“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”He was doing it again.He was trying to convince himself that going out with Kalliopi wasn’t a big deal.But with his heart pounding out of his chest every time he caught a glance of her, and even every time he thought about her, he wasn’t so sure he could convince himself of anything.Especially when he knew she was his mate.“Technically, we’re not even going on a date.We are just going for drinks.”
“It’s a date if you both want to call it that, Dad.”
“You and this new Z generation have a completely different outlook on the dating world.A date isn’t ‘Intraflix and chill.’You must add romance to the whole thing.Sex isn’t romance.”
“Oh, God, Dad—ew!Please let’s not have a conversation about that.I barely made it through the last one!”
“What?We had to talk about birth control.It was my duty as a father.”
“That doesn’t mean my ears aren’t still on fire from the embarrassment.”
“Fine.But seriously, we haven’t even gone on a date yet, so give me a chance to see where it goes before you demand more info.”
Jewel shook her head.“You and your three-date ordinance.Honestly, Dad, it’s time to retire that rule from your life—permanently.Mom’s been gone a long time.She wouldn’t want to see you doing this to yourself.She’d want you to be happy.”
“I don’t know about that.”Stan shifted uncomfortably in his chair.He’d spent Jewel’s life trying to make sure she knew how special her mother was, and how he never wanted to replace her, and now here he was, becoming all moony-eyed about another woman in front of his kid.
Jewel squeezed her eyes shut and took a breath before continuing.“That came out wrong.I’m sorry, Dad.I didn’t mean?—”
“No, you’re right,” Stan assured her.This wasn’t where he wanted the conversation between him and his daughter to go tonight, but it was about time he had it.Because it was long overdue.“Mom has been gone for a while.And I guess I implemented that three-date rule to protect your heart and mine.”
“Don’t you think it’s a little silly now?”
“You’re still my little girl.”
“But I’m all growed up.”She gave him the same crooked smile she charmed him with ever since she was a little girl.
“That doesn’t mean I’m going to change my life and become one of those dating guys.Your mother was my true love.You only get one of those in a lifetime.”
“And you say my generation doesn’t get relationships?Dad, who says you only get one love in your life?With all the people you’ve shipped together, don’t you think that you’ve built up some points with the universe?Maybe this person you like so much is karma coming back around.”
“I didn’t ship people together,” Stan objected, as he always did.
“So you always say,” Jewel replied with a grunt.“No one believes it, probably not even you.Deep down, you followed your gut and didn’t question it when you matched people to assignments.You have a gift, and you could have refused to use it, but you didn’t.That means you allowed the universe to work through you to connect all those couples.And now, maybe the universe wants to show you some appreciation.”
Stan shook his head.“You’re a bit of a romantic.I really don’t know where you get it from.”
“Of course you don’t, Dad.”Jewel shook her head but smiled.“Because you don’t see it yourself.How much you root for love.How much you’ve remained loyal to your own lovebecauseof how much you love love.I get it fromyou,Mr.TLC.So, I hope you give this new situation a chance.And look, I get why you swore off dating while I was growing up.As you said, you wanted to protect my heart and yours, but it’s time, Dad.Open up your heart again.Mom would want this for you, and you know what?So do I.”
Jewel placed four twenty-dollar bills on the table before she stood up.“I’m getting this tonight.Save your money for this beautiful gal that makes you happy.”She smiled at Stan before exiting the pub and leaving Stan to ponder her words.
8
Kalliopi put her phone down and dipped into the bath.Her joints instantly relaxed the minute she submerged.She finished her soak and the glass of wine within half an hour.By the time she finished getting dressed and doing her hair and makeup, there was a knock at the door.
He’s punctual?Yet another plus!
Kalliopi opened the door, and sure enough, Stan was leaning against the doorframe with a bouquet of flowers.They were a winter array of white carnations, red roses, and red tiger lilies.
“Stan, they are beautiful!How did you know I liked tiger lilies?You know what—never mind because I’m pretty sure of the answer to the question.Treasure already told me you grilled her.Come on in while I put these in water.”
Stan smiled at her as he crossed the threshold.
“I’m already busted?Geez, I was hoping I’d impress you a little more before you caught on.”He let out a chuckle.
“It was a sweet thing for you to do.”
“I just wanted you to feel comfortable and at home while you are here.”
