Page 43 of Surprise Baby for Daddy's Best Friend

The old man furrowed his brow and leaned back, "This lady friend. She your age?"

I snorted. I knew she was much younger than me, but he was the first to question it, "She's definitely half my age."

"Then there's more fun to be had for you. Plenty of energy to do all the fun, and if you like her, then there's something good about her. The bonus is that your daughter already likes her. Makes it easy to bring her home for dinner."

"Maybe. But first I have to find the courage to speak with her again."

"What branch did you say you were in, boy?"

"Navy."

He crossed his arms and closed his eyes, "I don't know much about you sea boys, but I know your lot was tough back when I was in. So you can handle these rough waters for a little while longer."

"Yeah, you're right," a surge of energy passed through me as I sat up. Speaking with him just made me feel more at ease, like I was back on the ships once more with Maurice by my side. "Thanks. I really appreciate it."

I slammed my card on the counter for the bartender to take it.

"You sure you want to pay for everyone's drinks?"

"Positive. It's the least I can do for the free therapy."

He smiled and tilted his head forward, "Pleased to serve with you, boy. Now go find that girl."

I sat at the lone table, anxiety filling every piece of me. It had been years since I had spoken to Sarah and even longer since I had seen her face to face. I wasn't even sure I knew what she looked like anymore. I downed another glass of wine and sucked in a deep breath in anticipation for her arrival.

She walked into the restaurant wearing a dark blue dress that complimented her olive skin. She was just as beautiful as the day I married her, but the sneer on her face told me everything I needed to know about how she felt about me. She sauntered to the table and glared at me.

"Well?"

I stood up, to let her sit first. She complied with her nose stuck in the air.

"That's more like it. Maybe these last few years taught you how to be respectful again."

I mumbled something about her not learning to stop being a bitch under my breath.

"What?"

"I said they should be bringing our drinks here soon. I know you like a nice chardonnay with your steak."

She humphed and crossed her arms. "So, what did you want? Ready to start paying alimony?"

"No. We signed a prenup. You agreed that no contact was perfectly fine after the divorce."

"And yet here we are." She spread her arms out, "So, where's my money."

I rolled my eyes and slid over a small envelope with a thousand dollars in it, "Here. As agreed, five hundred dollars for every hour you're forced to see me." I gritted my teeth.

She counted the money before giving me her attention again, "Good. So, what do you want?"

"Well, what I wanted was for us to come to terms with one another." I tried not to raise my voice, I didn’t want others to hear us. Having an audience would keep me in check. I knew if I were alone or in a more private area, I would start yelling almost immediately.

Sarah let out a soft grunt and leaned back while turning her head from me, "And if I don't want to come to terms with you?"

I clenched my fists and gritted my teeth. She was getting to be too much, "Then if you don’t, I'll accept you came here for a free meal just like how you married me for a free leg up in the world. I didn't have to marry you back then. If anything, you were a nobody and should have stayed that way."

She stiffened. If her eyes could kill me, I doubt I would have survived uttering another word. "How dare you--"

"No. How dareyou?" I pointed to her dress. "Just because it has your designer name on it doesn't mean you deserve it. I was the reason that business even became a well-known brand to begin within the city. Be glad I decided to let it slide and didn't run your business into the ground when I had the chance."

---