My father seems to have pulled out the cigars that the men will go light outside. “You kids should catch up over dinner or something.” My father was never shy with his suggesting.
“Maybe,” is all I manage to say, because I am sure as hell not going to announce that I beat them to the punch.
“I’m not sure Lucas has enough time. I hear he is quite busy with taste testing crème brulées.” Her eyes lock with mine as her mouth forms a gentle tug that tells me she seems to enjoy our slow pace that we are taking on this bizarre path that I never imagined.
And I like that. I like that a lot.
9
LUCAS
Coming out of exam room two, I sign the chart and hand it to the nurse. Pulling my phone out of my pocket, I smile to myself. Today is a frigging great day.
It started with an adorable video from Theo of him telling me how he had a good weekend with me and his grandparents. Isabella and I made it a point—other than fighting over sharing time—that we would ensure that Theo gets a chance every day to speak to us. In front of him, we try to put on a united front. Behind the scenes, it can be scorching. Partly because I have zero patience for her. And while I’m known to be a good guy, I know I can cross the lines of being a dick when she’s around.
By lunchtime, Abby sent me a text with a link about killer deer. Apparently, they’re out to get us. The last few days, we’ve been texting a lot. Her surprise visit at my parents’ place lingers in me. As if a helicopter is flying around my body releasing happy endorphins. I’m in a good mood.
We still have date two in the books. I’ve been scratching my head where to take her on our next date. She has Pilates with Jess tonight, otherwise I would have asked if she wanted to meet for a friendly coffee at this bookstore on Main Street that stays open late.
The last few weeks have been exhilarating yet calming. So crazy that it has been so many years since we last saw each other, yet we roll into conversation as if time has never passed. On one hand, I feel like I’m a teenager again when I’m around her. I fucking rocked my teenage years.
On the other hand, it’s different. We are two people partly changed by the years making us wiser and marriages that failed us. No way are we each anchoring in negative waters. We both took the last year to propel into a better life.
My phone rings and I see Jake is calling me. Jake wasn’t my divorce attorney as he practices corporate law, but I did have the guy read over what my actual lawyer did, and then when I felt this divorce finalization was taking way too long, I begged him for a favor.
Swiping the screen, I greet him.
“Good news, man,” I can hear him smiling on the other end.
“Oh yeah?” I lean against the wall with the phone to my ear.
“That drink we were going to have tonight at Matchbox can now be a celebration drink.”
Relief floods me, and I’m excited that he may have the news I have been waiting thirteen months for. “Please tell me it’s what I’m hoping for.”
“Yep. I just heard that it is all final. Your attorney should be getting the memo this afternoon. I asked them to speed up the delivery of the official letter,” Jake explains.
My hand forms a fist and congratulates myself. “This is great news. Oh man, I owe you.”
Hanging up, I immediately text Abby and tell her to stop by Matchbox with Jess after Pilates.
A part of me feels like a horrible human for wanting to celebrate the end of my marriage, but in truth this was just a practical formality. When we both signed the agreement almost ninety days ago, well, that was a hard day. A sad day, no decent human wants a marriage to end. But after that day, I just considered myself unmarried.
Putting my phone back into my pocket, I walk to the next exam room and grab the chart. Opening the door, I find Mr. Duffy.
“I heard we recruited the best,” Mr. Duffy grins as he sits on the exam table. The man is in his seventies, is sharp on features, and still drives the ladies wild.
“Of course. Now, I understand you were in a few weeks ago for blood work. Let’s have a look at those results today. Everything else okay?” I ask.
“Just the normal check-up on my diabetes. Hey, I heard you’re back on the market.”
Have to laugh to myself how the gossip mill flows amongst the older generation. “Have you been watching your sugar intake?” I begin to listen to his heart.
“My wife feeds me those disgusting fig cookies, so yes, watching the sugar,” he grumbles. “I have a daughter that might be interesting for you. A teacher.”
I give him a smile. “That’s okay. I’m taking a rest maybe.”
“Fine. But if you change your mind, let me know. Second wives are always the best ones.” The old man grins.
