C16 Under Open Skies

“...I was…” he began, then faltered.

I watched him closely, my gaze unwavering, dissecting every flicker of hesitation on his face.

“It’s… a long story,” he finished, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.

“And you have a daughter?” I pressed, my tone steady, but my eyes sharp enough to pierce through pretense.

“Uh… yes. I do,” he admitted. “But I was never married.” He paused