Page 56 of Silver Fox Single Dad

“Or maybe we can go to his house. I haven’t seen that,” I suggested.

“Oh, I like that idea. Then, I’ll get to see his room.”

“Right.” I gave her another hug and stood up. “Good night, honey. I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Good night, Daddy.” I watched her snuggle under the covers as I stood at the door for a few seconds, and then I turned out the light.

Maybe things were looking up. But as I checked my phone and saw I still hadn’t heard from Cassie, I wasn’t so sure. The next day, I didn’t go into the office. I had a few meetings with the editor of my article among other people, and I wanted to meet with a doctor friend for lunch. As I walked up the steps into his hospital, I stopped when I saw my ex-wife Joyce coming out, a friend on her arm.

She looked almost the same, only smaller, with her bright, red hair and big, black sunglasses and trendy outfit. I had the idea to jump off the edge of the steps into the side garden, but she saw me before I could do that.

Slowly, she came towards me, letting go of her friend’s arm, pulling down her sunglasses as she did. When I saw her face, I could tell she was sick. Her skin was pale, with a little yellow tinge, and she was thin and drawn, new lines forming around her eyes and mouth.

“Joyce,” I said. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

“I’m sure you didn’t. But didn’t Jason tell you I was sick?”

“Yeah, he did. I’m very sorry to hear about that.” I put my hands behind my back, looking for something to do with them, feeling more awkward than I had in a long time.

She snorted. “Yeah, I’m sure. It works out just great for you, though, having Jason back in your life, thinking you’re not so bad after all.”

I sighed. “Look, Joyce, Jason’s an adult and can do what he wants. I didn’t do anything to bring him back, although I’m glad he’s around again.

I so did not want to have that conversation ever but especially not on the front steps of the hospital when I had to meet someone.

She lifted a brow, and I could tell she hadn’t had her usual Botox in a while. “I heard about you,” she said, lifting a finger and touching me on the chest.

Her voice was not as strong as it once was, and her eyes were a little bit hazy. “What do you mean?”

“That you’ve hit on my friend, Sandy. That you left her high and dry.”

“Ha!” I burst into laughter and shook my head. “I can’t believe she told you that. In fact, she came around to me, and I told her to go. That’s about it. I had no interest in her and still don’t.”

She shook her head, narrowing her eyes. “I doubt that. I know what kind of women you like. There’s more, Brad. I heard you were also going for a younger girl. Her daughter, was it? So she tells me.” She grinned, and it didn’t reach her eyes. Her smiles never did. “Can’t face the fact that you’re getting old, huh? I guess you always were used to younger models. Don’t kid yourself, though. Your time will run out.”

She gave me another smile, a little wave, and then was gone. I watched her walk away in total disbelief. I shook my head, chuckling a little at her vindictiveness and the lies Sandy had told her, but then my smile faded.

Even if she’d been acting unkind, she’d still spoken the secret words I’d spoken to myself. I was far too old for Cassie, and I was overreaching. Maybe it was for the best that she kept away from me, and I should follow suit.

It would be the best for everyone, especially her.

* * *

CASSIE

Work was easy that day. It was Friday, and I was craving the weekend, even though I’d taken three sick days already. Brad wasn’t there, and he was planning to be out all day, or so Stevie had told me, so when I was done my shift, I went right home.

Jane and Derek were already there, packing things up, along with her brother, Parker, but Sadie was still at work.

When I came in the door, Jane wrapped me in a hug. “This is the end of an era!” she said, tears in her eyes.

“I know, but it’s a good thing, right?”

“Sure is,” Derek said, wrapping an arm around Jane’s waist. “How are things going for you, Cassie?” he asked.

Derek was dark and gorgeous while Parker was light and gorgeous. My friends had done quite well for themselves, while I clearly continued to struggle along.

You just refuse to talk to Brad, even though he’s been calling you.

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