Page 90 of The Single Dads Club
I huff out a sigh and start typing again.
Lexington: But a few nights before that, she said no when I asked her out, and today she said she had a date this weekend, and now I’m losing my shit.
I shift on the mattress, worried for a second I’ve said too much. But I’ve never had to censor myself around them before, so why start now?
Bryce: Spoke too soon, Les.
Lesley: How did that come up? Did she just bring it up out of the blue or what?
Lexington: I said I asked her brother what was going on with her, dating-wise—
Bryce: Why the hell would you tell her about that? Or do it at all, actually?
Lexington: Summarizing makes it sound worse than it was. It seemed like a good idea at the time, just let me finish. So I said her brother didn’t like the idea of us dating, but I didn’t care what he thought, the only important thing was what she thought. And that’s when she told me about the other guy.
Bryce: Oof, shot down twice.
Devin: I have one question for you ... when’s the last time you got laid?
Lexington: What’s wrong with you? Is my sex life all you ever think about?
Devin: Shut up and listen to me. This is very important. You need to get some post-nut clarity before you make any more decisions about this chick, or else your dick is going to keep calling the shots, and that’ll be bad for everyone involved.
I snort and shake my head. My friends are idiots, but there’s a kernel of truth to Devin’s advice.
Bryce: I never thought I’d say this, but I agree with Devin.
Devin: Hey!
Bryce: It’s obvious you haven’t been thinking clearly about this situation.
Lesley: I get it. It’s confusing that she acts like she wants you and then says she doesn’t or can’t or shouldn’t or whatever. But sometimes we get horny for people who aren’t right for us. And it seems like that’s true for both of you.
Lexington: Believe me, I know. I know I should try to move on. But I just can’t let her go.
And I know they’re just trying to be helpful, but this situation, my feelings for Corrigan are not about hormones or being horny.
Bryce: You’ve really got it bad, huh?
Lesley: I’m sorry this is so rough. I don’t really have any good advice.
Lexington: No, talking has helped. Thanks, guys ... I’ll think about it more tomorrow. For now, I’m going to have a glass of whiskey and try again to get some sleep.
• • •
“Ooh, it all looks so tasty, I can’t decide,” Mom says, poring over the café’s menu.
Gail smiles. “Your appetite’s really improved.” The hot, humid breeze ruffles our hair, and she lays one hand on the drink menu so it doesn’t blow away.
“I’m glad,” I say, part listening, part figuring out what to order for myself and Grier, and part trying to stop her from launching herself out of the high chair at the bear-like dog resting by the next table. “I think this was a good idea.”
Our original plan for today was to go over to Mom’s place and cook brunch for her, but when we found her feeling great for once, I decided,Fuck it, let’s seize the opportunity.I couldn’t remember the last time Mom and I went to a restaurant together, and I knew we’d never been on a family outing with Grier in the mix.
Not to mention, I’m painfully aware that Mom doesn’t have many more chances to do nice things like this—the three of us need to make memories together while we can. So even though I’ve spent the last two nights unable to fall asleep until unholy hours, I’m glad we’re putting in the effort.
“Doggy!” Grier says loudly.
“I know, love bug, it’s a dog,” I say. “What do you want, Gail?”
