Other than the distance and the tension at work, she was right.
This was the happiest I’d felt in years.
“You’re right, kid. I’m probably just overthinking it.”
“I am right, and you’re totally overthinking it,” she said with a laugh. “And you know, in terms of the whole distance thing, you could always move to Briar Glenn.”
“Hun, my job—”
Chai interrupted before I could continue with my list of excuses. “Respectfully, fuck that job. You’ve made your money, Dad. Retire early so you can enjoy it.”
Icouldretire early, but then what? Just sell my house and all my shit and move to Briar Glenn?
While the idea of living in the same town as Pam and my daughter was appealing, I wasn’t sure I was ready for retirement. I’d spent so much of my life working, pulling long hours, and dedicating myself to the various companies I’d worked for, that I wasn’t sure I knew how to just relax. Hell, even the time I spent working remotely while caring for Chai had been tough on me.
“I’ll think about it,” I said, doing my best to sound convincing.
“Mhmm,” she hummed, totally unconvinced. “Well, I’ve gotta run, Dad. I have a client arriving in a few minutes.”
“Alright, baby. Love you.”
“Love you, too. Bye.”
As soon as we hung up, I got a text message from Pam.
Pam: Sorry, I was driving! Oh my gods!! I met Chai today! She is so sweet! She’s instructing the yoga class I’m taking!
I smiled down at my phone before typing out a message. Her excitement was contagious.
Me: She just called and told me all about it. I’m glad the two most important ladies in my life finally got to meet.
Pam: You’re making me blush. How’s your day going?
Alistair: Let’s just say the mantra you sent me this morning applies to today.
Pam: That bad, huh? Would a dinner date help?
Just the thought of chatting with her while she cooked, watching as she blew her bangs out of her face and held the knife in a way that made me concerned for her fingers, perked me up.
Alistair: I’d never turn down a date with a beautiful woman.
The rest of the day would drag, but at least now, I had something to look forward to.
THIRTEEN
PAM
I love what my body is capable of doing.
I squatted in front of my affirmation-lined mirror—well, as far as my knees would allow me to squat—ensuring my butt wasn’t visible through my tight black leggings. Tegan had assured me they were fine, and the tag had claimed “squat-proof,” but I wasn’t willing to risk it when I would be bending over right in front of a stranger.
Should I wear underwear?
I mean, I did with normal leggings. It had taken years for me to overcome the damage of the anti-panty line craze of the 80s and 90s,but now, you’d have to pry my full-coverage cotton briefs from my cold, dead hands.
And besides, if my crotch or butt got sweaty or I had a little leak, it would be an additional layer of absorbency.
Fully convinced, I peeled the leggings off and strutted over to my dresser. The second my fingers made contact with a comfy pair of granny panties, I heard my phone vibrate with a text message.
