The Dissolution of Unrequited (The Science of Unrequited Book 4)

by Len Webster

  “Here you are,” the bartender with the thick Swiss accent said as he handed Evan his Heineken and AJ’s vodka and Sprite. He spun around to find his girlfriend on the other end of the dance floor with Julia, one of the scientists from the classical mechanics department.

  Evan took in his girlfriend. AJ had worn a tight black long-sleeve dress with a pair of heeled boots. Her hair was down in her natural curls, and the large dip in the front of her dress showed off her cleavage. Evan knew he was a lucky man to have such a beautiful girlfriend, but it wasn’t just AJ’s physical features that made her beautiful to him.

  It was her heart.

  Her mind.

  Her thoughts.

  Her kindness.

  Her intelligence.

  Her devotion.

  Her love for him.

  She was everything to him.

  “You can’t ever take your eyes from her,” Dr. Rodahawe stated as he leaned on the bar next to Evan.

  Evan swung his gaze to find the doctor staring at AJ. “She’s the love of my life, Dr. Rodahawe.”

  The doctor smiled. “I don’t doubt that at all. And I can see it in her eyes that you’re the love of her life, too. That’s why I understand why she declined my offer.”

  What offer?

  Evan winced, confused at the news of an offer presented to his girlfriend. “I’m sorry, what?”

  He faced Evan, a tight smile on his face. “I can see that she didn’t tell you. Evan, Alexandra is one of the most gifted physicists I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing and working with, and I know she will do very well in her career. I offered her a three-year contract to continue to work at the institute. More money and more time to work on her own research. But she declined my offer.”

  “She did?”

  The doctor nodded. “She did.”

  Evan shook his head in disbelief. “She loves the institute. Why would she say no?”

  “Oh, Evan.” He sighed. “Alexandra might love science, but she’s in love with you. Her love for you is far greater than her love for science. She knows that you’re not truly happy here in Zürich, and she wants to go home with you. You’ve both stayed far longer than her initial assistantship. She told me that your dreams are next once she finishes here.”

  AJ gave up three years with the best research institute for me.

  Evan glanced over to find her still talking to Julia. “I can’t believe she did that for me.” Then he returned his focus on AJ’s mentor. “She loves it here in Zürich.”

  Dr. Rodahawe set his palm on Evan’s shoulder. “Science isn’t going to love her back, Evan. Not many of us get to go home to someone we love after hours of research. She has that with you.”

  He nodded, understanding what the doctor was saying. “Thank you. I better get her drink to her before the ice waters it down. I’ll see you in a bit.”

  “Sure thing, Evan.”

  And just as he was about to step toward AJ, Evan halted and then smiled at Vincent Rodahawe. “Thank you for telling me.”

  “Of course,” Dr. Rodahawe said before Evan left the bar and made his way to AJ.

  “And one vodka and Sprite for my beautiful girlfriend. I’m sorry it took so long. Dr. Rodahawe could not stop singing your praises, AJ.”

  His girlfriend’s cheeks tinted in a lovely pink. “Oh, stop it. He did not, Evan,” she downplayed as she took her beverage from him.

  “He does not stop talking about you, Alex,” Julia added as she brushed her auburn braid over her shoulder. “In all my years at the institute, no one has ever had quite the impact as you. No intern or assistant has ever had the intellect to challenge him. You shouldn’t be embarrassed. You’re incredible, Alex. Okay, I’ll leave you both. I’m going to go see if there are any of those mini burgers I love.” And before they could even say bye to Julia, she was already gone.

  Evan set his beer on the table next to them and pressed his cold hands on her cheeks, causing her to flinch and laugh at the coolness. He stared into those eyes he loved so much.

  She had kept the offer from him, but he understood why. At the end of the day, it was her decision.

  Why would you give up three years at the Rodahawe Institute for me, AJ?

  He wanted to ask her.

  But it would cause an unnecessary fight.

  She had made her decision.

  She had chosen him.

  And as his thumb brushed along her cheekbone, he had chosen her. “I love you.”

  AJ smiled. “I love you, too.” Then she reached over and set her glass down on the table. “Can we go home now? We’ve stayed long past the mandatory stuff. I’d really like to go home and be with you.”

  “Be with me?” he asked, coy.

  That smile turned into a seductive grin as she leaned in close, and whispered, “I need you, Evan. I need you to make love to me.”

  And before she could further seduce him with her whispers, he kissed her hard and deep. Just like he intended to make love to her tonight.

  Because unlike AJ and her love for science, Evan had nothing he loved more or as close to his love for the woman who kissed him with as much urgency and love as him.

  And her kisses, they were love letters from her heart, and he treasured them entirely.

  Just her.

  He would only ever love her.

  96 Cm

  curium

  EVAN

  Now

  It had been a day since Evan and AJ told her parents they were expecting a daughter. Mrs. Parker’s idea of a celebration was a home-cooked meal together. And as Evan sat at the table with his girlfriend and his daughter’s grandparents, he had never felt more content in his life.

  He felt truly a part of their family.

  Not just as Alexandra’s best friend or boyfriend.

  But as the father of Alexandra’s child.

  They had spoken briefly about their plans, and her mother had already promised some of Sebastian’s old clothes to them. His girlfriend laughed and nodded along. Her mother wanted to plan the baby shower with Savannah, and AJ’s only request was it not just be about her but also about Evan. They were going to do a joint baby shower to celebrate with all their friends and family. She wanted as much love celebrating their daughter’s arrival into the world as possible. Now that they had told AJ’s parents, she was happier. It was as if the secrecy of their baby had weighed her down. She was close to her parents, and he knew keeping it a secret had taken its toll on her. They still had the rest of her family to tell, but they would be video-chatting with them since they all lived in Australia and New York.

  Today, they would tell the last important person in their lives.

  Today, they would tell his brother.

  Evan was nervous. As much as he now loved and respected his brother, he still worried about his reaction. Still wondered if Kyle harbored any feelings toward AJ. He knew Kyle loved Angie, but from what he was last told, things weren’t as perfect as they had once been. The past few weeks were hard for Kyle with Angie traveling back and forth from the US to Zimbabwe for aide work. They apparently fought more, and Kyle had become more distant around Evan. AJ told him it was just a rough patch and that Kyle and Angie would get through it together. They just needed time.

  “Are you okay?” AJ asked as her hand on his arm squeezed.

  He turned away from his brother and some of the pitchers warming up at Fenway Park. It was just after three p.m., and the park tours had ended early for today’s game. When he had asked AJ how she wanted to tell Kyle, she smiled and told him before today’s game at Fenway. So that their daughter’s uncle had an even more special connection with his niece.

  “I’m okay. Just nervous,” he admitted.

  AJ smiled at him. “We don’t have to do it today if you’re not ready.”

  He shook his h
ead and glanced at the bag he held. His girlfriend had spent most of the morning getting Kyle’s baby reveal gift. She had even managed to get some of the players in on the reveal, too. “No. I want it to be today. Why do you want it to be today?”

  “Well,” she said, as she let go of his arm and stepped in front of him. AJ smiled as she adjusted his red tie. Now that he worked at Fenway, he had traded his casual clothes for suits and ties. “Do you remember the day we sat in the bleachers and got caught on the jumbo screen?”

  He nodded. “I remember.”

  AJ inhaled a deep breath and released it with a small smile on her lips. “Do you also remember how mad and hurt Kyle was?”

  Evan remembered that day. It was the day his brother called AJ stupid for listening to him. It was also the day he drove AJ to New York, and she promised she’d always pick him over his brother. “He was mad at me, AJ.”

  “Well, do you remember the team the Red Sox played that day?”

  He would never forget.

  “The Rockies …” he breathed.

  His girlfriend cupped his jaw, her thumb brushing against his skin. “It’s been years since Kyle last played a series against them. Today, I want to replace that memory of his last game against the Rockies with a new one. With him finding out he’s going to be an uncle before the game against them today.”

  His heart stretched.

  He loved how much she cared for others.

  Adored every inch of that generous heart of hers.

  He hoped to God their daughter was like Alexandra.

  “I love you,” he whispered.

  “I love you, too,” she said in a small voice as she got on her toes and kissed him soft and sweet. Then she dropped her hands from his jaw and took the bag from him. She turned and glanced over at Adrian Whitaker, the manager of the Red Sox.

  He was smiling at them and then nodded. It was the sign they had been waiting for. Cameras around the park had been turned off. The media were ordered to set up later than usual. This moment was theirs and the Red Sox. AJ wasn’t ready to share it with the world just yet and neither was Evan. This was about ensuring that their daughter was loved by those important to AJ and Evan before they let the world love her, too.

  “You ready?” Evan asked as he stepped next to her and grasped her hand.

  With an assuring nod, AJ squeezed his hand, and said, “I’m ready.”

  They walked around the park and headed toward where his brother, Kyle, was throwing the ball to one of the pitchers. His brother had a smile on his face as his teammates threw the ball back and forth. Once AJ and Evan made it past first base, he glanced over his shoulders to find several of the Red Sox players with hands behind their backs, ready to play their part. He turned his head and concentrated on calming his fast heartbeats. He had no reason to worry. Evan and his brother had been good and solid for years.

  Evan just wanted Kyle to be as happy and excited as he was.

  He wanted Kyle to love the daughter Evan would raise with AJ.

  When they reached his brother, he caught the ball from Waller and noticed him and AJ. He raised his hand at his teammate, indicating they were taking a break. Kyle turned and smiled at them.

  “Hey,” he said as one of the equipment staff ran up to him and took his glove and ball from him. Then they were left alone. “It’s still so weird to see you in a suit at Fenway, Evan.”

  AJ released Evan’s hand with a laugh.

  Evan rolled his eyes. “Whatever.”

  Kyle grinned at AJ. “Alexi always dresses the part. I can’t believe this is your first home game. It was too bad you were too sick for our last home series.”

  “I’m so sorry about that. I promise, I won’t miss any more,” AJ said. She had to miss the series against Tampa Bay because of morning sickness. She had felt so awful when she had to stay at home and watch it in bed.

  “It’s okay, Alexi. I expect you cheering today,” Kyle said.

  “I will be,” AJ confirmed and peeked over at Evan. Her eyes shone bright with questions.

  Are you sure you’re ready?

  If you are, now?

  Evan cleared his throat and straightened his spine. He was ready. More than ready. He was ready to share this part of his life with his brother. “Kyle, AJ and I got you something.”

  His brother’s brows furrowed. “You did?”

  AJ nodded, her smile stretching as she presented the Red Sox captain with the white gift bag. “We did.”

  Evan peeked over his shoulder to find Kyle’s teammates making their way toward them. He even noticed Mick, the social media manager, with a camera, no doubt capturing this private moment Fenway Park was about to host.

  “Why are you two being so weird?” Kyle asked, humor echoing in his voice as he stuck a hand into the bag.

  AJ hugged Evan’s arm and kissed his cheek.

  He looked down at her and smiled.

  It didn’t matter what happened. As long as he had her and his daughter, nothing would matter more in his life.

  Evan lifted his chin as Kyle removed the white Red Sox bodysuit with the navy sleeves. Kyle dropped the bag and held the bodysuit in his hands. His eyes widened as he read out loud, “I’m not worried. My uncle’s the captain of the Red Sox.”

  “Turn it around,” AJ urged.

  Kyle turned the bodysuit over as tears washed over his eyes. “Gilmore. Thirteen.” His tears rolled down his cheeks as he lifted his chin. His glanced at Evan and then at AJ. “Really?”

  Evan nodded. “Really,” he confirmed as AJ unwound her arms from his.

  “I’m going to be an uncle?” he breathed in bewilderment.

  “You are,” AJ said, her voice cracked with emotion.

  Then Kyle advanced toward Evan and wrapped his arms around him, sobbing into his shoulder. “Thank you,” his brother cried. Then he pulled back as Evan blinked his own tears free. “I’m going to be an uncle.”

  Evan laughed. “You are.”

  Kyle looked at the baby bodysuit in his hand and then at AJ. “You’re really pregnant with my niece or nephew right now?”

  AJ stepped forward and hugged Kyle for a long moment. When she pulled away, she announced, “I’m pregnant with your niece.”

  Kyle’s brown eyes softened. It appeared to be unconditional love that shone bright. “I’m going to have a niece.”

  “Congratulations, Uncle Kyle!” was shouted around them as streamer poppers exploded, coating them with red, white, and navy streamers. Kyle’s teammates and some of the Red Sox staff joined them as camera shutters went off, capturing this moment.

  Evan watched as the other players pulled his girlfriend away to hug her and congratulate her on her pregnancy. She was carrying a future Red Sox fan, and they all knew it. He smiled, seeing the love they had for his girlfriend. The Red Sox had always been her family through every up and down.

  And he knew that this team and this city would love his daughter too.

  He was sure of it.

  He looked at his brother who was still staring at his surname and number on the back of the onesie.

  “You’ll be her favorite player,” Evan said, knowing how true it would be. “She’s going to love you.”

  Kyle nodded as he looked up at Evan. “I hope I’m a good uncle.”

  Evan laughed. “You will be. I hope I’m a good father.”

  It was as if it suddenly hit his brother. “Holy shit. You’re going to be a father.”

  “Yeah. I know. It’s crazy. I’m so glad we told you this way. AJ wanted to replace your old memories against the Rockies with a new one. So when you think of the Rockies, it won’t be of us sitting with their fans. It’ll be of you finding out you’re going to be an uncle.”

  He looked over at Evan’s girlfriend. “She really is something special. She’s going to make a great mom,
Ev.”

  Evan looked at AJ, his heart wanting to burst at the smile on her face, the happiness in her eyes, and the contentment in each hug she gave. He couldn’t wait for every day of the rest of his life with her. “She really is.”

  “Have you told her parents?”

  “We did. We told Mr. and Mrs. Parker yesterday.”

  Kyle closed the distance and set his palms on Evan’s shoulders. “Evan?” He stilled at the way Kyle’s brows met with concern. “I think you should tell our parents.”

  It was a thought he’d contemplated for weeks now, but he didn’t want to burden AJ with it. She had never once pressured him to reconcile with his parents. For years, he was happy without them, but recently, he thought of AJ. Thought of her growing up without her other grandmother’s love or acknowledgment. AJ had always handled it with more maturity than her grandmother, but he knew it still hurt her knowing that her mother’s mother didn’t want anything to do with her. Evan had concluded he didn’t want his daughter to grow up with that same feeling.

  And it meant putting aside his pride.

  For my daughter.

  If they didn’t want to be in his daughter’s life, then so be it. But he had to give them a chance so that he knew he at least tried.

  He pressed his lips into a tight line. “I haven’t spoken to them in years.”

  “Me either. I’m still angry with them for what they did to us. I was old enough to take care of myself. I was drafted right away. But you, Ev, you were still a kid. What they did to you, never making you feel loved, that wasn’t right. If you want them in your daughter’s life, I will respect that, and I’ll put my pride aside. I won’t forgive them, but I’ll learn to be civil. She’s going to be my niece, and I will always protect her. I won’t ever let them hurt her.”

  The protectiveness in Kyle’s voice was all that Evan had wanted to hear growing up. But hearing it toward his daughter and her happiness meant so much more. “Thank you, Kyle. That means everything to me. I’ll think about talking to them. For now, let’s celebrate with AJ before your big game. You sure you’re gonna be okay to play with the news we just told you?”