Velvet Love Ch. 03

Intimidatingly large and fresh off a cross-state journey, the red 18-wheeler rolled down the streets of Little Italy. Proudly bearing a bumper sticker that read "American Road Warrior", the dusty big rig dwarfed ever other car around it. With its huge chrome grill, immense tires, and long trailer, the vehicle was an impressive display of heavy machinery. And just as powerful looking, was the man who drove it.

At six 6 foot three and 230 pounds, Gary Larkson was a man who preferred living life out on the road. As a long-haul trucker for the past twenty-five years, he'd seen plenty of strange, wild, and even disgustingly awful things. But nothing he'd endured in his grueling line of work could have prepared him for the moment which was approaching.

Fresh off a monotonous journey that had taken him to Oregon and back up the California coast, he was back on San Francisco soil, and wanting nothing more than to head on home. Craving a warm shot of whiskey and his comfortable bed, he was seriously thinking about chickening out. But if he did wimp out and forgo his original plan, what kind off a man would that make him?

The same kind that cheated on his wife and made an illegitimate kid.

Gripping the steering wheel tighter, Gary tried hard to ignore the inner voice.

But you didn't stop there, the voice merrily continued. You then passed your son off as someone else's. And all to save your own ass.

Now clenching his jaw, Gary went heavier on the accelerator.

Oh, so now you're in rush? The voice had turned snarky. Thought you were scared to tell him. Dreading that moment when he would learn the truth.

Wishing like hell that he could strangle his inner voice, Gary kept on down the street. But the moment he turned onto Powell and spotted the Victorian house, his heart began to palpate and his mouth went totally dry.

With street parking so sparse, he had no choice but to illegally park, pulling in front of a red painted curb before setting the brakes and cutting the engine. Yet instead of immediately getting out he stayed put, easing out a heavy sigh as he did his best to calm his nerves. A few moments passed before he felt ready to get out of the car, but on shifting his gaze to the dashboard, he was reminded of the photo that he needed to take. Grabbing hold of the aged polaroid, he took a moment to just stare, gazing first at the younger version of himself before shifting to the woman who stood beside him. Pale skinned with dark hair that was teased into an 80's hairstyle, she was naturally pretty and thin. Swathed in a blue blanket and held in her arms was a sleeping infant, an infant so small and innocent looking that Gary couldn't help but feel a twinge of emotion. But along with a softening of his heart he also felt guilt, a deep and abiding shame for holding this secret for three decades.

Both emotionally and physically taxing, it had taken a toll on his life in various ways, not to mention affected his relationships with those most dear to him. But now, with thirty years passed and three children who carried his genes, the time had finally arrived to come clean about the truth.

No longer afraid yet feeling an urge to unload his secret, Gary slipped the photo and a birth certificate into his pocket, then opened the door of the big rig. He maneuvered his lumberjack-like body out of the cab, and on setting foot against the concrete below him, started towards the well-kept Victorian. He knocked twice then waited before footsteps approached the door, followed by the click of a lock as it was disengaged. And then, as the door pulled back to fully reveal him, Gary's illegitimate son came into full view.

"Hey." Clearly surprised, the younger man gently lifted his brows. "Wow, It's been awhile. How are you?"

"Not too bad." Adjusting his stance, Gary took in the features of his son, who couldn't have looked any more startlingly different.

With his military cut and bluish grey eyes, Adrian Copani had a rugged masculinity, yet also a subtle prettiness that was impossible to deny. Toned from military workouts, his biceps were proudly exposed by the Hanes tank top he was wearing, while the athletic pants on his lower half fit casually loose on his muscular frame.

"Been awhile since you last came by," Adrian said. "Figured I was dead to you now, considering that whole ordeal with Jeneda and the murderer."

"His name is Dane," Gary corrected. "And he's not a murderer, but her husband."

"He's a sack of shit," came his hasty rebuttal. "He killed my father, who was also your best friend."

"He was present at Vincent's murder but he didn't pull the trigger," Gary replied. "We need to remember that, Adrian."

"Fuck him." The words came out bitterly and with venom. "He's a trust fund kid with deep pockets, who bought his way out of a five year prison sentence."

"Regardless, we need to let go and stop being angry. Hating him won't bring back Vincent, so we've got to move on and find some peace."

"Why are you here?" Adrian's tone was now accusing, eyes narrowing to slits as he stared Gary down. "Clearly you're on his and Jeneda's side, so why even bother coming to see me?"

"Because I have something very important to tell you, and confessing over the phone just wouldn't be right."

Now gazing with focus, Adrian's body seemed to stiffen, as if suddenly sensing Gary's nervous and serious mood. "Okay. So what is it?"

"Be better if I came in and we sat down."

"Why?"

"Because It's life changing, Adrian. Something that will impact your future."

Dryly swallowing Adrian widened the door, allowing Gary to enter before shutting it behind them. A few moments later they were settled in the living room, Adrian standing in front of the bay window while Gary took a seat on the comfy couch.

"You might want to sit down, Adrian. When I said it was life changing, I truly meant it."

"No, I'll stand," he asserted. "Now get to the point, I don't have all day."

Easing out a heavy breath, Gary prepared to let out the truth. But first he had to swallow around the knot of nerves that had formed in his throat.

"You weren't adopted, Adrian. Vincent and Stefani just took you in when you were a baby."

"What do you mean, they just took me in?" Brows furrowing, he looked hard at Gary. "And of course I was adopted. Both mom and dad told me I was."

"Did you see any papers?"

"No, but that doesn't mean-,"

"Any kind of proof to let you know that an adoption took place?"

To this, Adrian could only stare.

"Then you weren't adopted, Adrian. And I'm here to let you know the truth."

Brows lowered and face now somber, Adrian waited for Gary's next words.

"Your biological mother was an Italian woman. Her name was Aileen Capello and she died six months after your birth."

"I know she's dead," Adrian replied. "Mom and dad told me when I was a kid."

"But your father is alive," Gary said. "That's the part they weren't truthful about."

"You saying they lied?" His nostrils had flared. "No, they wouldn't do that. That's not the type of people that they were."

"It was for a good cause, Adrian. So you could grow up stable and with two parents."

"But if that's the case, then why even lie to me in the first place? Why wouldn't they just come out and say my dad was alive?"

"He already had a family," Gary said. "Two kids and a wife, so you were a secret that he needed to keep."

"So what, he just showed up on the doorstep and gave me away? I mean how did this happen?"

"He made a deal with your parents. They took you in as a favor, and he provided the finances to feed and clothe you."

"Well was he a friend, relative, acquaintance, workmate of dad's...who was he?"

"A friend of your father's. They grew up together, so they were very close."

"Then he must have come by the house. If he and dad were real close, that means I must have met him at some point."

"You did," Gary said, yet instead of elaborating he only went quiet.

"Well you can't stop there," Adrian demanded. "Tell me who he is."

Shoulders so heavy it literally felt he was weighed down, Gary pushed out a deep breath, then let out the words which hung heavy on his heart.

"I am."

Simply gaping at this proclamation, Adrian went rigid with shock. Silence fell between them for several long moments, during which neither moved a muscle nor even blinked a lash. But when Adrian suddenly let out a harsh bark of laughter, Gary rose his brows in surprise.

"You're kidding me, right?" A half smile pulled up one corner of Adrian's lips. "I mean clearly this has to be some kind of a joke."

"No joke, Adrian." Gary stared straight into his eyes. "I am your biological father."

"But you're black."

To this, Gary could only faintly smile.

"I'm not biracial," Adrian asserted. "I mean look at me. Do I look mixed?"

"You took after your mother."

"Your features aren't even remotely the same as mine," he continued on. "And my skin..."

"Once again, her genes were more dominant."

"No, I don't believe it." Now shaking his head, he glared at his father. "You're a liar. Now I want the truth."

"I just told you the truth," Gary affirmed. "Believe it or not, you are my son."

"Bullshit."

"I have your birth certificate."

"Liar."

Retrieving it from his pocket, Gary stood to his feet and walked closer to Adrian. But clearly in denial, Adrian walked off and towards the kitchen.

"Come back. You need to see it."

"Fuck off," Adrian said over his shoulder.

"Pretending it Isn't true only makes it worse." Now following behind him, Gary made quick steps.

"Stay away."

"You can live in denial, Adrian. But it won't change the fact that I'm your father."

Now in the kitchen, Adrian went for the fridge, retrieving a bottle of beer before opening it.

"Son, please..." Standing behind him Gary watched, noticing how Adrian's back was turned and posture stiff.

Turn around and face me, son. I have a photo to show you."

Remaining still, Adrian just sipped his beer.

"Fine." Starting towards Adrian, Gary retrieved the photo from his pocket. "If you won't come to me, then I'll come to you."

On reaching Adrian's side he put his hand on his shoulder, then held out the photograph so that it was fully visible to see. At first Adrian avoided looking, choosing instead to sip idly on his beer. But as curiosity took over he finally shifted his gaze, focusing on the faded photo that had been taken when he was an infant.

"That's supposed to prove you're my dad?" Adrian snorted. "That baby could be anyone, get real."

"It's you and you know it," Gary said. "But since you're still in denial, I guess you'll need to see this."

Pulling a thin, tattered paper from his breast pocket, Gary unfolded and smoothed it out. Clearly too curious to simply ignore it, Adrian retrieved it from Gary's hand. For the first few seconds he simply stared at the birth certificate, lips tight and brows low as he checked it out. Seemingly speechless, he simply remained on mute. But as the truth sunk in his shoulders slumped and his mouth went slack.

"This is real." His hand shook slightly as he stared at the paper.

"Of course it's real, Adrian. And if you look at the bottom, you'll see me listed as the father."

"I saw it," he quietly replied. "But it doesn't mean a damn thing to me."

Lifting his brows at Adrian's tone, Gary waited for him to speak once again.

"I don't want you as my father and I definitely don't need you. So as far as I'm concerned, It's just the same as it was before."

"I figured you would say that." Gary's lips drew tight and thin.

"So why come at all, then?" Adrian frowned. "I didn't need to know this."

"I think you did."

"No, I didn't." His jaw tightened at the last word.

"I know you're angry but It's something you need to accept. You're biracial Adrian, you've got my blood running through you."

A snort was given in response.

"Like it or not, I am your father. And if you're interested, I'd like to build a proper relationship with you."

"Fuck off."

Stung by the severity in Adrian's tone, Gary could only blink.

"You actually thought I'd be interested?" Brows low, he stared Gary down. "All these years you've kept me a secret, hid me away so that no one would know."

"I was desperate, Adrian. Had no other choices so I brought you here."

"You were weak and a coward, so you took the easy way out."

"I did." Nodding lightly, Gary swallowed. "But I'm sorry, Adrian. And I want to make things right."

"Too late."

"Adrian, please..."

"I'm not interested, so just leave me alone."

"A chance, Adrian. It's all I want."

"You're not my father." Balling up the birth certificate, he then threw it to the ground.

"So that's it, then. No talking it out."

Crossing arms in front of chest, Adrian only stood stolid and deeply frowned.

"Alright, I understand." A small sigh left Gary's lips as he slowly turned around, and with feet heavier than they had ever felt, made strides towards the door. But then suddenly Adrian found his voice.

"Actually, you did me a favor."

Halting his steps, Gary turned to once again face his son.

"I mean you aren't exactly the type of dad that a son could look up to."

Now fully tuned into what Adrian was saying, Gary furrowed his brows.

"You're a loser, Gary," Adrian declared. "You drive trucks for a living and have barely a dollar to your name. You've got a whore for a daughter and a half cripple for a son. That sound like the type of dad I want?"

"Watch it, boy." Gary's teeth snapped on his words.

"Truth hurts, doesn't it?" A wry smile took over Adrian's lips.

Now feeling a bubble of anger within, Gary tightened his jaw. "I should knock you straight on your ass - "

"But you won't."

"It's called taking the higher road. You can't egg me on, so just give it up."

"Like you gave me up, huh?" His tone was bitter.

"I'm sorry Adrian, I really am. But insulting Jeneda and Riley won't do any good."

"You're old and out of shape," Adrian replied. "That's why you won't fight me."

"We're done here," he said in a voice that was firm. "I apologized and tried to make peace, remember that."

"Fuck your apology, I don't need it."

"Then I'm gone."

"So go."

"I won't be back. Not unless you reach out."

"Not gonna happen."

He nodded. "Then you've made your choice."

"What other choice is there?" Adrian asked. "You go your way and I go mine."

"At least I tried."

"Pretty useless, though..." A sort of haughtiness came into his expression. "I look white and I live in a white world. Not much of a reason for us to bond."

"Right." Gary's lips flattened. "Well then, guess I'll be on my way."

With a turn on his heel he was heading for the door, not glancing back even once. Moments later he was at his truck, climbing into the cab and starting up the engine. Still holding the photo in hand, Gary took a moment to glance at it. Yet rather than feel a tug at his heartstrings, there was now a tightness of the lips, as well as a tenseness in his muscles.

Although no longer burdened by his decades-long secret, Gary was emotionally hurt. It didn't surprise him that Adrian had been upset, nor expressed a lack of interest in forging a relationship. But the way that Adrian had insulted him, calling him a loser - now that had hurt. Then there was Jeneda and Riley, who he'd referred to as a whore and half cripple.

Shoulda knocked that boy into next week, he thought. But of course that wouldn't have done any good, as bringing violence into a situation was never a good thing. Still gazing at the aged photo, Gary found himself wishing he'd had the courage to raise Adrian as his own. But since time couldn't be rewound, he was stuck simply longing for that lost chance.

Letting the engine idle, Gary decided that the photo was no longer needed. Adrian did hate his guts after all, and seemed more interested in ignoring his black side. So why keep the baby snapshot, when the kid wanted nothing at all to do with him? With a tightness in his chest, Gary prepared to toss the photograph out of the window. But then suddenly he stopped, hand hovering out the window as he thought it over.

What are you waiting for? Seeming to mock, the voice within held a snideness.

Wanting to let go yet not able to actually go through with it, Gary gave a hard swallow. Taking some time to think, he decided that discarding the photo wasn't such a good idea. For one, it was the only snapshot he had of Adrian as a baby. And two, he had no other picture of Aileen. It didn't matter that she'd only been a piece on the side, he still cared for her in his own way, so throwing away the photo wasn't something he felt comfortable with.

Shifting his hand to the glovebox, Gary replaced the photo so it sat inside. He then secured the compartment, and with foot against pedal he prepared to take off. Offering a low rumble the big rig moved forward, pulling away from the curb and onto the street.

Sinking into the horizon, the sun gave its farewell to the day. And with one last glance at the house where Adrian lived, Gary silently said a goodbye of his own.