Whatever he decided, I shoved the idea into the back of my mind. Maybe in a week or two, when he'd recovered enough from the procedure, he might feel like playing our scene. I tried to be a good submissive and let him decide when.
As soon as Drake was gone, I sent Nathaniel a text, asking him if I could come by later in the morning to make a canvas.
I sat at the kitchen table, planning out the canvas, deciding what materials I'd need and how big it should be. I wanted it almost life-sized so it would have to be at least six feet long and four feet high. I'd need a place to work with good light. Depending on what Nathaniel and his small group of artist-friends were doing, the studio might be busy, but I could always work at home.
As I waited for Nathaniel to text me, my thoughts turned from my painting to Drake and Liam. What would happen between them? Maureen said she didn't want Drake to be part of his life until Liam was an adult and could choose for himself. Liam would always be a memory of a small boy sick in the hospital isolation ward. Frail, in danger. I hoped that the bone marrow donation worked for him – losing Liam after Drake only found out about him would be very hard to bear, even if Drake never planned on being a father.
My cell buzzed and I took it in hand. It wasn't Nathaniel. It was my father on Facetime.
"Morning Daddy," I said, peering at the tiny screen.
"Today's the day, isn't it? Drake finds out about the tissue match?"
I nodded. "He already got word. He's a really good match."
My father smiled broadly. "Oh, God, that's great news." He leaned back in his swivel chair at his desk. "How's he taking it? Let me talk to him. We must celebrate!"
"He's at the hospital right now meeting with the oncologist, but he's so pleased. Donating will give him a sense of doing something for his son." I relayed the conversation Drake and I had earlier.
"So will you stick around here for a while or go to Kenya once he's recovered?"
"We'll stay until Drake's sure Liam is OK," I said, my voice catching in my throat, happiness for Drake filling me. "He was really fighting to keep his composure this morning when he got the news, but he's very happy."
"As good as this news is, Drake will still need you," my father said. "You know how fond I am of him. I'm sure he's glad he has you to be with him during all this."
I nodded. "I'm glad, too. Maureen, his ex, said she doesn't want him involved in Liam's life, despite the donation."
"You know, Drake could push that if he wanted. He is the biological father, and now he has proof. Men's rights to their children have improved lately after decades of mothers having the upper hand in the courts. Tell Drake if there's anything I can do to help on that front, I'd be glad to."
"I don't think Drake would want to push the paternity thing. He's still pretty sour on fatherhood, and whether he even knows what being a good father is. Drake will be coming by later this afternoon. We can talk about it then."
He nodded, and then his landline rang and he turned to read the display. "Sorry, sweetie," he said, his hand on the receiver. "Chief of Staff. Gotta take this. Talk to you later."
He ended the call and the window in my phone closed.
I saw a flag on my text message icon that indicated I had a text. I opened it, and it was Nathaniel, replying.
Come by and make your canvas. I have lots of wood and fabric, gesso – everything you need. I'm busy working on a series of paintings for my final show in April, but you're welcome to come in any time. Jules and Keith are also working on pieces so it might be crowded. Love to catch up with you, sug.
If Nathaniel was busy working on a collection for a show, I'd have to find somewhere else to work, but I could always work at 8th Avenue. There was room in the kitchen, and lots of ambient light during the day. I'd have to make sure Drake didn't see the canvas though. I really wanted it to be a surprise.
While I was texting him back, my cell rang. It was Elaine.
"Hi, Katie," she said, her voice pleased. My father must have given her the news. "How are you? Your father told me about the tests. I'm so happy for you both. Drake must be so relieved."
"Very relieved," I said.
"Your father wanted me to invite you both to lunch. He feels like Katz's today. What do you think? Can you two make it?"
I smiled, having wanted to go to Katz's for some time. "That sounds perfect. I'll ask Drake when he calls me."
"Let one of us know and we'll meet you there."
"Thanks for calling."
I ended the call and sent Nathaniel a text.
Hey, thanks so much for the offer. My boyfriend and I will be by later before lunch. He'd like to check out the studio. Hope that's OK.