He'd only worked a partial shift, but it had been particularly grueling. Too physically and emotionally spent to bother with lights, he flopped down on the plush sectional sofa. He'd always found the last glow of twilight to be the most magical time of day. The ripples of silvery light reflecting off the water's surface were entrancing.
Compared to the other houseboats at Lake Union, his was one of the largest. But lately the home had begun to feel small, incomplete. Something was missing, but he wasn't sure what that might be.
Maybe the rooms needed a redo.
He considered asking his sister about it, but she'd take over, shoving fabric and paint swatches under his nose. He decided he might be better off engaging a professional decorator. Leila Williams would know of someone.
It was Gail's night off, and after a busy shift, he didn't feel like cooking. He considered the available food delivery choices. Pad Thai or sushi? He supposed it didn't really matter.
There was a clatter at the door and he knew it had to be his exuberant, busy boy.
"Dad?"
"I'm right here." He reached to turn on a table lamp.
"We brought dinner," Teddy called. He entered the room with two large pizza boxes. "Nana let me order for you."
"Bacon, leeks, artichokes, kalamata olives, feta. I'm told that's your current favorite," his mother said, placing her purse and some shopping bags on the coffee table. "You look beat."
"The pizza will revive me. Thanks, kiddo, for remembering my favorite pie. Why are there two boxes?"
His son pushed aside the bags to make room for the pizza boxes.
"Uncle El is coming over." Teddy stated this as if it was common knowledge.
Christian released a groan.
"Why?" He was exhausted and wanted to get to bed early for a change.
"I've been texting with your brother," Grace explained. "He's nearby at one of his sites and asked me to pick up something he calls the Swedish Special. Bananas, curry, dill pickles, cashews. I had no idea there was such a thing. Apparently he dips it in ranch dressing."
"Trust El to choose something weird. None of that sounds particularly Swedish."
"No telling," she answered with a shrug. "Your brother always had a more adventurous palate than the rest of us. I'll fetch you a drink. What would you like?"
She turned for the kitchen.
"Ice water would be great."
His son took a seat next to him.
"Nana and I already ate. We had the best day ever."
"Wow. Best day?" Christian pushed himself up straight against the down cushions to hear of the day's happenings.
"Uh-huh." A wide-eyed Teddy nodded enthusiastically. "Remember when we were out on Grandpa's boat and we saw those killer whales?'
That had been a phenomenal day. July. Cerulean skies. Twelve knot winds. They'd seen a pod of thirty or so orca and witnessed a couple of breaches.
"I'll never forget it. Why?"
"Today was even better than that. Ana took me everywhere. She showed me all the equipment and stuff."
The tour. Ana Steele.
The day after speaking to her on the phone, realizing he couldn't get her off his mind, he googled her. He found two accounts, Instagram and LinkedIn, but he didn't learn much on either of those pages. He found one photo of her, a group picture on the Kavanagh Media site. The image was both exciting and disappointing.
Miss Steele had a stunning figure, but she was turned away from the camera, her visage obscured by a curtain of long, dark hair.
Because Coffee Shop Girl had been seated behind a table, he hadn't been able to get a good look at her figure.
And that is how he now found his dreams and fantasies inhabited by a hybrid of the two women, Coffee Shop Girl's head on Ana Steele's body. It was a warped image that he'd tried to shake, but could not.
Teddy's smile was infectious. He was lit from within. It was easy to see he'd had a good time with Miss Steele.
"Tell me all about it." He pulled his son into his side.
"Ana is really smart. She showed me the studio where she works. Dr. Elena works in a glass booth where the outside sound can't bother her, but she can get signals from Ana. A special clock tells Ana when it's time to run a commercial. Then she pushes some buttons. You have to do everything at the right time so there won't be any dead air. Dead air is when it's totally quiet and that's the worst.
"She took me to a place called the goody closet. I'm a VIP." He poked a finger into the middle of his chest, and pointed at himself. His smile was as bright as the sun and it warmed Christian's heart. "A VIP is a very important person. She gave me a bag and let me pick stuff out."
Teddy dragged a large cloth tote from the coffee table. The bag, stamped with the KKAV logo, was stuffed to the brim.
"What's all this?" A coffee mug, ball cap, and rolled up sweatshirt were peeking from the top.
"A swag bag. She let me have it because I'm her special friend and I'm important to her. Don't worry about feeling left out. I got stuff for you, too. The cap and sweatshirt only came in adult sizes. See."
Teddy pulled out the cap and popped it on his father's head.
"It's a perfect fit. Thanks. I can always use a new cap." Christian felt pride at Teddy's thoughtful nature.
"Ana told me to come back anytime. You should go with me. Then you can get your own swag bag. She's super nice, isn't she, Nana?"
Christian looked up to see his mother had reentered the room, carrying a small tray.
"Yes, charming. And quite pretty," she answered with a broad grin. "Here's your water and some extra napkins. I wasn't sure what sort of beverage your brother might want so the other glass of water is for him. Go ahead. Eat before it gets cold."
Christian had entered his fourth decade of life and his mother was still fussing over him. He noticed that she had thoughtfully infused the ice water with lemons and blueberries. She had also brought a small bowl of ranch dressing for Elliot.
As Teddy emptied the contents of his large goody bag, he shared details of all that Ana had shown him.
"She saved the best for last. It was so cool. We were invited on The Buddy and Kyle Show. Everybody in Seattle could hear my voice. I hoped Uncle El had been listening, but we texted him and he said he missed it."
Everyone who followed Seattle athletics knew Buddy and Kyle were the shock jocks of sports. They were irreverent, provocative, and rowdy. The show wasn't exactly kid-friendly, as the on-air banter was laced with sexual double entendres.
"Your grandmother approved this?" Christian shot his mother a reproachful glance.
"Of course I did." Grace waved a dismissive hand in her son's direction. "They were very sweet young men."
"They really liked Nana. Buddy said she was a G-milf, which I think means she's nice." Teddy turned to his grandmother. "And what did Kyle call you? Smexy or something like that."
Grace Grey's cheeks flamed. Christian couldn't hold back a guffaw. In his youth, her strong sense of propriety had driven him crazy. But once he became a parent himself, he began to find it endearing.
"Sounds like you made some new friends," he teased. "Don't worry. I won't tell Dad."
"Hush now," she said in a mix of chagrin and irritation. "Teddy, dear, tell your dad more about our visit."
"I explained how much Uncle El and I like hockey and how we hate the name for the new team. Kraken is a crazy weirdo name. I told them what Uncle El and I wanted to name the team."
Seattle's new hockey franchise was named Kraken after the mythical sea beast, a nod to the city's maritime history. It didn't seem to be a popular choice.
"I heard all kinds of silly nonsense coming from your Uncle El, but I don't remember any particular suggestions for team names."
"Dad, no. It wasn't silly. It was great. Buddy and Kyle thought so, and so did Ana. She said Uncle El and I are brilliant." Teddy puffed out his chest at the idea of Ana thinking him smart. "Are you ready to hear our idea?"
Christian took another sip of water.
"Hit me with it."
"Starpucks. Star because they'll shine and pucks because it's hockey. Also 'cause Starbucks started here in Seattle."
"Starpucks. I like it. Much better than Kraken. Better than any of the other choices that were bandied about." Christian was impressed.
"That's what Ana said. Nana took pictures and sent them to you. Did you get them?"
Christian realized it had been a while since he'd checked his phone. Sure enough there was a message and attachments from his mother.
"Yep, here they are. Let's look at them." He gently tugged on his son's sleeve and the boy snuggled in closer, leaning in, clearly anxious to show off his adventures in radioland.
"That's us with Buddy and Kyle. Ana snapped it."
"Even if Nana hadn't been in the picture, I'd have known she didn't take it."
All three shared a laugh. It was well known by everyone in her circle; Grace Grey couldn't take a photo to save her life. She was forever taking pictures with her phone, but not one was ever Christmas card worthy. As painstaking as she was in every other aspect of her life, she seemed oblivious to the qualities that make for a good image.
"And that's me with Ana and Buddy." Teddy tried to widen the image, but couldn't. He whimpered as if he might cry. "Oh, no."
The image showed nothing of Ana's face. There was only a slender dark sleeved arm draped around his son's shoulder. Christian was surprised that his own disappointment was as strong as Teddy's.
"What's wrong, sweetheart? Is the picture out of focus?" His mother's tone was apologetic.
"Not out of focus. Ana's out of the picture. I wanted to show Dad how beautiful she is." Teddy was on the verge of tears.
"I'm sorry, darling." She reached out to gently cup her grandson's chin. "Can you forgive me?"
"Yes, ma'am." Christian knew his son would forgive his grandmother, but from the look on the child's face, he knew it might take several hours, maybe even days.
"She's a lovely young woman," his mother said, directing her words at Christian. "She and Teddy have quite the bond."
"Ana said that Nana is her doctor and gave her something new to help with asthma. Nana recognized her in the coffee shop, but couldn't remember how she knew her." Christian chuckled at this, because it seemed his mother was somehow acquainted with most of Seattle. Of course, she'd have difficulty remembering a patient. "When I heard her voice, I knew it was Ana."
"Good ears, buddy." He ruffled his son's hair. "Did she recognize your voice?"
"Of course," the boy said. "It's good we don't have cats, 'cause Ana is allergic. She likes dogs and she's not allergic to those, so I think we should get a dog." He turned to his Nana, who was laughing softly. "What's so funny?"
"When your dad was your age, he constantly hounded us for a dog. Now he's getting a taste of his own medicine." His mother wore a broad grin. She enjoyed dishing out some good-natured ribbing.
"Son, if we get a dog, it will be for us, not to impress other people. Understood?"
"Yes, sir." Teddy looked forlorn for a moment, then brightened. "When can I see Ana again?"
"She did invite Teddy for another visit," his mother shared. "Since you take nice pictures, I think you should take him next time."
"Well?" His son looked up at him expectantly.
"Sure. We'll see." Christian decided he'd do his best to make sure his son got another visit.
"While we were out, I got Teddy some shoes, jeans, and also valentines to pass out to his classmates." His mother pointed at the bags sitting on the table.
Looking at Teddy's worn out sneakers and high-water denim, he felt ashamed and embarrassed at not having realized his son's needs. Maybe his child did need a mother.
"When is Valentine's Day?" It had never been a holiday he'd had any need of, so it wasn't on his radar. Thank goodness his mother was on top of things.
"February 14. Every year." Grace looked at him as if this was something he should know. "Ted needed a haircut, so we also took care of that."
What kind of father am I, not to notice things like haircuts? He thought. What else am I missing?
"Thanks, Mom. For everything." He hoped she knew how much she was appreciated.
"You're welcome. I need to get home to your father. Apparently he had a lousy day on the links. Tell your brother I'm sorry I missed him." She scooped up her purse, and pulled her grandson into a hug. "I had a wonderful day. Will you walk me to the door?"
"Sure," Teddy said, taking her hand.
Christian tucked into the pizza. He closed his eyes and savored two big bites.
When he opened his eyes, Teddy stood in front of him, arms crossed. The boy was about to take him to task.
"I've found the one I want."
"Huh?" Was he talking about a toy or a piece of clothing? "What is it you want?"
"My mom. I found her." Christian opened his mouth to protest, but Teddy was quicker. "It's Ana. She's the one I want."
Shit. This can only end in disappointment and tears. Teddy's, and maybe mine, too.
"Don't I get a say?" He tossed the half eaten slice back into the box.
"We should invite her for dinner. C'mon, Dad." Teddy's eyes went big the way they always did when he was pleading his case for something important.
"That's not how things work. We don't know her."
"I know her." The boy stood firm, hands on hips. Christian knew his son wouldn't give up without a fight. "She's my friend. Now you have to do your part and get to know her too."
"This really isn't a good time for discussion. I'm tired, hungry, and your Uncle El is on his way."
"We invite Cal over for dinner all the time. If Cal can come, why can't Ana? She's my friend. I should be able to have my friends over."
"Cal and Miss Steele are apples and oranges, child and adult."
"Dad, pleeeeez." The child's voice had strayed into high, whiny territory.
I'm never going to hear the end of this, he thought.
"Let's discuss this later, shall we?"
"Stop putting me off." It was just like his son to extract assurances. "You have to promise you'll invite her. If you don't invite her, I will."
Has Ted forgotten who the parent is around here?
"Don't you dare invite anyone to this house without my permission. I'm not promising anything more than another discussion."
Teddy narrowed his eyes, threw his father a frosty look, and stuffed his collection of swag back into the tote.
"I need to call Cal and tell him how perfect Ana is."
His son stomped his way up the stairs, making a dramatic display to let his father know how put out he was.
After a few seconds Christian heard the bedroom door close. It was a deep thud, not quite a slam. Teddy knew just how far to go, pushing his buttons, but not acting out badly enough to garner punishment.
The doorbell buzzed three times in quick succession, signalling Elliot's arrival. There was no need to get up, because Elliot always rang three times, then let himself in.
"Yo," his brother called out.
"Here," Christian answered.
His big brother strolled in, flopped into a wide leather club chair and made himself at home. He flipped open the other pizza box, and sighed in relief.
"Good. It's all here." Elliot rubbed his hands together before breaking off a slice.
"Your pie is safe with me. I like each ingredient individually, but together they look like pig slop. Why do you call it Swedish?"
"You probably don't remember, but for a hot minute, I dated a gorgeous Swede."
They didn't speak often about Elliot's love life, mostly due to the transient nature of his relationships.
"I don't remember. To put it simply, you're a manwhore."
Elliot flipped the bird and the two brothers shared a much needed laugh.
"The woke term is 'relationship nomad.' It's not cool to slut shame me." Elliot waved his hand around dramatically in a manner reminiscent of their baby sister, eliciting guffaws from Christian. "Back to the issue of pizza, my sexy Swede assured me the recipe is authentic. The ranch dressing is my special touch. I order it so often that Torino's has it on the menu now."
"What happened to the Swede?"
"She got tired of my bullshit. Or I got tired of hers. It ran its course, just one of those things. You know how that goes."
The fact was Christian didn't know how things were supposed to go. The longer he'd stayed away from dating, the more daunting the prospect had become. Maybe it was fatigue or hunger or his son's declaration regarding Miss Steele, but he suddenly felt vulnerable.
"I'm not sure anymore. How does it go?"
"You've gotta be kidding." Elliot stared at him. "I know it's been a decade since Susannah, but you had game. Chicks dug you. Still do. You know this, don't you?".
"I guess so, but everything's different now. In high school, I didn't have to work at it. The girls threw themselves at me. With Teddy and work, my life developed more purpose, more meaning."
"You lost part of yourself for a while, the thirsty, horngry, Hulu and do you part. You weren't ready, but now you are," Elliot said, then passed the ranch dressing. Christian wrinkled his nose and slid it back across the coffee table.
"I'm not ready. After Susannah, I don't want to make another mistake. I need a role model for Teddy, not some flaky party girl. I need a woman who can deal with a ready made family, as well as handle all my personal baggage."
"But you are ready. You had a strong response to Coffee Shop Girl. Dude, have faith in yourself. You've got a lot going for you, Teddy included." Elliot lowered his voice to a confessional whisper. "I've never admitted this before, but more than once I've used him as date bait."
Christian dropped a slice of pizza into the box and glared at his brother.
"What the hell have you been doing? Please clarify, because what you just said sounds unsavory as hell."
"Hold on. It's not like I've been pimping him out." Elliot held up his hands defensively. "Having him around makes women relax. They feel safe around a doting uncle and his cute nephew."
"Please cease and desist. I don't like the idea of using my kid as some kind of babe magnet."
But if I were to pursue Miss Steele, wouldn't I be exploiting her friendship with Teddy? He was conflicted over this point.
"Look, bro, I just want you to be happy. Teddy is central to your life. You're a terrific dad and he's your greatest asset. Showcase that, right alongside all your other attributes. Tell me how I can help you."
"I don't know that anyone can help me. I felt dead inside for the longest time, but while I stood in line at the Yellow Dot, I came alive. Something passed between that girl and me. Now Teddy has developed some kind of crush-"
"Radio Girl. He told me."
"Her name is Ana. She's so easy to talk to...Just between you and me, I think I've got my own crush. I've felt nothing for almost a decade, and now I feel myself responding to two women, Ana and Coffee Shop Girl."
"That's fantastic news. You've got a number for Ana, right?"
"I can reach her at the station."
Elliot gave him a gentle sideways shove.
"Do I need to slap you upside the head? Dude. Ask her out."
"Teddy wants me to invite her to dinner here at the house."
"Here? No, no, no. Absolutely not. Too intimate. And even dinner in a restaurant is way too much commitment."
Elliot may be a manwhore, but he had plenty of experience with women and dating. Christian felt he should heed his brother's advice.
"What do you suggest?"
Elliot sat up straight, ready to dispense wisdom of the ages.
"Teddy should be present, of course. He and this girl already get on well, so he can help fill any conversation voids. You can also witness the dynamic between the two of them, decide what you think of that...I've got it! Ask her to meet you two for ice cream at Molly Moon's. Teddy loves that place."
It was a good idea. Ice cream didn't carry any promises or weighty symbolism. Teddy would be there. If things didn't go well, it was only a half hour lost. But if they hit it off, the three of them could figure out a follow on activity, like a movie or museum.
It was winter, but with any luck they might encounter a pleasant weather, providing opportunity for a walk along the lakeshore. He imagined putting his arm around the girl to keep her warm.
"That seems easy enough." Christian nodded in agreement. It sounded like the perfect plan. "Perhaps Teddy and I could send a thank you along with some flowers."
He could have the flowers and note delivered to the station before the ice cream date.
"Nice gesture, but don't go over the top with the flowers. Be cool." Elliot frowned with annoyance and uttered an almost undecipherable tsk. "You don't want her to think you're wooing her. Send a modest arrangement of daisies."
"Daisies. Got it." Christian began to feel overwhelmed. Should he be writing all this down? "Shouldn't we pick her up or send an Uber to fetch her? It seems ungentlemanly to ask her to meet us."
"Don't overcomplicate this. You're not taking her to prom. You're buying her an ice cream cone, leaving her the option of one scoop or two. Trust me, women like having the flexibility to come and go on their own. They don't like men who are overly attentive. It creeps 'em out."
He certainly didn't want Miss Steele to think him a creeper. The Grey boys had been raised with good manners, taught to be solicitous and attentive to women. Elliot's dating philosophy seemed completely at odds with that. It was confusing.
"Right. I'll try to remember." His mind reeled, trying to keep everything straight. How did dating become such a minefield? He couldn't recall ever worrying about a girl's expectations back in high school or college. Of course, his adolescent naivete is what led to his ill-fated marriage.
"I'm excited for you." Elliot chuckled. "It's been so long, you've reverted to virgin status. You need to get your cherry repopped."
Christian looked up, knowing Teddy's room right above them.
"Keep your voice down," he hissed. He remembered what Ana Steele had shared about Teddy listening in on adult conversations. "I don't want to explain any of that to an eight-year-old."
"I just want you to be happy. You need to have a good time. Do it for Teddy and do it for yourself."
Christian could see the love and sincerity shining in his brother's eyes.
"I know. I'll keep you posted."
"Dad, it's time. Are you ready?"
He could only manage a nod in response to his son's question.
They'd been watching the clock. It was now three minutes past eight.
Teddy punched in the numbers to the station, handed over the receiver, and proceeded to pace back and forth in front of his father. The boy's movement only served to exacerbate the nerves Christian already felt.
"Good evening. You've reached The Dr. Elena Show. How may I help you?"
Oh, that sweet, familiar voice. I could listen to it all day, he thought.
"Miss Steele?"
"Yes." There was caution in her voice.
"This is Christian Grey...Teddy's dad. Have I called at a bad time?"
"Not at all. I'm shutting everything down, preparing to go home. Is everything okay with Teddy?"
He gave his son a thumbs up and received a broad smile in return.
"Yes, more than okay. He can't stop talking about what a wonderful time he had on Saturday."
"Oh, I'm so glad to hear it. I had a wonderful time too." He could hear clicking and shuffling noises in the background. "I received Teddy's sweet note today. I pinned his drawing up in my cubicle. And thank you for the basket of daisies. They're beautiful."
"You're most welcome. You've made Teddy very happy, and I wanted to show my appreciation."
He felt his son pull the hem of his sweatshirt. Blue eyes implored him to get to the point of the call.
"Dinner. Dad, ask her." The boy whisper-shouted. "Dinner!"
He shook his head at Ted. They'd agreed on ice cream. Dinner was out of the question.
"Is there something I can do for you? Or did you call to thank me again?" Miss Steele prodded him to state his business.
"Yes, Teddy and I would like to show our appreciation, so we had an idea to run past you."
"Dinner, dinner, dinner." The boy continued to prompt.
"I feel quite appreciated, so there's really no need for you to go to further trouble."
"Teddy and I hoped you might like to meet up for-"
"Dinner!" His son shouted at the top of his lungs.
"That sounds like Teddy. Does he need his dinner?" Her voice was laden with maternal concern.
"No, we've eaten already. We called to invite you for-"
"Dinner!" Teddy squealed again, this time closer to the receiver.
"That is so sweet of you two to invite me to dinner."
Crap. This isn't how things were supposed to go. I should have known better than to make this call with Teddy, he thought.
His son marched around him in agitated circles and it was getting on his nerves. He enjoyed the melody of Miss Steele's dick-twitchable voice, and he didn't need Ted's distracting behavior further complicating the call.
He tapped the boy on the shoulder and pointed toward the stairs. "Go," he mouthed.
Teddy stomped away, glaring back at his father as he parted.
Christian cleared his throat, hoping to muster up enough charm to woo Miss Steele into sharing her company.
I can't disinvite her for dinner, so I'd best go along with her assumption, he thought.
"Nothing would make us happier than to have you for dinner. We want to show our appreciation for the tour. Ted had a wonderful time. My mother also spoke of your kindness."
"Teddy's a sweetheart, so easy to love. And your mother is the greatest...accomplished, elegant, and charming. The tour was my pleasure. Honestly, the note and flowers are more than enough. I'm swamped with school and work right now, and unfortunately I don't think dinner will work out. I'm sure you understand. Sorry, I'm babbling now...I do thank you for thinking of me."
She spoke so quickly that it took him an extra beat to process what she had said.
"You're welcome," Christian said, trying to think of how to salvage the call and segue to ice cream. He felt somewhat panicky and desperate, and decided the less said the better. Sometimes things just don't work out, he thought. "And I do understand. I remember what it was like juggling school, work, and trying to carve out time for Teddy."
She was quiet.
Keep her talking, he thought.
"I can't imagine how you did it all, caring for a small child along with work and school. I admire you for that. You're doing a magnificent job, bringing up Teddy. He's a great kid."
"Thank you." Her words of praise made him feel ten feet tall. "He's my world."
"I'm happy to hear that. My dad has always said that about me. A great dad can make an enormous difference in one's life."
Her affection was evident in the way she spoke of her father.
"Does your dad live here in Seattle?"
"No, but I see him often." He liked her attachment to her family. He remembered how much it bothered him that Susannah was constantly at odd with her parents. "I grew up in Montesano and Dad still lives there. My parents are divorced, but they get along well. Mom is remarried and lives in Georgia."
"Do you have siblings?"
"No," she said with a giggle. "Teddy and I bonded over being only children. How about you?"
"A brother and a sister. I'm the only sane child, so of course, I'm the favorite."
She showed appreciation for his attempt at levity by rewarding him with another of her sexy, throaty giggles.
"Of course you are. Did you attend school here in Seattle?"
"Yes, UW for both undergrad and medical school."
"Oh, you followed in your mother's footsteps. I like that. Are you also a pulmonologist?"
"No, I'm an ER doc. Never a dull moment."
"Luckily I've never had to visit an emergency room, but I imagine it's pretty intense."
"It can be," he said. "But that's what I enjoy most about it."
"You save lives. How many people can say that?" He was no stranger to praise and admiration, but her words somehow carried extra weight. "My only knowledge of ER doctors revolves around television. Mom adores George Clooney, so I had to binge 'ER' with her. All fifteen seasons."
"Did she turn you into a Clooney fan?" He fretted briefly over this, hoping she didn't expect ER docs to look like film stars.
"He's handsome," she said. "But that character he played, Dr. Ross, was a mess." He imagined her crinkling her nose at the thought of Dr. Ross.
"How so?" He needed to hear her definition of a male mess.
"The character was rash, imprudent, self-centered. A womanizer of the first order."
"Emergency rooms are nothing like television, but I'm sure you know that. There's no personal drama on the job. And I can't speak for my colleagues, but I'm certainly no womanizer."
"Glad to hear it," she said. "Because I've already decided you're a hero and I wouldn't want anything to change that."
Wow.
Was she flirting with him or just being nice? He couldn't think of anything flirtatious to say. School was the safest topic that came to mind.
"Are you also studying at U-Dub?"
"Yes...Go-o-o Huskies," she said, using a cheerleading voice.
They laughed in unison. It felt good.
"Indeed. Go Huskies. Do you attend the football games?"
He hadn't been to a game in years and realized it would make for a good family outing. It's something Teddy would enjoy.
An image sprang to mind: a cheering crowd, a chilly stadium, and Coffee Shop Girl with cheeks rosy from the cold. He could see himself tucking a throw across her lap and warming her hands between his.
Why am I picturing Coffee Shop Girl when I'm talking to Miss Steele? He wondered.
"I haven't had time, but maybe one day," Ana said wistfully. "I know Teddy loves sports, so I bet you do too."
"I do."
He didn't quite know where to take the conversation. He needed to wrap up the call, but he didn't want to.
A silence fell between them.
"I hope all goes well for you. You're almost at the finish line."
"I graduate in May...I have an idea to run past you."
"What's that?" If she needed career advice, he felt limited in that department.
"The weather isn't great right now, but next month I have a week off from school for spring break. It's the week before Easter. I know it's sort of a long way off, but I wondered if I might take Teddy out for ice cream. Of course, I understand that you'd want to go along to chaperone. It would give us all a chance to get to know one another better."
His heart soared. He was thankful he'd kept her talking. The ice cream 'date' he'd originally hoped for was actually going to happen.
"That's a wonderful idea. Ted and I would love to join you for ice cream. Thank you for asking."
Again, Elliot was right in his assessment that women like to feel in control, able to come and go as they please.
"Anytime that week is good for me. You can ring me here at the station when you decide which day is convenient for the two of you."
"You can be sure I'll call again soon. Ted will be excited at the prospect of seeing you. I look forward to meeting the object of his affection. Good luck with your studies."
"Thanks. It's been nice talking to you. Please give my best to Teddy."
"Of course. Goodbye." As he clicked off the phone, he called out to his son, asking him to come downstairs.
Conversation was easy with her and he had enjoyed himself very much.
Maybe I can do this dating thing, he thought. That wasn't so difficult after all.
"Well," Teddy said, bouncing up and down. "Is she coming to dinner?"
"No, she's too busy for dinner. But we do have an ice cream date with her the week before Easter?"
The boy's face was bright with excitement.
"That's awesome! When is Easter? Show me." The boy pulled down the wall calendar, which was heavily marked, color coded with work and school activities, along with Gail's scheduled days.
"Here we are. First of February." Christian flipped the page and pointed to late March. "Spring break is this week. The weather should be nice by then. If ice cream goes well, maybe afterward we can go for a walk or visit the aquarium."
"That's great, but I don't wanna wait so long. Can't you call her back and tell her we need to see her sooner?" His son wore a pout.
"It doesn't work that way." He tipped his son's chin up, forcing eye contact. "She says this is what fits in her schedule. You should be patient and grateful that she's agreed to spend time with us."
"I am grateful." Teddy's arms went around Christian's waist, hugging him tightly. "But I want to speed up time so Easter week is already here. Then I can get a basket of treats and Ana."
"All in good time." He said, reassuring himself as much as his son. "Patience in all things."
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