Page 17 of Forfeits

“I’m sorry, sweetie. He does seem like a cool guy,” I said, ruffling Cocoa’s neck fur. She made a soft groan and laid her head back down.

I felt guilty to be keeping something from Lucy, but all I’d done was give the guy my business card. He might never even call me. He was probably way too cool for me, anyway.

Just before I went to bed that night, a text came in from an unknown number.

Hi, Lucy’s Dad. It’s Aiden. Is this a bad time?

I immediately smiled then felt sick to my stomach. I pondered what to say.

Did you forget my name again?

Lol. I was trying to be cute. Can’t help it. Blushing face.

You don’t have to try. Call me Fletcher. Please. I’d like to forget I’m Lucy’s Dad when I’m talking to you.

Laughing face emoji. I’d like to forget you’re Lucy’s Dad, too. Even though she’s spectacular.

Well, we agree on that. Look at you, using punctuation and capitals in your texts, just like I do! It’s refreshing to text with a grown up!

I am a teacher. May I just say, you have…very nice sentence structure, Fletcher Marin.

I gave a soft laugh, my thumbs tapping.

You as well. Very…smooth and…good rhythm.

Lol, thanks. Are we…flirting?

God, I hope so. It’s been a long time.

Can we get together? Soon?

Oh wow, okay. He was asking me out. And what’s more, I was thrilled…and terrified. But it was good to feel strong emotions about something other than memories of my previous life with Daniel.

I’d like that.

Tomorrow? I’m free for dinner.

I think I can get that to work.

* * * *

Thank God Patrick was free. When he arrived, he gave me a look that demanded an explanation.

I shrugged. “What? I have a date.”

He and Lucy exchanged a glance.

“That’s awesome,” Patrick said.

“A date!” Lucy exclaimed.

“Yeah. Just some guy I met…online.” I really didn’t want to tell Lucy who it was, because it might not go further than this and I didn’t want her to be invested—or pissed off, or whatever her reaction would be.

“Online?” she said, gasping. “Are you sure that’s safe?”

I stared at her. “Well, I’m over forty. I think I’ll be okay. I’m meeting him at a restaurant.” God, I hated lying. But I couldn’t tell her it was Aiden. Not yet.

Her eyes went wide. “Wait! Are you going to have casual sex, Dad? Did you meet him on Grindr?”

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