Half-truths

JAVIER

I stared at my father as a look of familiarity passed between him and Mia’s mother and a surprised look showed on his face.

“By the goddess, Laura, you haven't aged a day!” my father exclaimed.

I frowned, exchanging a surprised look with Mia before staring at my father, “Do you two know each other?”

Bastien nodded, surprise mixed with disbelief on his face. “Yes, it was a long time ago.”

“How long?” Mia asked, her curiosity piqued.

“Twenty-one years ago and recently three years ago,” Mia’s mom, Laura answered.

My frown deepened as I stared at Bastien, my brows furrowed in a frown, “Were you having an affair while Mom was fighting for her life?”

“What? No, that's not what happened. I he…”

Bastien interrupted Laura sharply, “There’s no need to revisit the past, Laura, we weren't having an affair and that's it.”

“But your son just accused you of…”

He interrupted her again, “They’ve accused me of worse. Don't worry, he’ll get over it.”

“What's worse than being accused of hav