The heat beat down on his head, but the rushof cool air once opening the front door relieved him. Lance greetedSadie in the hall, who was pinning a flyer to the board.
“Lance.” Her eyes beamed. “I didn’t expectyou today.”
“I just flew back from New York.”
Sadie rubbed her bump. “Why are you here? Iwould get some rest.”
Lance stared at her stomach, but diverted hiseyes back to her. “I wanted to stop by. I won’t stay too long ifyou want to get rid of me.”
She giggled. “No, I’m glad you’re here. Wehad uh... an incident.”
Lance raised an eyebrow. “Like what?”
“Zane. He’s in the office. He started afight.”
Lance wrung his hands together. “Want me tohave a word with him?”
Sadie gestured to the room. Lance walked overand opened the door, noticing the eleven-year-old boy sitting inthe corner. His knees were to his chest and his head hung low.
Lance knocked on the door. “Can I comein?”
Zane didn’t answer.
Lance inched closer. “I heard there was afight. Want to talk about it?”
“No.” Zane didn’t look at him, but Lancecould hear the pain in his voice.
Lance sat on the vinyl floor across from theboy, cross-legged. How could he not see himself in Zane? Wanting toshut out the world. Wanting to get away and be his own person. Hecouldn’t relate to Zane’s situation fully, but he could try.
“This wouldn’t have anything to do with yourdad, would it?” Lance tried again.
Zane didn’t respond.
Lance leaned in closer. “You can talk to me,Zane. You know that.”
The boy wiped his nose. “He left. Mom sayshe’s not coming back.”
Lance’s skin prickled. He never understoodsome fathers abandoning their children. “I hate to hear that. Isthat what started the fight?”
Zane nodded. “Andre said my dad didn’t wantme. I hit him.”
Lance rubbed his chin. “I’ll have a talk withAndre, but you know that’s not true. I’m sure your dad lovesyou.”
“You sound like my mom. She said he’s goingthrough a lot and needs time. But...”
“But what?” Lance asked.
“Did I do something? Did he leave because ofme?”
Lance shook his head. “I don’t believe that.”He sighed. “Adults do things sometimes that kids don’t understand.I think the best thing you can do is to be there for your mom.”
Zane nodded.
Lance gave a slight smile. “So, how about yougo to the restroom and clean your face. I’ll have a talk withAndre.” He held out his fist, and the boy bumped it with his.
Zane got up on his feet and walked into thehall. Lance met Sadie outside the door.
“Nicely done,” she said.
Lance smiled. “I try.”
“I think you will make a great dad one day. Ihope Andrea knows she’s getting a catch.” Sadie patted his arm andwalked back to her desk.
Lance released a deep breath. Him. A father.He rubbed at his neck, ignoring the constricting in his throat.“I’ll be back. I need to talk to Andre.”
***
Sitting at the bar, Lance watched as blenderswhirred with colorful concoctions. Customers talking over sports,laughing, along with the clinking of ice in highball glasses filledhis ears. He detected nachos and hot wings in the air, but settledfor a nearby bowl of pretzels.
A guys’ night was a good way to unwind. Hedidn’t have to think about work. Andrea. Chantelle. He could relaxwith his friends.
He had blocked out Sadie’s words. I thinkyou will make a great dad. After talking with Andre, he had thetwo boys shake hands. By the time Lance left, the boys were playingbasketball again on the court outside.
Was that a sign he could be a good parent? Hedidn’t know. Lance sipped from his glass. The cold liquid relievedhis dry mouth.
“Feeling better?” Grant asked, slapping himon the back.
“Sure.” Lance bobbed his head.
His friend on the other end of the bar,Craig, rubbed at his buzzed haircut. “I got news. I may propose toSylvia.”
“There goes another one,” Pete said, clinkinghis glass with Craig’s. “Am I the only one pledgingbachelorhood?”
Grant pointed to Lance. “He did and look athim now. Nailed himself a supermodel.”
“I’ll toast to that,” Pete said. “Andrea isgorgeous.”
“Get your own woman.” Lance joked, knowinghis friend meant no harm.
“Does she have sisters?” Pete asked.
Lance shook his head. “Only child.”
“All this time…” Craig said, “I thought Lancewould marry Chantelle.”
Choking on his drink, Lance coughed at thecomment. They didn’t know the full story. Not like Grant did. Craigand Pete knew of his past relationship with Chantelle, but not themarriage or the baby. He had Grant swear to secrecy despite ittesting their friendship.
Grant patted his back. “What are you tryingto do?” He asked Craig. “Kill the man?”
Craig raised his hands in a surrenderedgesture. “They were close at one time, but if she’s not taken,maybe—”
“Didn’t you say you would propose to Sylvia?”Grant asked.
Craig pointed to Pete. “I was talking aboutthis guy. Perhaps she can get him to settle down.”
“She’s gorgeous too.” Pete smiled.“Sweet.”
“She’s off limits,” Grant said.
“That’s not fair!” Pete exclaimed.
Lance swallowed his drink in one gulp.Chantelle with another man. A burning sensation took over hischest, and his muscles tightened. He figured she had dated, butshe’d been out of sight. He didn’t live in Chicago, so he didn’thave to see her with another man. Dating one of his friends? Howwould he accept that?
He wanted her to be happy. She’d been throughenough. If he was moving on, she could too and yet... he knew deepdown she would always be his girl. Lance would never admit it toAndrea.
“I guess someone already beat you to it,Pete.” Craig pointed out as his head gestured to the booths on theother side of the bar. The group spotted Chantelle sitting acrossfrom another man. Lance’s lips parted.
“I guess there’s that,” Pete said.
“Since when does she know Javier?” Grantasked.
“Javier?” Craig replied. “He used to work atthe car dealership in town. He’s cool.”
“What does he do now?” Pete asked.
“An artist, I think.” Craig added.
Lance ignored the pain in his clenching jaw.If only Chantelle didn’t throw her head back with laughter. DidJavier reach
