Page 158 of The Single Dad

Cole takes a casual look around the lobby, from the glass windows in the cafeteria area—painted with colorful handprints, which are new—to the front doors. “I thought I’d give back to the community,” he says.

“What do you mean?”

“This young man has just bought the community center,” Lenny tells me, his eyes gleaming. He’s practically jumping up and down in excitement. “The whole building, and our trademark.”

I blink, taken aback. “He what?”

“We were just talking about our expansion,” Lenny continues.

“Expansion?”

“That’s right,” says Cole. “We’re going to be adding a new wing onto the building, and taking on more staff. Growing the reach of the center, and incorporating some new programs.”

“Are you serious?”

He nods. “That’s not all, either.”

“Do you want to tell her, or should I?” Lenny asks.

“Go ahead.” There’s something unreadable in Cole’s eyes. Anticipation, maybe?

“There’s room in the budget to add several new positions,” Lenny tells me. “And there’s no one we’d rather take on than you. We’re hiring a social worker, full time. The position’s yours, if you want it.”

My mouth drops open. Stunned, I look between him and Cole, not sure if this is real, or if I’m still in bed, dreaming.

“You do want it, right?” Lenny presses.

“I…” I stare at Cole. He nods slightly, as if encouraging me. I clear my throat and turn back to Lenny. “Of course! Yes, of course! I’d love to work here.”

Lenny beams, and a small, understated smile spreads across Cole’s face.

“Perfect,” says Lenny. He reaches out to shake my hand, then, in his exuberance, shakes Cole’s hand again. “If you’ll both excuse me, I have some paperwork to get through in my office. Mr. Sullivan, once again… I’m looking forward to working with you.”

“Likewise,” Cole replies. “It was nice to meet you, Lenny.”

Lenny trots off to the back hallway, leaving the two of us behind. I glance over to the receptionist’s desk, and see that the volunteer sitting there has vanished as well. From the office, I hear the sound of the copier running.

Cole and I are alone in the lobby.

I’m not sure what to say to him at first. I suppose I should be thanking him. This is the most unbelievable thing anyone’s ever done for me… and I’m certain that he did this for me, as much as he claims it was just charity.

There were a thousand places he could’ve channeled this money, and he chose the community center that I’ve poured my heart into. He chose the place that would give me a career, ending my days stuck at the restaurant.

That’s definitely not an accident.

I clear my throat, trying to find the words to express my gratitude. But before I can speak, he does, his voice soft.

“Riley.”

There’s a plaintive edge in his tone, beseeching. I catch my breath.

“I want you back,” he says quietly, though his words ring out clear in the open lobby. “I want to make this real between us.”

Instantly, my heart leaps. My mouth almost betrays me; I can feel the words on my lips, so do I. I have to bite them back before I can regret saying them.

It’s true, to a certain extent. So do I. I want nothing more than to have Cole, and for Cole to have me. For the feelings between us to be fully realized. To end this stressful, painful dance for good. To admit that I’m in love.

But…

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