Page 13 of The Pursuit of Her Happiness

“He picked up Marco and Enzo?” I bite the inside of my cheek in frustration and simply nod. My ex-husband, Joe, is a good man. But he’s troubled. He’s got mountains of shit to work through and that means he’s self-absorbed sometimes. In Sal’s defense, Joe has forgotten to pick up the boys more than once. Luckily, today is not one of those days.

In the car, Sal picks through my music library, and proceeds to sing very off-key toKaleo. My ears might bleed, but I love listening to my boys enjoy themselves. “You have a date tonight?” He asks when we’re almost at his dad’s.

“I do.”

“Why are you dating?”

I consider his question, “Well, I like being in a relationship, I miss it.” I give him a moment, “Does it bother you that I’m dating? And not dating your dad?”

“God, no! I love Dad, but you deserve better, Mom. Someone should love you.” I blink back some tears. That was sweet. “And that person should not be Dad or Ford.”

“Then you’re in luck, because my date isn’t with either of them.”

“You should date Polk.” I nearly choke on my tongue, definitely not expecting that response.

“Polk? Why?”

“He’s a veterinarian. He rides a motorcycle. He’s smart. And he’s really nice to me and Marco and Enzo. And he looks at you all the time.”

“He does not.” My face feels hot all of a sudden. Polk is…he’s incredibly handsome. Boy-next door, All-American, and loves animals. What’s not to like? But the idea of him being attracted to me is absurd. I’m not being hard on myself, I am pretty and possess several wonderful qualities. But I’m also realistic. I’m 36, divorced, mother of three, with thinning hair, and extra weight around the middle. Ford’s delivery could have used some finesse, but it doesn’t make the sentiment any less true. I’m not most men’s ideal, and certainly not young, virile, gorgeous motorcycle club members.

“Mom.” I snort, his tone conveying disappointment, frustration, and a little pity. God, he’s my child through and through. I pull into the parking lot of Joe’s apartment. When we divorced, he insisted I stay in the house with the boys, and he’d move out. I wasn’t gonna argue or point out that I had no intention of uprooting my boys. Sometimes, it’s best to let men believe something is their idea. “He stares…all the time. You’re too busy cackling with the other hens to notice.”

“Boy—”

“Sorry, I shouldn’t have said that.”

“Quit listening to Buck.”

He glances at me with an impish grin. “Never. Bros before ho—honest, hardworking, wonderful women.”

I open my door and scowl at him over my shoulder as I get out, “Nice save.” Sal races up the sidewalk and holds the door open for me. We take the elevator up to Joe’s floor and step out. Before I knock, Sal spins around and puts his hands on myshoulders. He’s 12 and not much shorter than me. Where does the time go?

“Have fun tonight. I love you, Mom. We want you to be happy.” I crush him to my chest and sway us back and forth.

“I love you too. You and your brothers give me so much joy. I’m happy, kid.”

“You could be happier. Someone to love you andkissyou.” He gags on the word. So dramatic. “Just like we could be happier too with something fluffy—”

I push Sal away from me. “We’re not getting a dog!”

“Worth a try.” He shrugs, then knocks on his dad’s apartment. Joe answers a few moments later. He smiles at me, drags Sal into a hug, then pushes him into the apartment to find his brothers. “Bye, Mom!”

“Bye. Behave yourselves!” I lean against the doorjamb and smile at Joe. “What are the chances that’ll happen?”

“With our boys? Slim to none.”

“Marco and Enzo give you any trouble during pick up?”

“Nah, perfect little angels.” We both chuckle at the absurdity of that statement. “Heard you got a date tonight?” I nod, unsure how he’ll react. “I hope he’s worthy of your time and attention.”

I nearly fall over in shock. “Therapy going well?”

Joe dips his chin, “Yeah, it is. I mean it, Quinn, you deserve someone who is good to you.”

“Joe…you were good to me too, once upon a time.” I lean in closer, “You deserve to be good to yourself.”

A bark of laughter escapes him, “I’m assuming that wasn’t a masturbation joke.” My eyes widen in alarm, I hadn’t even considered it could be taken that way. “I’m getting there, slowlybut surely. Have fun tonight and be careful. You need anything—”

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