“Phoebe—”
“Don’tPhoebeme, Nathaniel.”
He sighs and runs a hand through his hair, rising to his feet and stepping in front of Parker. “Come on, man. Let’s go. This isn’t the time.”
“Oh, I think this is a perfect time.” Parker’s voice is colder than I’ve ever heard it.
“It’s Phoebe’s birthday.” Gemma’s voice is shaky when she finally speaks, rising to her feet. “Please… not now.”
“Someone tell me what’s happening here!” I hiss, getting angry.
“I’m not going to lie to my sister.” Parker’s jaw ticks. “Clearly, you don’t live by the same morals.”
Chase steps in front of Gemma when she pales further, his green eyes cold on Parker. “You should go. Now.” He glances at me. “I’m sorry, Phoebe.”
I ignore him and step closer to Parker. I feel the heat of Nate’s chest close behind me.
My eyes lock on my brother’s face. “Parker. Tell me what’s happening, or I swear to god I’ll never forgive you.”
His eyes slide to mine. He swallows roughly. “She’s not who she says she is. She’s been lying to you.”
“Parker,” Gemma whispers behind me, a plea in her voice.
“Tell me!” I snap.
His eyes drift over my shoulder to her for a brief moment, before returning to my face. “Before Mom died….” He swallows and I swear, his voice is almost shaking. “Dad cheated on her.”
“I know about the affairs.” My spine stiffens. “What does that have to do with anything?”
Why are we talking about Milo?
“He…” Parker’s eyes press closed, as if he’s in pain. “Sweet P, he…”
Nate ducks to meet my gaze. His eyes are worried.
“Just say it,” I whisper, heart pounding in my ears. “Rip off the band-aid. Knowing can’t be worse than this — being kept in the dark by people who are supposed to care about me.”
I hear what sounds almost like a sob from Gemma.
Parker’s head is bowed and I see his fists clench tighter at my words.
“Phoebe.” Nate tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. “The woman your father had an affair with twenty-seven years ago…” His voice is low. “He got her pregnant.”
“No,” I say immediately, rejecting the thought outright. “No, that’s not possible.”
“It is,” Nate says gently. “He fathered another child. Little bird, she…” His eyes move over my shoulder.
I hear another almost-sob.
She.
Twenty-seven years ago.
My heart pounds faster.
My father had an affair.
An affair that resulted in a child.