Does that sound selfish?”

“No, of course not,” I said. “You deserve to be happy.”

“I agree. Do you remember what I said to you at Jessie’s birthday party? I said we needed to talk. Do you remember what you said?”

“I said I’d like that.”

“Exactly. And I was hoping you’d call me.”

“I realized that much later.”

“I know. I brought it to your attention. And yet you still didn’t call.”

“You’d gone back with Michael. I wasn’t sure the offer still applied.”

“It did. And…it still does. Would it put you in an awkward situation or make you feel uncomfortable if I asked you to meet me someplace so we can finally have that talk in person?”

The angel on my shoulder said: Absolutely not! It wouldn’t be appropriate.

But the devil on my other shoulder said: This is Nicki Hill, the goddess you’ve blistered your dick fantasizing about for the past eight months.

The angel said: Your son loves this woman with all his heart and whatever you say next will have major implications on your future and everyone you love. Do the right thing, David: don’t disappoint God.

After weighing both sides of the argument I said, “I’d be thrilled to meet you, Nicki. When and where?”

Scum that I am, my mind was in overdrive, hoping she’d name a hotel. On the one hand, that would be the most exciting thing that’s happened to me in a decade. On the other, I’d probably explode in my pants before I got past the lobby, and wouldn’t that be emasculating! As it turned out, she named a little sandwich shop on the other side of town and asked, “Have you ever been there?”

I hadn’t.

“It’s near the Griffin Gate Marriott, by the Interstate.”

“Right. That should be easy to find.”

“I don’t know if the food’s any good,” she said. “I was just thinking of a safe place we could meet where you’re not likely to run into anyone you know.”

“It’s a good choice. When do you want to meet?”

“I know it’s awfully short notice, but…would today work? Around noon?”

“Actually, yes. That’s perfect.” I checked my watch. “Can you get there that quickly?”

“If not, will you wait for me?”

“Of course.”

“How long?”

“As long as it takes.”

“Thanks, David. Because that’s how long I’ve been waiting for you.”

Wow! Did she just say that?

She did.

So I said, “I’m honored.”

And it was the truth.

She said, “Call me back at this number when you get to the parking lot. If it’s real busy I’ve got a backup plan.”

“Will do.”

10.

First Date

WHEN I PULLED into the parking lot I was a bit concerned by the large number of cars. I’m not famous, but I am fairly well-known in Lexington, and it could cause problems if one of Alison’s friends happened to see me there with Nicki.

I called to give her the news.

“I thought that might be the case,” she said.

“What’s your backup plan?”

“If I tell you, will you promise not to get the wrong impression?”

“Yes. Absolutely.”

“I’m at the Griffin Gate Marriott. Room 214.”

“Cool.”

“We’re just going to talk, okay?”

“No problem,” I said, thinking just the two of us in a hotel room beats a crowded restaurant any day.

She said, “I’ll leave the door slightly ajar so you won’t have to knock. That might call attention to yourself.”

“Good point. Should I come right now?”

“Please. I’ve already ordered room service.”

I drove to the hotel, parked my car in a cluster of others, thinking it would be less conspicuous, then moved through the hotel lobby as quickly as possible. Entering the elevator, it dawned on me I was acting like a man about to cheat on his wife. I suppose that’s because in my mind, I already was.

But Nicki made it perfectly clear this meeting was just going to be a talk.