“What about the sex, though?”
I smiled at Gavin while trying to remember that night, but most of it was a blur.
“From what I can remember, it was amazing. But we were both so hammered. I’m lucky that I even survived Jake’s wedding the next day.”
“I hear ya, man. That’s what happens as you get older. I can’t even remember the last time I got wasted.”
“We sure did have some fun in our younger days,” I said, remembering some of the bachelor parties we’d attended. “I’m kind of glad those are behind me, though. Especially now that I’ve been with Annie. I just wish she was more open.”
I popped a breath mint into my mouth.
“What makes you think she doesn’t want a relationship, though? Women who have their own businesses and are career-focused aren’t necessarily opposed to relationships, Richard. They just need a bit more lubrication when it comes to opening up. From an emotional standpoint, that is. It sounds like you had no problem in the physical department.”
I thought about what Gavin said, especially since Annie had made it clear about a year before that she didn’t want to date me. I couldn’t help but wonder if the only reason the two of us hooked up was because of how drunk we were. That moment when I accidentally bumped into her while playing pool had sealed the deal.
Deep down, though, I knew it was no accident.
“She just seemed apprehensive. That’s all.”
Gavin gave me a knowing look, the one where he arched his left eyebrow.
I let out a groan. “Alright, fine. I’m afraid she’ll go all Heather on me.”
Gavin shook his head, but I was honest with him. That’s why I limited myself to certain women. I had no intention of starting my own business, especially that late in my life. What if Annie and I became serious, and then one day she got sick of me working for my father? Women wanted a man who made his own money, not one who followed in their father’s footsteps.
“I’ve known the Belmont women forever, and they’re anything but the Heather type. You’re short-selling yourself, man. Plus, you’re almost fifty years old. Do you realize how hard it’ll be to get women to sleep with you as you get older?”
I shot him an angry look, remembering how Jake had said those same words to me before his wedding.
“Fine, I get it. I’m getting up there in age. Maybe I’ll ask Annie out to lunch or something. Maybe you’re right.” My phone rang, and I picked it up once I saw that it was my father. “Yeah, I’ll be right there, Dad.”
“Everything okay?” Gavin stood up as I did.
“I’m not sure,” I said, locking my computer. “My dad wants me in his office. Sorry to cut this short, man.”
“That’s fine, but promise me you’ll ask Annie out. Even for a cup of coffee, which wouldn’t be that weird. You guys have been friends for a while, anyway.”
I smiled and nodded, politely escorting him toward the front entrance.
After watching as Gavin pulled away, I walked down the long hallway that led to my father’s office. The carpet was maroon with gold details, and the walls were the same color. Portraits of our ancestors lined the hallway. My father often told me the same story about his great-great-grandfather, whose picture I stared at before entering Dad’s office.
Byron Truman had started a real estate company, back when he was in England. He was the one who started it all, who encouraged generations of men after him to make their own money. I often stared at his painting and wondered what my great-great-great-grandfather would say to me. Would he want me to go into business on my own, or follow in my father’s footsteps?
I walked into my father’s office and sat down across from him. Both of our offices were on the same side of the building, which meant that we both had the same view of River Valley. He was hunched over his desk, squinting through his eyeglasses to read the fine print on a document.
“You wanted to see me?”
“Yes,” he said, putting his glasses down. “First of all, how’s your day going? Productive?”
I nodded. “I got the Martelli contracts finalized. And then Gavin stopped by.” My father lifted a brow but didn’t look at me. “He didn’t stay long, though, Dad. Just a few minutes to chat about the wedding.”
“He lives on the other side of town.”
I nodded. “Yes, of course, but he goes to River Valley Dental and just had a root canal done.”
“Ugh,” Dad groaned, then leaned back and put his hands on his big, hanging belly.
Even though my parents bickered quite a bit, she fed him well.
