Chapter 2
…
Sean stood in front of the mirror, making a lame attempt as doing up his tie. He looked around when he heard the small giggle, to see Quinn watching him.
"What are you laughing at?" He asked.
"Just my dad, after all these years, he still can't tie a tie."
"Well instead of just standing there making fun of me, how about you get over here and help your old man."
Quinn put her apple on Sean's dresser and went over to her father and began to help him with his tie, Sean watching at how focused she was on the task.
"There, perfect." She smiled.
Sean turned around and inspected himself in the mirror, seeing the good job Quinn had done with his tie.
"Wow, just like your Mom."
Quinn glanced at him in the mirror, a warm smile on her face before he turned around to face his daughter.
"So, do I look okay."
"You look great dad."
"And you're okay with looking after Alex?"
"You're paying me so…yeah."
"And me going out with Elise, you're okay with that too."
"Sure, why wouldn't I be."
"Because…Elise is the first woman I've been out with since your Mom and I know that must be difficult."
"I'm not saying it's not weird but it's not like I don't know her."
"And what about the age thing."
"You mean the fact that Elise has managed to bag herself a toyboy."
"Honey…"
"Relax dad, I'm okay with this, really. I like Elise, and she's been great after all the stuff with Mom and this place, she didn't have to stay in touch with me but she did and that alone just shows you the kind of person she is."
Sean brought his daughter in to his arms, hugging her tightly.
"Hair dad, watch the air."
"Sorry honey, I'm just so relieved that you're okay with this."
"Well I am, so…go out and have fun and buy her the most expensive flowers you can find."
"You think I should get her flowers?"
"Eh, yeah…geez dad, it really has been a while for you huh."
Quinn tuned on her heels and made her way out of the room, grabbing her apple as she went, Sean turned back to the mirror to inspect himself one last time.
"Come on Brenner, don't screw this up.
…
Specs was pacing back and forth in front of Tucker who was sitting on Elise's couch eating a hot dog, oblivious to what Specs was doing.
"I can't believe this, can you believe it?" Specs asked.
He looked down at Tucker who was to engrossed in his hot dog.
"Hey, I'm talking to you." Specs said, nudging his leg.
"Ouch, watch it."
"Well listen to me."
"What?"
"I'm asking you if you think it's weird that Elise is going out with this guy."
"What's the big deal, it's not like we don't know him."
"Yeah I know but…"
"What?"
"Why would he want to go out with Elise."
"Huh, why not. Just because she's older than him?"
"Well…"
"I wouldn't let her hear you say that."
"Too late boys."
Specs froze and Tucker looked past Specs to Elise standing in the room, watching Specs with an expression Tucker couldn't read. Specs turned around slowly, almost afraid to look her in the eyes.
"Elise I…"
"What, you didn't mean what you said?"
Specs went quiet as Elise got closer to him, then smiled the way she always did to relax them.
"Stop worrying so much Specs, you think I don't know I'm older than he is. I did think twice about going when he asked me to dinner, I've even thought on more than one occasion since yesterday about cancelling."
"But you didn't?" Tucker said through mouthfuls of food.
"Don't you ever stop eating." Elise laughed.
"Sorry."
"Look Elise, in all seriousness…are you absolutely sure about this. I just don't want to see you get hurt, that's all."
Elise leaned up to kiss Spec's cheek before a smile graced her face yet again.
"I appreciate the concern but I don't think Sean will do anything to intentionally hurt me, he's not that type of man."
"As long as you're sure."
"I'm sure, look, you're both lovely for caring so much and I'll always appreciate that you do, even if I don't always say it but I've decided that it's time to live my life again, to move on from Jack. I'll always love him but I know I can't give up on my life."
Specs moved forward, giving Elise a hug before he pulled back.
"Then we're happy for you."
"Thank you boys."
The knock at the door made everyone go quiet, Specs turning to Elise.
"You want me to get it?"
"I can answer my own door thank you, sit."
Specs did as he was told and took a seat beside Tucker while Elise went and opened the door, Sean looked up when the door opened to see Elise smiling at him.
"Sean, right on time."
"Hey, wow you look…amazing."
"Thank you, come on in." She smiled.
Specs looked up when Sean came inside, offering a smile to the younger man.
"Hey Specs…Tucker."
"Mr Brenner."
"Call me Sean, please."
"I'll just go grab my jacket, won't be a minute."
Sean nodded as Elise slowly made her way back down the hallway, Specs and Tucker watching Sean closely as he turned to them.
"So guys, everything okay?" He asked nervously.
"Great, so…where are you taking Elise?"
"Alberto's."
"Wow, nice place. You know Elise doesn't get all dressed up for just anyone, in fact I don't think I've ever seen her in a dress before."
"Right." Sean said confused.
Specs got to his feet, coming to stand in front of Sean, a serious look on her face.
"Elise means something to us, and we wouldn't want to see her get hurt."
"Specs…Tucker, I've no intention in hurting Elise, I like her…a lot."
"Really?" Specs asked.
"Yeah, really."
"I believe him dude."
"Yeah, me too. Okay, then go have fun." Specs smiled.
Elise came back through, spotting how close Specs was standing next to Sean.
"Everything okay boys?"
"Great, just making sure he'll look after you tonight."
"Aren't you boys sweet, but don't worry about me…I can look after myself, speaking of which…Sean, shall we go."
"Sure."
Sean followed Elise to the door, quickly tuning back to Specs and Tucker.
"Don't worry, I'll look after her…I promise."
…
To Be Continued…