Page 31 of The Grumpy Dad

“Oh, yeah, yes,” I nodded quickly. “But your house is much nicer.” I forgot all about the so-called Irish family I worked for.

I took a sip of the martini. It was good, not that I knew the difference between good and bad martinis, but it was good.

“You know, I never thought I’d find myself in a situation like this,” he said.

“What do you mean?” I asked, taking a sip of my drink.

“Raising a kid on my own, running a business, trying to keep everything together,” he said. “It’s not what I pictured for myself when I was younger.”

I nodded. “Life has a funny way of throwing us curveballs, doesn’t it?”

“You could say that again,” he replied. “But I have to admit, having Lily around has been the best thing that’s happened to me in a long time.”

“She’s a great kid. You’re doing a really good job with her.”

“Thanks,” he said, taking a sip of his own drink. “But sometimes I worry that I’m not doing enough, that I’m not giving her everything she needs.”

“I think you’re doing just fine,” I assured him. “You love her, you take care of her, you make sure she’s happy and healthy. That’s all that really matters.”

He smiled at me. “You know, you’re a really good listener.”

I shrugged. “I’ve been told that before. I think it’s just because I genuinely care about people.”

“I can tell,” he said, setting his glass down. “And I have to admit, I feel really comfortable talking to you.”

I looked at him, feeling a strange flutter in my stomach. “I feel the same,” I said softly.

ChapterThirteen

Ramsey

“I’ll be right back,” Dee said and got up from the chair. She walked out of the den, limping. When she returned, I noticed her walking very gingerly.

“What happened?” I asked.

“What?”

“You’re limping,” I said. “Did you hurt your foot?”

She waved it off. “I twisted my ankle when we were playing. It’s an old injury that sometimes get sore if I move wrong.”

“Oh, did you hurt it playing soccer today?”

“No, I’m sure it’s a combination of working long hours on my feet and twisting around.” She shrugged.

“Do you need to see a doctor?”

“No.” She laughed. “It’s fine. I’ll be good as new tomorrow.”

“You’re sure?” I asked. “If you were hurt playing with Lily, I should pay for the visit.”

“I’m fine.” she assured me.

“Okay, but if you need something, just let me know.”

“I will.” she nodded.

“Do you want another drink?” I asked.

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