With the Lights Off...

(48): Like I Can

*I know I update super late. Ugh, I don't even know how peoplereach their deadlines. Honestly. Anyways, I know the previous chapter was a long chapter and it was basically just conversations, but here, I finally figured out where to steer the whole family drama with Ian, Trish, Penny, Charlie, and other Ian. Enjoy!*

Ian's POV

As soon as I got to the Coffee Bean, I ordered my drink and sat in the corner table, running my thumbs up and down the paper cup. What the hell has my life come to?

First, I had everything. I got the girl I waited so long for. We were getting married. We had our plans figured out.

Now everything's messed up. 

Because I was actually hoping and praying that I was Penny's father.

It sounded crazy and messed up, but it was true. As much as I couldn't stand being with Trish in the same room anymore, I also don't know how much it would hurt to know that I'm not Penny's father. I know it's a long shot and Charlie wants Penny too, but I couldn't help but think that it was what I wanted, possibly as much as I wanted to marry Nina.

I wanted to call her and tell her where I am, but I knew that she wouldn't want to worry about me. I knew I should've told her that Derek was dying, too, but again, he didn't want her to worry about him either. Nina just didn't deserve to worry about everyone, every single time.

All I wanted now was to find answers to this plan they have of not making our marriage happen. What was in it for Trish if I was the father?

Because, you idiot, maybe she still loves you and that's the only way she could get you to listen?

I shrugged away the thought and stared at my phone. Adrian's taking his time getting his brother here. What if he doesn't want to speak to me?

"Ian?"

I looked up and saw a tall, lanky guy in a blue sweater and khakis. He was holding on to a doctor's coat with a stethoscope peeking from the pocket. I stared at him, just like he was staring at me. Somehow, I could tell that he was tense and a little nervous.

"Ian," I said. "Please, sit down."

He nodded and sat opposite of me. He cleared his throat and said, "My brother told me you came all this way to see me."

I nodded. "As creepy and stalker-ish as he made that sound, it's true," I said. "I have to talk to you."

"I have nothing to say to you," he said, leaning back in his chair.

"Excuse me?"

He shrugged. "After you left Trish hanging like that after knocking her up? I'd rather skin you alive than talk to you."

"Your brother was right about you being snappy," I said.

"And Trish was right about you being an asshole," he answered. "Listen, whatever it is that you think you can get from me, you're not an inch close to it. You should just leave."

I held up my hands and sighed. "I just want to know why you're doing this," I said.

"Why I'm doing what?" he asked.

"Helping Trish with her plan to put a stop to my wedding," I said. "Because, I know for a fact that I am not Penny's dad." I bit my lip at that last statement, knowing fully well that I didn't want to believe that.

"The only thing I'm helping Trish with is giving Penny the life she deserves with a dad she deserves," he said. "If you think I'm a part of some scheme, you are insane."

"And you know who is insane?" I asked. "Trish! Trish is insane! She's the one who's ruining my life. She's ruining Charlie's life, she tried to ruin Penny's life, she's ruining Nina's life, and as I heard from your own brother, she's ruining your life too."