Page 24 of After Hours

“Who is it?” I questioned as I heard a knock on my door. I wasn’t expecting any visitors today, and I really hate unexpected guests.

“Mrs. Emerson,” I called out. She was sitting in the dining room, reading her newspaper. “Can you check who’s at the door, please?” She smiled and walked off to check.

She came pacing inside. “It’s Mara, should I let her in?”

“Yes, please, and you can have the rest of your day off.”

She smiled at me. “Thank you, son.”

I smiled. Of everyone in my life right now, she was the closest thing I had to a good mother.

“Dillon!” Mara shouted. “Good, you’re cooking.”

“Mara Jane Xander-Williams, good morning,” I said. “I had no idea you were coming today.”

“I had no idea I was coming either,” she said while taking off her coat. “but here I am.”

“Are you alright?”

“Yes, Mrs. Emerson let me in. She’s so lovely.” She paused. “Anyhoo, I’m just home alone because Alex is on a trip, so I decided to stop by since it’s your slow day.”

“Why didn’t you go on the trip with Alex?”

“I’m in my third trimester now, plus do I want to see him make negotiations with women who want to screw him? Definitely not.”

“I was at my club with my intern last night,” I blurted. Secrets also aren’t my strong suit. I tell my sister everything.

“You know I hate liars,” she snarled.

“I’m serious,” I said while grabbing the eggs from the fridge.

“Fucking hell,” she squealed. “you’re back on the market now? I think she’s a good match for you.”

“This isn’t an opportunity for you to play cupid,” I warned. “It was just a conversation and it felt nice talking to her.”

“I won’t, but I think you should try to be open again. Just this once. It’s been about 10 years since the last one,” she said.

“Mara,” I said and sighed, leaning my hands on the kitchen counter. “You know my position when it comes to these things.”

“I do, but would it hurt? Did you kiss her?” I stared blankly.

“No, I did not kiss her.”

“Why?”

“We were just talking.”

“Do you like her?”

“I am attracted to her.”

“That’s the same thing.”

I sighed. Why did I tell her this again? “No, it’s not and can we drop this now?”

The issue wasn’t falling in love. I wasn’t afraid of love; the issue was finding someone real. Someone to be vulnerable with. Someone to cherish. Someone to respect. If I couldn’t find any of those qualities plus more in anyone, then what’s the point of settling down again? Nobody wants to experience pain from the same person’s factions twice in a lifetime, and that tragedy seemed to be befalling me.

She rolled her eyes. “You brought it up.”

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