Page 17 of Worth the Risk

She laughs. “Truthfully, I’ve dialed your number about ten times this week, but something inside me told me I should hit call today.”

“Guess it’s a sign then.”

A sign for what, I’m not sure.

* * *

My son givesme a stern eye as I walk back into the room, admittedly more elated than before.

“Piper?” he enquires as he tosses his bottle of water to the side.

I scratch the back of my neck, debating what to say. Then again, the fun thing about our narrow age difference is that Drew and I hang out like we’re buddies. Proven by our countless lunches, texts, and conversations.

“I’ve maybe met someone. I’m seeing where it goes,” I say as casually as possible.

He looks at me, impressed. “Oh yeah?” A grin stretches on his mouth. “You didn’t want to bring her as your plus-one?” He’s entertained, I can tell by his tone and look.

“I want to focus on you today, and there may also be one minor detail…” My face must have an awkward expression.

His eyes encourage me to continue.

“She’s slightly younger.”

Drew laughs. “And? I wouldn’t expect anything less. I mean, like what, five or ten years?”

“She’s your age.”

Now his grin is wide. “Why am I not surprised.”

My hands go out as I shrug my shoulders. “Should I be offended?”

“No. Okay, well, that isn’t a gamechanger.”

I swipe a hand across my chin. “One more thing.”

“Go on.” Drew crosses his arms as he waits.

“I need you not to mention this… it’s April’s best friend.”

Drew laughs deeply as he scratches his cheek in pure amusement. “Oh man, I needed this today. So, you’re secretly seeing your niece’s best friend? This is classic.”

“Thanks. I’m happy my romantic endeavors can lighten your nerves,” I say, sarcastic.

Drew fixes his collar and begins to walk in the direction of the door, indicating that it’s time for the big event. “I hope it works out for you. You deserve someone.”

“Oh yeah?”

Drew stops with his hand on the handle. “Yeah. I may have beaten you to the altar, but I think you were meant to be someone’s other half for a long time now, you just haven’t found that person. You’re kind of one of those annoying people who loves with all their whole hearts.”

“Again… is this a compliment?”

Or is it an unintentional flaunt, because yes, my son is getting everything I know I’ve always wanted but never had. The whole wife-and-family thing.

“It is. Lucy came back into my life when I found you. Maybe Piper is coming into your life when your dear son is starting his own family. Timing is just a coincidence, huh,Dad.”

Hit me in the heart.

There aren’t many times that Drew has said dad to me, but now I think I may just need the rest of the tissues in aten-mile radius.

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