my father.

"This was one of my dad's favorite places when he visited me at Columbia. We always came here for a pastrami sandwich and the fries."

Ethan laughed. "We came here as well a few times. I knew it would probably be one of your favorites."

I took Kate’s hand and squeezed it on top of the table. "Yes, it is."

Then I told Ethan and Elaine about Liam and the donation. Finally, the talk turned to Africa and our impending trip that would be delayed.

"I'm sorry Kate has to wait, but once we get there, I'll keep her busy visiting my favorite places. I can't wait to introduce her to some good Kenyan food."

"I know something about African food," Kate said, smiling at me, real excitement in her eyes. "Rice and millet, spicy meats and vegetable stews."

"Wait till you taste ugali and nyama choma—a paste made from cornmeal that you eat with vegetables and grilled meat. Very simple food, but very tasty."

The waitress brought the rest of the order and we all began to eat, enjoying the great deli food.

"You must have been worried that you weren't a match," Elaine said during a break in the conversation.

"I thought I'd be a good match since we have the same blood type," I said. "Sometimes totally unrelated people can be a better match than your closest relatives."

Ethan cleared his throat, and when he spoke, his voice was low. "I told Kate if you wanted to push paternal rights, I could help you with that."

I took in a deep breath. "Thanks, Ethan. I don't think I'll be pursuing any rights at this point." I shrugged, for I truly was torn. On the one hand, I had done nothing other than have an orgasm to produce Liam. On the other, he was my son. My only son. "Maureen wants to keep the fact I'm Liam's biological father quiet until he's old enough to understand. I can't blame her. Chris has been a good father so far. I don't want to intrude."

"That's very noble of you, Drake, but if you change your mind and want to push access, you have every legal right. You were married to her when he was conceived and he is your biological son."


I shook my head. "No, it wouldn't be fair at this point to tell Liam his father isn't his biological father. It would be too traumatic. If I thought for a minute that Chris wasn't a good father I might feel differently, but from everything I can see, he's been good for both Maureen and Liam. I can't interfere."

Ethan nodded. "Well, if you ever change your mind, I know some pretty good attorneys who would be able to help with that."

"Thanks for the offer," I said, wanting Ethan to know I appreciated his offer of help even though I fully intended to decline it.

Luckily, Kate changed the topic to Africa once more and then Ethan expounded on the upcoming nomination process for the open seat in the district, and we spoke of everything but Liam.

I finished up quickly, checking my watch. I had a meeting scheduled with one of the physicians who was taking over my caseload and I wanted to be there early to make sure I had everything ready.

"I have to run," I said, putting on my coat once more. "I have another meeting so can you get a ride with your dad?"

Kate nodded and I leaned down and kissed her cheek softly.

"I'll let you know when I'm finished. We can discuss our plans for tonight. I have something special planned to celebrate."

I caught her eye, hoping she understood what I meant. I wanted to do a full scene with her.

"You two have plans tonight? Going somewhere?" Ethan said, his face bright.

"We have something special planned," I said, smiling.

"Understandable," Ethan said, nodding his head in agreement. "You two take it easy. Will you be staying at Drake's place?" he said to Kate.

She glanced up at me, looking for my decision.

"Maybe 8th Avenue tonight," I said. I wanted to spend the night there and go through my father’s boxes. "There are a few boxes I want to go through."