บท 40: Before I go

"Hey! Just so you know, I am not going to start calling you daddy," I tell Nathanael. 

He chuckles a little before his eyes land on the confused visage of Avery. He stands straight again and clears his throat, "Thank you, Avery. You can take your leave," he dismisses him.

Avery turns to leave without a word, allowing the two of us to be alone.

I fold my arms across my chest, "So, ... It was a lie. You sent Avery to get me. Not Richard," I squint my eyes as he looks back at me with apprehension, "You're learning the art of bullshitting! I'm proud of you," I declare with a smile. 

"Not my finest hour," he sighs.

"You'll live," I retort, "Can I ask you a question?" 

"Of course," 

"Do I reek?" I ask bluntly. 

His eyes widen a little, looking very puzzled, "Sorry?"

"Do I reek? Stink, smell. I just need to know if the stench of anxiety is what helped you find where I was," I elaborate.