Page 54 of Fierce-Dane

“You did. I’m glad because I get one monthly too. Not always with her, though I love her, but it’s hard to fit into her schedule with mine.”

“She is very busy. I scheduled a second one and then at the end we were walking out together as the last two in the building. I made a comment about getting something to eat and she did too. Before I knew it, I suggested we do it together.”

Chloe rubbed her eyes as if there was a tear in it. “I’m so proud of you.”

“Very funny,” he said. But he was pretty proud of himself too.

“Continue. You got something to eat and it’s late I’m sure. She closes at eight.”

“We just went next door to a cafe. We talked and found out we had a lot in common. I told her I was adopted.”

“On the first date?” Chloe asked. “I’m speechless how this happened.”

He told her more about their conversations and how she knew about his divorce and the kids. “I know you won’t say anything. I shouldn’t say this to you, but I trust you to keep this to yourself.”

“Oh boy,” she said. “That tells me it’s something Mom might not like.”

He snorted. “I’m sure she’d have something to say about it, but I don’t want her to know. Not even that we are dating right now. It’s only been a few times.”

“Enough for you to tell me so you feel something fairly strong.”

“That’s an understatement. She was born into a cult.”

“Not what I thought you’d say, but we are the last people to judge where we were born. Why would you think Mom would?”

“I don’t know. I guess you’re right, but for now, I’d like to keep that quiet.”

“It won’t come from my lips. Can you tell me more or not?”

“Since I know you won’t say anything, I’ll let you know what I do.”

He explained what he knew.

“That’s impressive what she made of her life. I’d never know. I mean she’s got it all together. That is what I see when I look at or talk to her. She’s very friendly and open. But I guess she doesn’t talk much about herself.”

“No,” he said. “I even said that. I felt at a disadvantage, which is why I think she told me what she had.”

“You feel a connection to her, don’t you?”

“I do,” he said. “I didn’t even feel one this fast to Mel.”

“Don’t compare. You were young and we know how that all turned out. I know you beat yourself up over it all the time.”

“Dad,” Tiffani yelled. “We want to go down the slide. We’ll put our vests on.”

The kids had life vests too and could go in the water without him if his sister agreed.

“I don’t have a problem with it,” she said. “They will be safe and we are right here.”

The kids loved the slide last time, but he was in the water with them.

“Five minutes,” he said. “Aunt Chloe and I are talking and then I’ll come in with you. I promise.”

He couldn’t bring himself to let them in alone just yet.

“So I’ve got five minutes to find out anything else I can,” Chloe said. “Other than how you feel. She’s seen Tiffani before.”

“She has. They didn’t formally meet, but she said she talked to you when Mom and Tiffani were with you.”

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