Page 117 of The Problem with Dating

I wondered what Yara was doing back in Honey Creek.

I was counting down the hours until she joined me in the morning.

After the rehearsal, we all headed to dinner at one of the best Italian restaurants in town. The spot had a cigar lounge inside, and after the meal, James tapped me on the shoulder and asked if I’d like to join him, Noah, and the other groomsmen for a smoke while the women shared a few glasses of wine and gossiped.

I agreed, taking my glass of whiskey to the other room.

“How have you been?” James asked as an employee brought out a tray of cigars. We sat beside one another in large, leather chairs that looked like thrones. The lighting was moody, dimly lit, and puffs of smoke could be seen from all viewpoints. “I know it’s been a while since we’d last chatted, and well, after the talk we shared I thought I would’ve been at your wedding to my daughter,” he explained.

“Funny how things change.”

“Funny, but not funny ‘haha’ more like funny ‘what the hell, Catie?’” We picked out our cigars, and James lit them for us. “That’s my daughter for you—unpredictable. Still, that unconditional love has me locked in.”

“That’s a good thing. I wished my parents had that skill.”

James gave me a sad smile before taking a puff of his cigar. He’d known the situation with my parents and how they’d abandoned me. Hell, we’d had a handful of heart-to-heart conversations about how I shouldn’t have let that define me, and that I was a person worth sticking around for. I would’ve really fucking loved to have that guy as a father-in-law. Noah was a lucky bastard when it came to his soon-to-be in-laws.

“Are you doing good, though? Noah was going on and on about how successful your new spot is. I’ve been meaning to check it out but…” His words faded off. I understood. It would’ve been crossing a line. “Well, all I really wanted to say is I’m proud of you, Alex. You’ve got a strong head on your shoulders. I wish I’d had your drive when I was your age.”

“I appreciate that, James. I do.”

“Now, I know I’m not supposed to say this, but fuck it, I’m old. I can say whatever I want.” He leaned in and nudged my knee. “Henry is a piece of shit and I think my daughter lost her mind letting you go.”

I chuckled. “That’s the whiskey talking.”

“No, no. I mean it. Sarah and I talk about it all the time. That scumbag has nothing compared to you.”

“Well, he does have about thirteen successful restaurants around the world and a crap ton more money than me.”

James waved a dismissive hand. “Who cares about that stuff? That doesn’t mean anything. He can’t take those things to the grave with him. Besides, he’s missing the biggest thing that you have in spades.”

“And what’s that?”

“Honor. You’re an honorable guy. I always respected that about you.” I snickered a little, uncertain how to take the compliment. James must’ve noticed my discomfort, so he stood from the chair. “I won’t keep you. I just wanted to let you know that Sarah and I still think about you all the time. She still says your name during her prayers at night, too.”

“Thanks, James.”

He rubbed the top of his head, messing up his fluffy white hair. “Not a problem. And for the record, Alex, it would’ve been an honor to call you son.”

I gave James a halfgrin and nodded goodbye as he walked away.

After he was gone, all I could think about was how I’d want to share that odd conversation with Yara. Heck, I wanted to share everything with that woman.

I pulled out my phone and shot her a text message.

Alex:How’s my Feliz?

Yara:Shouldn’t you be off socializing instead of on your phone?

Alex:Momentary break. Is he okay? I miss him a little.

She sent a snapshot of her with Feliz on her chest sleeping.

Yara:We miss you a little, too.

We miss you.

I didn’t know it could feel so good to be missed by a dog and a woman named Yara.

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