“No problem,” I said, already forming a plan.
CHAPTER 13
THE TOP, THE BAR, AND THE BRIT
NATALIE
By Friday afternoon, my weekend without the kids had officially begun. For the first time in a while, I was looking forward to it. At first, these weekends felt daunting; quiet hours stretching endlessly, but tonight, I had a date. A real date. With a Brit, no less.
Lucas seemed charming, confident, and refreshingly uncomplicated. No ties, no ex-wife, no teenagers. Just a man with a great accent and an easy smile.
Before getting ready, I FaceTimed Meredith for wardrobe approval. She was my go-to for fashion advice, given her proximity to high-end designers. She never hesitated to send me pieces to elevate my closet, often with unsolicited commentary.
“I think I’ve nailed it,” I said, holding the phone up to show her my outfit: black, boot-cut jeans that made me feel tall, paired with sleek black booties, a sheer lace top that revealed just enough of my black bra, and a leather jacket to tone down the daring vibe.
Meredith grinned. “Your rack looks great in that top.”
I rolled my eyes. “It’s not too much?”
“Not at all. Trust me, everyone will be wearing something like that. You look amazing.”
By the time my Uber pulled up outside the restaurant, I was starting to feel the thrill of possibility. This was my chance to experience something new, to focus on a man without baggage.
Lucas was waiting outside when I arrived. His crisp button-up shirt and easy posture immediately put me at ease.
“Hello,” he said, his accent practically melting me on the spot.
“Hi,” I replied, smiling as he held the door open for me.
We stood in the small hallway by the hostess, and as Lucas gave her his last name, something caught my eye. For a brief second, I thought I saw Will standing at the bar behind a blonde woman.
It couldn’t be.
I shook the thought away as the hostess led us to our table, and I made a point not to look back. It couldn’t be him. There was no way he’d show up here, tonight, of all nights.
As Lucas and I ordered drinks, I reminded myself to stay present. Will didn’t matter right now. This was my time to enjoy a date with a man who was straightforward, unattached, and interested in me.
We talked easily about work. Lucas was insightful and curious, and his genuine interest in my life was refreshing. I told him about my kids, even showing him a picture.
“They’re adorable,” he said, smiling. “They look like their mother.”
I laughed softly, brushing off the compliment. “Thank you. It’s been a process, figuring out co-parenting, but we’re making it work. Honestly, I’ve gotten used to being on my own with them. Prior to the divorce, my ex traveled so much.”
Lucas shared that his ex-wife didn’t want children. “That ship’s sailed for me now,” he added. “I’m forty-two, and I’ve made peace with it.”
“You don’t think you’ll change your mind?” I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.
He shook his head. “No. It’s just not in the cards for me. And I’m okay with that, I’m happy with my cat, Pete.” He studied me for a moment, his gaze thoughtful. “What about you? How old are you, if you don’t mind me asking?”
“I’m thirty-seven,” I said. “Do you have a photo of Pete the cat?” I laughed.
He smiled. “You’re still young. Plenty of time to figure out what you want. And of course I have a photo.”
“Not that young,” I said, laughing. “But I feel like I’m at the right age for where I’m supposed to be and I’m more than happy with two children. Now let’s see this, Pete.”
He pulled out his phone to show me his orange cat, Pete.
The conversation flowed, and for a moment, I let myself relax. But then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw the blonde woman from earlier walking past our table toward the bathroom.
