Category : Books-Fiction

Sub Category : Romance

“I Love being a single mom, but it’s definitely different when you’re dating.”  





Danelle, One.

      It’s all about the penis song. I just had to rent the unrated version, I just had to fall asleep through it while Cassidy watched the whole thing. “Sigh”, I had rented The Sweetest Thing from the video store last night, not realizing there were two versions, I just grabbed one. After working all night I had been tired and had fallen asleep during the movie. So when Cassidy told me she liked it, I had decided just to go out and buy it. Apparently, I hadn’t bought the right one because when I got home from the store and sat down to watch it with my daughter, she said

“Mom this isn’t the right movie. Where’s the penis song?”

“What penis song?”

“Mom there was a penis song.”  

Now here I am standing in Grocery World’s movie section holding a six pack of beer and looking for the unrated version of the movie. It’s the first Friday of the month and that meant girl’s night out. Cassidy went off to one of her friends’ house to spend the night while my friends are coming over for our normal drinks and a movie. Our usual Friday night out consist of junk food, bad movies, and good beer. I grabbed the movie and headed to check out where I stood in line wondering, why it is that no matter when you go to the store it always seems to be packed; and why do they put in twenty checkout lines when they only ever have five of them open? After about fifteen minutes I finally left the store. The whole way home I get to listen to and sing along with songs that if I didn’t have a sixteen-year-old daughter I probably wouldn’t know. I don’t much care for the music that plays these days but having a sixteen-year-old meant knowing all the words to all the latest music because she controls the radio. By the time I got home, showered and changed my friends were at the door. Being best friends with three women for seventeen years meant they didn’t bother ringing the doorbell. They just walked into the house and waited for me in the kitchen. I walked into the kitchen to find Kelly, Courtney, and Sasha dressed in tight outfits and high heels.

“What are you girls wearing? You don’t look dressed for a movie night in.”

Kelly smiled, “We’re taking you out tonight. We decided it’s time to get out and have some fun.”

“Yes, we want to go out and meet some sexy men,” Sasha said with a slight Hispanic accent.

“Come on guys, I don’t need a man and I don’t even think I have anything to wear out.” I picked up a beer and took a long swallow.

“Danelle you haven’t been on a date since before Cassidy was born,” Courtney said.

I thought back to my last date. I had told my boyfriend that I had some news to tell him. He took me out to pizza and a movie and before he dropped me off at home I told him that I was pregnant. He didn’t take it very well. He yelled at me that it wasn’t his, that I had been cheating on him and he wasn’t going to take care of me or the child. He dropped me off at home and I never saw him again. Seven months later I made friends with these women. We had met in Lamaze class and have been friends ever since. I looked at my friends now and shrugged my shoulders.

“Fine, let’s do it.”

The girls practically cheered. We went up to my room and went through my closet. Sasha pulled out a dark purple knee length, sleeveless, V-neck dress that I hadn’t even known I owned. I pulled on the dress let my hair down and put on a little makeup. Kelly tossed me some strappy black heels and we headed out the door. We drove to the downtown area and parked a block away from a hot spot called the Underground.

      When we walked in the music was pounding and people danced around the band that was playing. There were a few tables around the bar so we took a seat and ordered drinks. I looked around the place taking in everything. There were many different types of people. Some danced, some stood around talking, but they all seemed to be dressed the same. Guys in t-shirts and jeans. The girls in tight tops and even tighter bottoms. Once our drinks arrived we headed out to the dance floor where we bounced around to the music. I was trying to follow the other girl’s movements which consisted of shaking their hips to the music and bouncing at the same time. I’m not the most coordinated person on the planet, so while I was trying to dance I ended up bumping into someone and almost spilled my drink on them.

“Oh, my I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to.”

I stopped talking because when I turned around and looked up at the person I bumped into I found a sexy man looking down at me. He wore tight black jeans and a Beatles t-shirt that was stretched tight across his muscled chest. His eyes are a dark brown and his hair cut short and almost black. My mouth dropped open as I looked at him. I quickly closed it and blushed, he smiled at me.

“Not a problem.”

I went to step away from him but was crowded by a bunch of dancing people. I looked around to find that my friends had deserted me. I spotted Kelly across the room giving me a thumbs up.

“Are you with someone?” the man asked watching me closely.

I shook my head no and then nodded yes. I heard a deep chuckle come from his chest.

“Well which is it yes or no?” he asked with a grin.

“Ah, yes. I’m here with some girlfriends.” I tried hard to say it without sounding nervous. His smile seemed to brighten and he held out his hand.

“Would you like to dance?” he asked.

I nodded and put my hand in his. He handed my half empty beer bottle to a waitress and led me to the middle of the dance floor. With all the people around us, it was hard not to bump into him. After the third time, he put his hands on my hips and brought me closer to him. One of his legs slipped between mine and he pulled me closer to him so his leg rubbed against my core. Our hips moved to the music which had gone from a fast techno to a slower beat. I put my hands on his shoulders and looked around. It seemed like there were only couples out on the floor.

They were all close. Almost touching their partners. Some even rubbing against each other. I’ve never danced like this before, this close to another person. Then again my last dance was at my high school prom where we had to stand at arm’s length and sway from left to right. He dropped his head down close to my ear and asked if I was okay. I nodded my head and he chuckled again. I could feel the vibrations in his chest against mine. My body started to feel warm all over. I wonder if it was just from being around so many people or if it was coming from him. A shiver ran through my body at the idea that he could give off so much heat. My chest brushed up against his and I felt my nipples harden in response. Another shiver ran down my spine.  This time I shook with it. He bent his head to my ear again and asked

“Are you okay? You looked flushed.”

“Fine, just a little warm.”

“Let’s get you a drink.”

He took my hand and led me to a table. I took a seat and watched him walk away. Pressing my hands to my cheeks to try and cool myself down; the man came back with two bottles of water and handed one to me.

“Now that we can talk, why don’t you tell me your name?” he asked before taking the cap off his water and drinking from it.

I watched as his throat moved with each gulp. I took a gulp of my water before answering him.

“Danelle. And yours?” he gave me a slow smile and held out his hand.

“Lucius Martinez. It’s nice to meet you, Danelle.” I took his hand and gave it a shake. “So what brings you to a place like this?” he asked between sips of his own water.

“My girlfriends thought I should get out of the house.“ he laughed at that. His laugh was deep like thunder. My body shivered again.

"Whys that?”

“They think I need to start dating.”

 

“I’m not sure going to a bar is the best way to meet good guys. When’s the last time you were on a date?”

I thought about how to answer that question and decided to tell the truth.

“It’s been about seventeen years.”

Luc almost choked on his water. He couldn’t believe that the women is beautiful.

“Seventeen years?” I nodded. “How has a beautiful woman like you not been out on a date in seventeen years?” I blushed.

“I just never got into it,” I answered not really wanting to get into it.

We sat and talked for what seemed like forever but after a while, my girls came over and told me it was time to head out. I didn’t really want to go but I knew it was best that I did. With a smile, I said good bye to Lucius and walked out to the car with my friends.



Lucius 

I left the bar with my friends around one in the morning. This was the first time I had really enjoyed myself at a bar. Usually, when I get dragged out to one by my buddies I stand around at the bar nursing a beer and watching whatever game was playing on the TV. Tonight was different though. I had seen the four women enter the bar but my eyes had stayed on Danelle. I knew in that moment that I had to get to know her. She looked out of place and shy when she first entered but once I got her to dance and talk with me she warmed up. I still can’t believe she hasn’t been on a date in seventeen years. Where had the women been hiding, in a cave? She was beautiful, smart and funny. It’s a shock no man had snatched her up. I drove my drunk friend’s home. I dropped Keven off at his house and took the other two back to their hotel.

       When I knew the guys were safely back in their rooms I went back to my own, dropping my clothes on the back of a chair in my bedroom and falling into my bed wearing nothing but my Scooby Doo boxers. Laying against the pillows, I thought about Danelle. Her long fiery red hair that could only be natural. No stylist could ever get that color out of a bottle. She had big blue eyes and soft light skin, an amazing body for a woman who had to be in her early thirties. I ran a hand over my face. She had a beautiful smile and an adorable laugh, I had discovered that I could read everything she was thinking from her facial expressions. We had talked about books, sports, music, and movies. I had realized she was a rounded person and had an opinion about almost everything. Though I liked that about her, I couldn’t think of the last time I had just sat and talked with a woman and had an amazing time. My eyes closed and a vision of the women appeared in my dreams.

 

Danelle 

 

I was up making pancakes when Cassidy walked through the door. She dropped her bag by the couch and sat down at one of the kitchen table chairs.

“Hey, mom. How was your night?” I set a plate of pancakes fully loaded in butter and syrup down in front of my daughter.

“It was fun. How was yours?” Cassidy shrugged

“It was ok.”

“What’s wrong honey? Didn’t you have fun with your friends?”

When I became friends with Courtney, Kelly, and Sasha we had ended up raising our daughters together. Cassidy, Alex, Jessica, and Emily had become friends and stayed friends over time.

“I guess,” Cassidy said with a shrug. “They’re just different from me. They’re beautiful with these tiny bodies and little clothes. I know I’m nowhere close to being overweight, but I’m not thin like they are, and I tend to wear baggy stuff. I guess I just feel out of place with them anymore.” Cassidy said while stuffing her mouth with pancakes. I sat down next to my daughter and looked at her.

“Honey unlike them, you’re not a stick. You’re curvy young women. You are the most beautiful girl I have ever seen and there is no reason why you should feel like you don’t belong. You’re growing older. So it’s normal for you to like or want to do different things and that’s okay.” Cassidy took after me with her red hair and light skin tone. She had an hourglass figure and was an average height.

“Mom, you’re my mother and you’re supposed to say things like that to me but I know you’re right. I know I’m beautiful, but I also know I’m different from them. I like food and reading and school. When they like makeup, boys and low-calorie foods that have no taste.” I got up from the table and ruffled my daughter’s hair.

“Honey I wanted to talk to you about something.” Cassidy took a big bite out of her pancakes before saying

 "Yeah, mom, what’s up?“ I handed her a napkin.

 "Don’t talk with your mouth full. It’s gross.” I sat down again and said, “How do you feel about me dating?” Cassidy swallowed.

“Mom that’s great! You haven’t dated since before I was born!”

I shook my head, I couldn’t believe my daughter knows how long it’s been since I had been on a date.

“Mom if you want to start dating, does that mean I can too?” Cassidy asked while looking down at her empty plate using her fork to play in the syrup.

“Is that the reason you never go on a date with a boy? Because I don’t?”

“No that’s not it.”

“Then why haven’t you started dating?”

“I don’t know. No one ever asked me and I never really knew how to talk about it.“ I smiled at her.

"Then yes you can start dating too.” Cassidy took her plate to the sink before turning around and looking at me.

“Mom if we’re really going to do this than we should do a complete make over. New clothes, a new look, everything.” she watched as I thought the idea.

“That sounds like a great idea. When would you like to go?” Cassidy thought it over.

“How about today?”

“Today should be fine, I have to go to work for a couple of hours, but when I get done I’ll pick you up and we can go.” Cassidy smiled and ran off to her room leaving me to clean up the kitchen. After I finished cleaning up I headed to my room to change for work. It was surprisingly warm for October. So the weather was still nice, I pulled on a gray shirt with pink sleeves and a pair of clean jeans and pink converse shoes. Grabbing my work bag and keys, I stopped in Cassidy’s room to say goodbye. She was dressed in a baggy hello kitty tank top and light blue leggings. She wore a large teddy bear necklace that hung low against her shirt. She sat on her bed packing her purse full of skittles and suckers.

“Where are you off to?” Cassidy looked up from what she was doing.

 "I’m going to go to the movies with Emily. She wants to see a scary movie and I said I would go with her. There’s a two o’clock showing, so I should be home by the time you get home from work.“

"Okay, have fun and bring me home some popcorn.” I handed Cassidy a twenty and gave her a kiss on the cheek before heading out the door.

I always go to work on Saturdays to catch up on paper work. That way I don’t have so much to do during the week. I work as an executive assistant for my best friend Keven Sanders. He is a good boss and a really good friend who owns his own construction business. I don’t just sit around the office and take calls for him all day, I also go to the building sights and design some of the houses he builds.

When you walk in you see the waiting room. The walls are painted a light blue, two large tan couches sat across from each other, a glass coffee table dividing them. Photos of some of the houses Keven built hung on the walls. My desk sat off in the corner of the room; there are two doors in the office, one off to the right that led to Keven’s office and one off to the left that leads to a small restroom. I sat my things down on my desk and headed into Keven’s office to get all the paper work I have to do. Coffee in one hand and a stack of manila folders in the other and I was ready to go. I was an hour in and a fourth of the way done with my stack of papers when I heard Keven’s truck pull up. The darn thing was so loud you could hear it coming down the street. I pulled out another cup and fixed his coffee the way he liked it. A spoon full of sugar and some french vanilla creamer. He walked in the door and I handed him his coffee.

“Hey Danny, have I ever told you that you work too hard?” I smiled at him and laughed.

“Every day for the past sixteen years.” Keven sipped his coffee and gave her a hug.

“How was your weekend?” he asked taking a seat in front of my desk. I shrugged.

“It’s been fine. What about yours?”

He grinned. “Went out with some buddies of mine last night and had a good time.”

“Any one I know?” I asked.

“No, they’re old friends from high school. They’re deciding whether they want to move out this way and came up for a visit. Two of them are on their way here now. The other one has some work thing to do but we’re meeting up with him later.”

We talked for a while about work and Cassidy. Keven has been in her life since she was a baby. I had been taking college classes and was running late to one while pushing a crying baby around in a stroller and trying to dig through my back pack when it fell open and all my stuff came tumbling out. Keven had seen the whole thing and headed over to help. I ended up missing the class and going out with him for coffee instead. We had hit it off pretty well and had become good friends. He told me about his plans to open his own company. So after a couple of months, I switched my major, got a three room apartment with him and that was that. He helped me with Cassidy and we worked together on school work. When we graduated he moved down to Columbus to start up his business with a friend from high school. I would send him sketches of houses and he would pay me for them. Which made it easy for me to raise Cassidy. He came up and spent every holiday with us and after a few years when his company was doing well he moved back to be close to us. That’s when I had started working in the office.

 Two men pulled into the parking lot and came into the office. Guessing they were the friends Keven had told me about; I poured them each a cup of coffee and handed it to them as they walked in.

“See guys, didn’t I tell you she was the best,” Keven said from his office as they walked in. I blushed and held out my hand to the two new guys. “Danelle this is David Anderson and Thomas Michelson,” Keven said introducing the two men. My eyes widened at the last name.

“Oh, your Kevin’s partner. You run the office in Columbus.” Thomas smiled at me.

“Nice to know that I’ve been talked about. It’s a shame we haven’t met before this, but this is the first time I’ve been able to get time off to come visit.”

“Oh, how long will you two be staying?”

“We’re not sure. We’re waiting for our friend to get out of a meeting.“ David said.

"We’re meeting up with him later. There really isn’t anything for the good Doctor to do in a construction office.” Thomas said.

 "What is it that you do David?“ I asked confused on why he was there.

The man clutched his chest as if he was in pain.

"I’m wounded, Kevin. She knows about Thomas over there, but not about me?” He took my hand in his and brought it to his lips of a light kiss.

“I’m a lawyer, mostly based out of Texas. Keven and I go way back and he’s trying to talk me into expanding out this way so I can work with him.”

I nodded. “Well, I hope everything works out.”

Keven smiled at me. “We won’t be staying very long. I only wanted to show them the plans for Salem’s lot.”

I smiled and went back to work.

I left work around 3 pm hoping to relax for a little bit before my shopping trip with Cassidy. My house is a small three bedroom, windows cover the front of the house with a large porch that comes down to a small circular deck. There is about a yard of grass before you hit the sand and open water. I walked up the steps to the front door and went into the living room. I set my work bag on the small glass kitchen table. The rooms were small but I’ve always felt that the scenery made up for it. I laid down on the old black leather couch in the living room, picking up a book to read.

“Mom wake up! Hello! Mom!” I woke up to Cassidy tapping my shoulder. I wiped the drool from my mouth and sat up.

“What time is it?”

Cassidy dropped down next to me on the couch.

“It’s five, I told you when I would be home.” She laughed at me. I put my arm around her shoulders.

“I guess you did. Are you ready to go?”

“Yeah, I’m just waiting on you.”

“All right I just need to grab my purse and we’ll be off.“


Danelle 

 

The drive to the mall took about an hour, the whole way there Cassidy talked about how excited she was to change her style. When we entered the mall we ran off to the first store we came to. We took our time choosing outfits and deciding on what we liked. I asked for help from a couple different girls who worked in the boutiques. They brought us a pile of different tops and bottoms, dresses, shoes and other things. Hours passed as we laughed and played around the mall. We didn’t just try on things we wanted to buy but tried on things that made us laugh and looked funny. Cassidy put on a fashion show for me and I’ll I could think about was how beautiful my daughter is. It was dark when we left, the parking lot was almost empty. Cassidy and I struggled under the weight of our bags as we piled them into the trunk of the car.

“I swear we went through every store in the mall,” I said as we piled into the car.

“What should we do for dinner?” Cassidy asked. I thought for a moment then said one word.

“Mexican” Cassidy laughed and agreed before turning up the music. We rocked out all the way back into town, we had fun on our little trip and were excited to shock our friends with our new style. I thought about all the clothes I had at home. They were mostly plain t-shirts and jeans. I had the one dress I wore out to the bar but other than that I really didn’t own anything sexy, I’ve had always gone for conferrable. I thought about everything I bought while I pulled into our favorite restaurant.  

Jimenez Familia Restaurant. In other words the best Mexican food in the state. Sasha had opened the restraint when the girls were ten. She took an old brick building and turned it into a Spanish style restraint. The outside was painted in a pink color and flowers bloomed under the windows. Funky little knickknacks and beautiful photos covered the walls. Potted plants hung from the ceiling and sat in different places all over the place. Cassidy and I arrived at the restaurant to find it packed. We had to drive around the parking lot twice before we found a parking spot and headed in. When the girls turned fifteen Sasha had given them jobs. So when we walked in and found Jessica manning the front desk and seating people we weren’t surprised. Sasha thought it would be fun to make the staff dress up in cute costumes. So the girls who were too young to serve alcohol wore big puffy pink, green, orange, blue and red striped skirts and a white puffy dress shirt. Jessica had a little Mexican hat on and a red rose choker around her neck.

 

“Jessica you look so cute.” I laughed when Jessica rolled her eyes.

“Hey guys, would you like to be seated at your table?”

“Yes, thank you, honey.” She took us to a table in the back, it was quite big for two people but the table was set aside for us. Sasha had decided to take one nice size table and all ways leave it empty so if one of us dropped in and the place was packed we had a place to sit. Eliza, one of the older girls who worked there stopped at the table. She wore a tight green skirt and a tight white shirt that was a little too open at the top. She had a holster around her hips that she carried one or two beer bottles in.

“Can I start you off with something to drink?“ she asked with a smile.

"Can I please get a corona with a lime and were going to get the burrito platter.” She wrote down my order and waited for Cassidy to tell her what she wanted.

“I’ll have a virgin strawberry daiquiri and could we get the volcano cake?” Eliza nodded and headed off to turn in our order. Cassidy reminded me to call Courtany in the morning to make an appointment with her for tomorrow afternoon. We decided if they were going to do this they should do it right.

The service here was quick so it wasn’t long before we got our drinks and food. The burrito platter was a large hot plate filled with chicken, steak, soft and hard tacos, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese. We started with that and then dug into the volcano cake. The volcano cake was a nice sized chocolate cake that oozed hot chocolate filling. They put two scoops of french vanilla ice cream on the plate along with chunks of pineapple, apples, and strawberries. As we dug into the cake Sasha came out of the kitchen and sat down with us. She always wanted to know what we thought about her cooking and for as long as we have known her she had never made anything bad. We talked with her for a while not telling her about our makeover idea. We want everyone to be surprised so we decided to keep it a secret. I left Sasha and Cassidy talking about work schedules and new menu designs and headed to the ladies room. On my way out I bumped into Thomas. He was sitting at the bar and had caught my arm when I walked by.

“Hey Danelle how it going?” he said as he pulled me closer to him.

“Oh not so bad, how about you?” Thomas smiled. He had a nice smile bright and white.

“Where having fun. This place is great. I haven’t had the food yet but I love the atmosphere.”

“Yeah, it is. Sasha is an amazing cook, so you’ll love the food.”

“You know the chef?” Thomas asked I nodded.

“She’s an old friend of mine. She also owns this place. I can introduce you if you would like.”

“That would be nice. I would like to tell her how great this place is.”

“So what are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be with Keven and David?” I asked while Thomas ordered us a beer.

“I’m meeting them here. I was just lucky and got here first.“

"Why does that make you lucky?”

“Because I get to spend my time with you while I wait for them.“ I gave him a sly smile and took my beer from Kyle the bartender.

“I’m sorry but you won’t get to spend your time with me.” He chuckled

“And why’s that?” I got up from my seat on the bar stole and waved goodbye to Kyle.

“Because your friends are here and I need to get back to my table.” With a smile and a flip of my hair, I walked away from him. I saw Cassidy give me a thumbs up as I walked over to her. We paid for our meal and collected our things so we could head home. We waved goodbye to Sasha and Thomas who blew me a kiss from across the room. I blushed and pushed the door open to leave when I ran into something hard. I backed up and looked up to see what I had run into.

 

Lucius 

 

I stumbled a little when someone hit me in the chest.

“Oh gosh I’m so sorry.” a familiar voice said. I looked down to see that Danelle had run into me. She looked up at me and shock crossed her face. “Oh dear,” she said when she recognized me.

“It’s you, the women from the bar.”

“Women from the bar. Is that what you and the girls do when you go out?” I looked behind Danelle to see a younger version of her standing off to the side looking at us.

“Cassidy could you meet me out at the car please.” she handed Cassidy the car keys.

“Can I drive home?” She nodded.

“Yes, that fine.” Cassidy smiled and ran off to the car. Danelle looked up at me

“I’m sorry I didn’t mean to run into you again.” I shook my head

“No, its fine. I just seems that we keep running into each other.” she blushed

“Literary. I ah have to go, it was nice running into you again.” before she could walk away I grabbed her arm

“Could I get your number? Maybe we could get coffee sometime?” Danelle smiled and pulled a small white card out of her purse.

“Here’s my card. My cell number is on the back.” I took it from her and watched her walk away. I looked down at the card she had given me and grinned.

“Sanders and Michelson Construction.” I laughed and headed to the table where my friends were sitting. “Hey, guys.”

“Lucius, glad you could make it. How was your interview?” I sat down next to Keven and told him how my interview had gone.

“I told them I would need a few days to think it over but I think I’ll take them up on their offer.” David laughed at me.

“It must be hard being a big shot doctor,” Keven said with a laugh. A waitress walked over to us with a big smile. She popped out a hip putting her long legs on display and bending over in some contortionist like fashion to show off her big breasts. She handed each of us a menu.

“Can I get you anything?” she said kind of slow and almost like a whisper. I looked over the front of the menu.

“A bud light will be fine thanks.” I didn’t look at her, just opened the menu. The other guys ordered and laughed when the waitress walked away in a huff, her heels clicking agents the stone flooring, our drinks were brought by a different waitress.

“I’m sorry about Alexis. She thinks she’s hot stuff and doesn’t take it well when people or men disagree.” We all laughed.

“She was hot,” Thomas said.

“Yeah, smoken.” David agreed. Keven smiled

“She’s just barking up the wrong tree. Where just not interested.” the waitress smiled

“Well I’m Jamie, and I’m happy to get you whatever you need.” We ordered our dinner, some enchilada plate with all the fixings. A couple of beers in and I decided to ask about Danelle.

“Do you guys know a Danelle Hook?”

“Yeah, she’s the best. Right, Keven.” David said with a grin. Keven punched David in the shoulder and looked at Luc.

 

“I know her. Why?” Keven thought of Danelle and Cassidy like a family and was very protective over them both.

“I’ve run into her twice now. Once at that bar, we went to last night and now here as I was walking in.“ Keven took a long sip of his beer.

 

"No, not my Danny, she doesn’t go to bars. I don’t think she’s ever been to a bar in her life except the one in this restraint. Her friend Sasha owns the place. So Danny comes here a lot with her daughter.”

“So that’s who that girl was. I should have guessed she looked just like her.” I said out loud. What did Keven mean by his Danny? Something twisted in my gut, jealousy? Maybe? I had never been jealous before and I didn’t like it now. Thomas nodded

“I saw Danelle when I first got here, bought her a beer. I didn’t know she had a daughter though. I didn’t see her, so maybe she wasn’t here.”

“She was here.” I had been surprised when I saw the young girl. She looked just like her mother. Keven smiled

“That girl is something. She’s extremely smart, straight A’s and advanced classes. She works here as a waitress and comes in with Danny to the office from time to time to help her with some work.“

"What do you mean to help with work?” I asked

“Oh, Danny works with me. She like my right-hand women, she does paper work, comes up with beautiful home designs, some other things too.” I nodded

“So how do you know them?” I asked and hoped I had said it in a nonchalant kind of way. Keven sat back in his chair a look of joy and laughter crossed his face. Right then I could tell Keven loved them.

“She is a beautiful, smart, funny, hard working women.” Keven thought back to when he first met Danelle. “I was in my second year of college when I met her. She was trying to dig through her book bag and push a stroller through campus. I was watching her when all of a sudden her books fell to the ground and her baby started crying. I didn’t see any one running to help so I went over to her. She was running late to a class and didn’t want to go with a crying infant, so I asked her out to coffee. We became good friends. She didn’t have any family, only a small group of friends she made when she had been pregnant. At the end of the year, we got an apartment together. I would watch Cassidy for her while she worked or went to class. When we graduated I told her I was going down to Columbus to open a construction business with a friend from high school. I offered her a job designing houses. That way she could stay home with Cassidy and still make a paycheck. I lived in Columbus with Thomas for what five years? I would drive up here for every birthday and holiday. One we were big enough to expand I moved back up here to be closer to them.” Keven sighed and took a swig of his beer.

“If it wasn’t for her single mom’s club than I would have moved them down to Columbus with me.”

“Single moms club?” It sounded like some weird TV show. Keven laughed

“Yeah, it’s Danelle, Sasha, Kelly, and Courtany. A group of single mothers who got together in Lamaze class. They each have daughters. Danny has Cassidy, Sasha has Jessica, Kelly has Alex, and Courtany has Emily. They’re all still friends, even their daughters are friends.” Things got quite so Keven switched the conversation to sports and I leaned back in my chair. I just couldn’t seem to get Danelle out of my head and found it weird that it didn’t bother me that she had a child.

 

Danelle 

 

“So, mom who was he?” We were half way home and every two minutes Cassidy would ask who the hot bar guy was. That’s what she called him, the hot bar guy.

“Concentrate on driving,” I said for the fifteenth time.

“Come on mom if you don’t tell me who he is I’ll just have to make something up.”

I gave her my evil eye look “Don’t use the evil eye on me it won’t work.” I laughed at her imitation of the evil eye.

“Okay. On girl’s night Sasha, Kelly, and Courtany dragged me out to a dance club. I bumped into him and we talked. That’s all”

“I think he likes you.” I looked over at my young daughter.

“Do you think so?”

“Yes, mom I do.” I smiled.

“I gave him a card. Do you think he will call?”

“I bet on it.”  When we got home we carried in all our stuff.

“Go to bed honey will go through the bags tomorrow after our appointment.” I hugged my baby and kissed her head.

“I love you, mom.” Every time she says that since she was a baby it warmed my heart.

“I love you too honey.” she closed her door and I went to my room. The walls are painted a pale green with a tan carpet. The curtains, chairs, pillows, and sheets are all a darker green while the dresser and bed frame is a black wood. I sat down on the ottoman at the foot of the bed and started digging through the bags for Pj’s. We decided pj’s can be any way we wanted them so I got some sexy ones along with some comfy ones. I pulled out a soft pink pair that had long pants and long sleeves. Different types of ice cream were printed on them. I grabbed the new soap and lotions I bought today and put them away in the bathroom. Finally done I curled up in a bed and instantly fell asleep.

      The alarm went off at 9 am. I rolled out of bed and jumped in the shower, the shampoo I bought is called midnight path. It smelled good and made my hair so soft. The body wash and lotion smelled like apples, I put on my new pink wonder bra that pushed my boobs up really high, higher than they’ve ever been. I’m not really one for sexy underwear but now that I’ve had tried it on, I never knew how sexy it could make you feel. I put on a pair of tight skinny jeans and a tight lacy white tank top, with a blue, tan and white striped cardigan. Finished and liking what I saw in the mirror I headed to the kitchen to find Cassidy poring herself a bowl of Count Dracula cereal.

“Wow, mom. You look… Wow.” I laughed and put my hands on her shoulders.

“You look so good, honey.“ Cassidy had on white jeans with a silver belt and a tan shirt that was tight around her body, lacy selves fell around her arms, and her boots matched the color of her shirt. She twirled for me showing off her new look.

"I feel pretty, I can’t wait to show off my new look.” we talked about how we wanted to get our hair done. I put my bowl in the sink and turned to look at my beautiful sixteen-year-old.

“How do you feel about getting your own car?” I saw this huge grin spread across her face.

“Really? My own car!” she practically jumped up and down. “Mom that would be amazing!” I smiled

“Okay, will go look at cars after our hair appointments.

“Thanks, mom. Love you.” Cassidy bounced in her seat. “Let’s get going.” I laughed at my eager daughter. Grabbing my keys and work bag and we headed out the door.

“I have to stop at work, Keven needs me to do something for him.”

“I don’t know how that man would ever get along without you, mom.” We both laughed at that.

When I dropped Cassidy off at Kelly’s her friends were waiting for her in the driveway. I watched as Cassidy slid out of the car and walked over to the girls. They surrounded her, all I could see was smiling and laughing coming from them. With a smile, I drove to work. When I arrived I found Keven’s truck parked in his usual spot. Walking in I called out to him.

“Hey Keven, I’m here would you like some coffee?” I called as I walked in.  Thomas stepped out of the office while I was setting my stuff down.

“Keven’s on the phone right now but…Danelle. You look amazing.” I turned to look at Thomas a blush on my face.

“Thank you.”

“Do you always dress like this for work?” I shook my head no and looked down into my coffee.

“It’s new. A change I decided to make.” I heard Keven get off the phone, without looking up from his papers he walked out of his office.

“Danny that was the Russel’s they want to do a walk through one of our show houses. Would you mind doing that today?” When he finally looked up at me he was stunned. All he could do was stare. “God, Danny.” I laughed and turned in a slow circle.

“Is that all you have to say?” Keven ran his hands through his short hair.

“I really don’t know what to say. I’ve never seen you dressed like this before.” I frowned and pursed my lips.

“So you don’t like it?” Keven looked me up and down twice.

“You look great but jeez Danny I’ve known you for sixteen years, why are you changing now?” I shook my head.

“I’m not changing, just my look is. I haven’t been on a date or even been with a guy since I got pregnant. Cassidy’s growing up and won’t be around much longer. I want things to change.”

 

Keven, Thomas and I took a seat in Keven’s office. I told him about my night out and how I realized that I wanted to find someone to share the rest of my life with. That I had talked to Cassidy about it and we both decided to make a change in our lives.

“So you’re doing all this for male attention?” I ran my hands through my hair.

“No, Yes. I want love Keven, and I would like it if I had your support.” Keven held up his hands in surrender.

“Okay, you have my support. But I can’t promise I won’t be the protective older brother to you and the over protective uncle to Cassidy.” I got up from my chair and walked around the desk to give him a hug.

“I wouldn’t expect anything less.” I smiled at him and started walking out of the office before turning around and saying

“Keven, later tonight I’m taking Cassidy to get her first car. Would you like to come with us?”

“Yes. I wouldn’t miss that and besides, I can’t have my girl riding in some foreign POS you might buy her.” with a laugh I left the office and got ready to head over to one of the show houses to show the Russel’s around. They were a nice young couple just married and starting out. As they walked through the house they told me there plans for each room. It was two hours later before I was turning into the parking lot at the office. I sat in my car for a little while just thinking about everything. The Russel’s where so happy, you couldn’t help but be happy for them. But I wished I had that, the love and excitement that they had. While I was drifting off in space someone knocked on my car window. I looked up to find Lucius standing next to my car. Opening the car door I got out and smiled up at him.

“Hey, what are you doing here?” he stared down at me. I watched him look me over twice. “Luc?” I said and snapped my fingers in his face; He looked at me.

“Ah… I’m here to see Keven.” I smiled at him.

“Looking at houses?”

“Ah yeah. Actually and he’s an old friend.” walking into the office I put my stuff down on my desk before walking Luc over to Keven’s office. I knocked on the door frame and announced that he was there before letting him in. As he walked passed me to go in his arm brushed across my breasts. I sucked in a breath and turned closing the door behind me. Leaning agents the closed door I breathed a sigh.




Lucius

I had felt the heat from Danelle’s body when I had brushed agents her. After she left the room, closing the door behind her I gave Keven a, what the hell look.  

“Does she always dress like that?” Keven laughed, I don’t see what’s so funny, my heart almost stopped when I first saw her. She had on the tightest jeans I have ever seen; they hug her curves like a second skin. The tank top she wore was tight agents her body, the soft fabric hugging her curves. The outfit its self-wasn’t sexy but the way the lace of the top hugged her breasts and the jeans held her ass. It was mesmerizing.  

“So she is the same Danny you met. And no that’s a new look.” I took a seat in the chair across from Keven.

“Why is she changing her look?”

“I asked her that very question. She says she looking for love and wants to look her best.”

“So what is she going to do start dating every Tom, Dick, and Harry that she runs into?” Keven shrugged

“I guess. Thomas wants to take her out, I know that.” with that comment I got up from my chair and started to pace. I didn’t like that idea at all, but what bothers me most is why don’t I like that idea? Why does the idea of her dating bother me so much?

“You don’t like the idea of her dating do you?”

“I barely know her. So why do I feel like punching the next guy who looks at her?”

“You should ask her out, you obviously like her.”

“No, no I’m still dealing with the divorce.”

“How’s that going by the way?” I sat back down.

“How do you think it’s going? She keeps asking for more money, showing up at the hospital and in my home without warning.”

“Did you ever think that maybe she doesn’t want this divorce?”  I shook my head

“It doesn’t matter. I want this divorce. I caught her cheating with a coworker, I can’t forgive that.” Keven handed me a coke from the mini fridge that he kept under his desk.

“I’m sorry man.” I shook my head

“Let’s talk about the house. Why don’t you show it to me?” Keven nodded and pulled out photos and blue prints of the house they had built. “The house is beautiful, I love the lot. When can I see it?” Keven looked over the large calendar that he keeps on his desk and then checked the time before pressing a button on his phone. Before I knew it Danelle was walking through the door.

“Danny, what do you have going on for the rest of today?”  Danelle checked her watch.

“I’m only here for an hour and then I have to leave to pick up Cassidy. We have an appointment and then after that, I’ll call you so we can go to the dealership.”

“What about tomorrow?”

“I only have a few things to do in the morning, but they won’t take me long. Why? What’s up?” Keven leaned back in his chair.

“Could you take some time tomorrow to take Luc to see his house?”

“I don’t see why not, is noon okay?” I nodded and watched her head out of the office; I got up and followed her. She picked up her work bag and car keys and headed for the door.

“Danelle wait.” She stopped and looked up at me. “I was wondering if tomorrow before we go see the house if you would want to go to lunch with me?” She smiled.

“Sure, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

                                                             


Danelle

I smiled at Luc and walked out to my car, I could feel the heat of his stare on my back, shivers ran down my back. I really hope tomorrow’s lunch goes well.

“So have you two decided what you want to do?” Courtney asked. Courtney’s the cosmetologist of the group; she owns a small salon in town. The white house looking building sat on a small hill, wood steps leading up to the front door. The walls are painted silver and accented with purple curtains and pillows. White chairs and couches made up the waiting area. Big sky lights in the ceiling filled the salon with beautiful natural light.

“I think I’m going to have you put in some short layers, big sweepy bangs and I want to darken up my red a little.” Courtany grinned at me and took me over to her chair to get started. One of the nail girls took Cassidy over to the nail station and started on her nails, after about two hours we switched. Cassidy changed her hair big time, she took her waist long hair and cut it into a cute stylish bob and then colored it a dark red. When we were done Courtany took our photo for her scrap book.

“You two look amazing.” Cassidy and I smile at Courtany and said good bye.

We decided to stop at home to wait for Keven so we could go to the car lot. Cassidy decided to change her shirt out for a lacy white tank top and a gray crochet sweater. By the time we were ready to go Keven was knocking on the door. We opened the door and he looked shocked. We moved passed him and closed the door.

“Where did my little girl go?” He hugged Cassidy to him. “ You’re growing up too fast.” He said it with so much drama that both Cassidy and I laughed.

“Uncle Keven stop, you know I’ll always be your little girl.” While we talked another car pulled into the drive way. “Mom who’s that?”

“I have no idea honey. Keven?” Keven had a sheepish look on his face. “Well, the guys wanted to come to.” Three men got out of the silver car and walked over to us. “Cassidy let me introduce you, this is Luc, David, and Thomas.” As he said each name she shook each guy’s hand.

“It’s very nice to meet all of you, now if you don’t mind I would really like to buy a car.” Everyone laughed and we climbed into our cars.

                                                               


Lucius

I’m having a great time tonight with my friends, Danelle, and her daughter. Being out with a group made getting to know Danelle easier. I tried not to stare at her but every time I looked over at her I saw her flush. After Cassidy picked out her car and all the paperwork was done we all headed out to dinner.  We were all having a good time talking about nothing when Cassidy asked why Keven and Danelle never got together. I was taken aback for a moment but then questions like why haven’t they gotten together? And did they get together once and it just not work out? Or do they secretly love each other and neither of them know? Keven called Danelle his Danny and called her honey. Jealousy overcame me, I want to call her honey and hold her hand, and I want to call her mine. But I can’t, not yet. I still have to get through my divorce and get Maggie out of my life. When I married Maggie it was out of family obligation. Her family was having money problems and my father asked me to marry her to help them. I was twenty at the time, now I’m thirty-seven with no children and getting a divorce. I sat at the table retreating into my own mind when Keven decided to tell Cassidy why he and Danelle were only friends.

“Come on Uncle Keven tell us.” Cassidy insisted. Keven sat back in his chair and looked at Cassidy and smiled.

“Well, your mom and I had been friends for a while when one night while you were sleeping your mom and I kissed.” Keven looked over at Danelle and they smiled at each other. “There wasn’t a spark. No fireworks. So we stayed friends and over the years you have become my family. I think of your mother like a sister and you like a daughter.” Keven took a sip of his beer. “I always thought it was sad that your mother and I never clicked in that way. I always thought we would have made a good couple but it just wasn’t meant to be.”

As the night finished and we all started saying good bye I watched as Keven gave Cassidy a kiss on her forehead and gave Danelle a long hug. Danelle looked up at Keven and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

“I’ll see you tomorrow.” She said to him and walked with her daughter to Cassidy’s new car. When they were gone from sight we took a seat at the bar and ordered another drink.

“So have you decided to go after her yet?” Keven asked me. I nodded and took a sip of my whiskey.

“After seeing all the guys staring at her and watching her kiss you…” I shook my head. “I wanted to throw her over my shoulder and walk out of here with her. First thing tomorrow I’m going to call my lawyer and have him settle. Then all I have to do is get her to fall in love with me.” Keven put his hand on my shoulder.

“That won’t be hard, I think she’s half way there already.”

I woke up early the next morning and called my lawyer.

“Andrew its Lucius, I want you to settle.”… “No, I don’t care what it takes. I just want this to be over.” … “Thank you.” With that, I hung up and headed to the bathroom. I took my time with my shower and dressing. I wanted to look good for my meeting with Danelle. I couldn’t wait to see what new outfit she would wear today, I’m also excited to spend time with her alone. Hanging out with a group last night was fun but I want to get to know her one on one. I want to know what makes her blush and what her favorite color is. I want to get under her skin. I was pulling on my jacket when my phone started to ring. “Hello?”… “What do you mean she’s not ready to settle yet?” I can’t stand my soon to be ex-wife, all she does is cause problems. “No I don’t want to see her Andrew just settle It.” with that I hung up and headed for the door. Once my divorce is final I’ll never see or hear from her again. Before getting into the car I decided to make one more call. “Administrator Frank please.”… “Frank, I’ll take the job. When do I start?” with everything falling into place I walked into Keven’s office with a skip in my step.



Danelle

I stood in my closet wearing nothing but a towel. I have no idea what to wear today, I want to look professional for work but I also what to look sexy for Luc. In the end, I decided to go with the sheer light blue long sleeve button down and light blue lace tank and dark tan skirt. I slipped on some nude heels and light make up before going to the kitchen. Cassidy stood at the counter dressed in gray flats, skinny jeans and a silver off the shoulder top.

“Wow, mom, hot date?” I smiled.

“Not really, I’m going to lunch and showing Luc a house.”

“Oh Luc,” she grinned at me. “I hope it goes well.”

“What do you think of him?”

“Well I think he’s a nice guy and he’s best friends with Uncle Keven so he can’t be that bad.” We both laughed and she nodded at me. “I think you should go for it mom.” I kissed my beautiful daughter and headed off to work. Keven has two meetings this morning so I was on the phone for most of that time with new and potential clients. I waved to him and tried to end my call.

“Yes, Mr. Hummel we will have the specs and design plans ready for you Wednesday.” I hung up the phone and turned to Luc. He looked good in his jeans and navy shirt.

“Are you ready to go?” I nodded and grabbed my purse. We ended up stopping at a steak house for lunch. We talked about his work and about Cassidy. After lunch, we headed over to the house.




Lucius

 

I knew the moment I saw it that the house was perfect. The yard was fenced in with a black iron gate. A brick pathway leads from the sidewalk up to the front door. The house is a green tan color with a porch made up of white and tan bricks. I unlocked and opened the big oak door. We walked through the house slowly going through every room. Each room was light and colorful, windows in every room lit the house in sunlight.

“I love it.” Danelle smiled.

“I’m glad. It’s one of four that Keven let me design.” I looked over at her amazed.

“You designed this?”

“Yes I did, last year Keven had me design four special houses. At first, I didn’t know who they were for but now I think he had me design one for each of you.” I smiled.

“I don’t doubt it, this is the first and only house that he’s shown me.” I looked over the large back yard and sighed. “I guess he knew that this would be the perfect place for me.” we headed back to the office and I took Luc into Keven’s office. Without a word, Keven handed Luc the paperwork for the house and Luc signed it. I headed back to my desk when Luc stopped me.

“Danelle?”

“Yes?” he tucked a stray hair behind my ear.

“Have dinner with me.” it wasn’t a question but it wasn’t demanding either.

“Give me a good reason.” He grinned at me and took a step closer. Catching my chin between his fingers and thumb he brought his lips to mine. I gasped and he took advantage taking the kiss deeper. I moaned and he pulled me, hard agents, him. His hands tightened on my hips and my arms wound around his neck. I can’t remember ever being turned on by a kiss before. I started to feel hot and wet. Luc lifted his head and ran his thumb over my bottom lip. “Yes,” I said in almost whisper.

“Good, I’ll see you tonight.” He said with a smile. He shouted a good bye over his shoulder to Keven and left. I took a seat in my chair and touched my lips.

“Good kisser hugh.” I jumped a little at Keven’s voice.

“Keven you startled me, don’t do that.” He grinned

“But it’s so much fun.” I smacked him on the leg.

“He’s a good guy right?”

“Yeah, he’s a good guy but he also has baggage just like you.”

 

“What kind of baggage?”

“I think he’s the one who has to tell you that.” He got up from sitting on my desk and put his hand on my shoulder. “Have fun tonight okay.” He squeezed my shoulder and headed back to his office. I was excited for my date with Luc tonight but I’m also worried. What scars does he have?

When I got home I found Cassidy sitting at the kitchen table with a boy.

“Hi, honey, who’s your friend.” He’s a cute boy, thin with shaggy blonde hair.

“Mom this is Cody. Cody this is my mom Danelle, were partners in a science project.” I put my stuff down and walked over to them.

“What are you working on?” Cassidy and Cody out right grinned.

“Where trying to figure out how to pump electricity from a pumpkin and light up multiple light bulbs.” I have no idea what to say to that so I decided to change the subject.

“How late will you be staying Cody?” Cassidy smiled at me.

“I invited him to stay for dinner. We were going to order pizza and watch movies after we get some of our project done.” I nodded.

“Okay honey, do you mind if Luc and I stay and watch movies and eat pizza with you?” Cassidy jumped up from her chair.

“You have a date with Luc! Mom, that’s great. Cody, do you mind if we hang out with my mom and her date?”

“No, I don’t mind.” He said and smiled at Cassidy who grinned back at him. I called Luc to make sure it was ok with him if we stayed in. I just hope he under stands that a single mother to a teenage daughter can’t just go out on a date while her daughters home alone with a boy. After my call, I headed to my room to change into jeans and a light sweater and then went back to the kitchen to order pizza. I watched as my daughter and Cody bent their heads over a piece of paper muttering and writing things down. They grow up so fast and moments like this you realize that. It feels like yesterday that I was holding my newborn in my arms and crying because I was filled with so much love.

Luc showed up with some movies at about the same time as the pizza. We had fun playing card games and watching the movies. At about nine Cody got a call from his parents and had to head home. He said goodnight to Cassidy and told her he would see her at school. Luc helped me clean up the food while Cassidy put her things away and went to bed.

 

“Well it wasn’t the night I had planned when I asked you out but I had a good time all the same.” I looked over my shoulder at Luc and smiled at him.

“Thank you for letting me change the plans.” He walked over and put a hand on my cheek.

“It’s not a problem. If Cassidy was my daughter you can bet they wouldn’t have left my sight. Cody seemed like a good kid though.”

“Yes he does but he’s still a boy and we both know what all teenage boys have on their minds,” Luc smirked and lowered his head until he was close to touching my lips.

“The same thing grown men have on their minds.” He brushed his lips against mine before he settled in and reall