"We have to get you some new clothing and back out there on the market," Gavin said as he pointed at Sharon now browsing around in the department store. Sharon paused, her hand on a dress she was looking at and eyed him.
"Excuse me?" she asked.
"You heard me," he looked at her over the top of the clothing rack and gestured at her. "Like I have told you before, do not let that ugly word 'retirement,' ugh," he said and grimaced, "go to your head. You aren't that old, and you certainly are not going to start acting like an old retired person. You are young and alive; you are going to get yourself together and get back out there."
"I don't want to date," she turned her nose up at him and shook her head. "I'm not interested in that."
"Well, you and I both know you don't have to really date people. In my opinion, there is more to the idea of getting back out there and dating. You need to just bring a guy home and have a good time."
She crossed her arms and narrowed her gaze, "You tried to give me advice like that before. I did some of that and look where it landed me. Need I remind you I have a four-month-old that is the result of your words of encouragement. I thought I was stupid for thinking about putting myself out there these last couple years. You've always been there to listen and encourage, but I'm done with that now. It's backfired many times, and while Hannah is absolutely wonderful, she is the result of your nudging me, again, to get back out there. The few men I've been with since Jack, you have known about each one, and with that, you should know none of those situations ended well."
"Hmm, I think you just haven't found the right person. You even told me last year during that carefree week you had with the lieutenant that your little arrangement was working with him. You ended that when you turned up pregnant; otherwise, who knows how long you might have carried out your 'friends with benefits' situation," he nodded to her.
"First, he was not my friend. He seemed like the safe choice, a man I knew from work who was not married, was not interested in anything long-term, but had the experience to see a one-night for what it was. Second, I was planning to end it BEFORE I found out I was pregnant with Hannah. Third-," she stopped when he touched her arm.
"Please," he rolled his eyes, "you were not anywhere near ending that. You told me how great it was. If you were thinking of ending it, it wasn't because you were bored; you were probably getting too attached. I know you, remember?"
"I was not attached," she scoffed. "He was, is," she corrected herself, "arrogant and not my type. It was just getting awkward, seeing him at work, and besides that, I did end up pregnant, so I had reason to end it."
"All the more reason, now," he winked, "that a year later, we need to get you back out there. You are in a new city, a new state, Sharon! Live it up. You have a new pool of college men there. Take one home," he nudged her.
She looked to him appalled, "There is no way I am going to take a college student home with me. Are you delusional? My son is that same age."
"No! You know me better than that. I wouldn't suggest that for you. Find a grown man, an experience man, college man, a professor," he winked. "I hope there are some close to your age. If he's a little younger," Gavin offered an almost flirty shrug, "so be it."
Sharon shook her head at him, "No, that's not appealing to me at all. I have an infant at home, let me remind you. She's maybe a little bit of a mood killer," she chuckled. "I can see it now. I have a man hanging over me at the door while I'm trying to dig out enough cash to pay some babysitter, who, mind you, is watching the scene-a divorced single mom bringing a man home for the night-so, I pay the babysitter, and as this man and I get into the mood, I pause to tell him I need to check on my late-in-life infant daughter before we can go further."
"Hmm, I don't see a problem. Just remember to use something or have him use something," he winked. "The mention of Hannah should be the reminder you both need. She's great, but let's not start on a brother or sister for her."
"You are HORRIBLE," Sharon swatted at him. "I don't need a man. I am just fine on my own, and I will certainly not be having another baby. I am old, remember? I cringe at the idea of a man seeing me again after Hannah did a number on me, which circles back to my being old. Getting back into shape is not what it used to be. No thank you to all of that."
"I'm not suggesting he move in with you!" Gavin grinned. "I just think he can help you out for a night," he winked. "It's not a bad thought. You enjoyed the suggestions of the same thing I've had in the past."
"Well, that's in the past, isn't it? I need to forget that and realize I have a new job and a new baby to raise. I need to focus on my career and family," she nodded.
"Oh, here we go again with that mantra," he grumbled and started to make a noise. "I've heard that before. Tsk, tsk, Sharon. Get out and live. It will be good for you and Hannah. She doesn't need to grow up with her mother hovering over every move. Your only interest cannot be your daughter. Like I said, I'm not suggesting you move in a guy, just maybe offer him room and board for the night."
"Great," she started to laugh, "now, you want me to ask them to pay. Thanks, Gavin. That really puts a twist on this."
"You know what I mean," he rolled his eyes. "A couple of hours of fun late at night puts Mom in a better mood. All work and no play," he winked. "Let's also think about this-you always say it's not the right timing. A couple years ago, you told me Ricky was still in the house, so you couldn't bring a man home. We found an alternative. You met at hotels or their places. You cut things off with the lieutenant because you were pregnant with his kid," he nodded to her. "Fine, that was a little unforeseen complication, but what are you going to do now? You cannot hide behind your infant daughter for the next 18 years, Sharon. You don't want to get involved? Fine, plenty of men are okay with that. You found a couple who were and ended it for different reasons. I am sure you can find another man who would be find with a casual thing. Don't tell me Hannah needs to be older and out of the house. Right now, she has no idea Mommy is having her own play date," he winked, and Sharon groaned. "Besides, at your age now, you wait until she's out of the house, and it's going to be really tacky to tell the guy you need to take out your dentures or something before he can continue."
"Stop," she raised her arm at him and stared at him. The two stared at each other a few moments before they both started to laugh. Gavin ended their moment by clapping his hands together.
"Where should we start? I love little Hannah, but she did a number on you," he said. Sharon groaned and nodded. "Things are just, just," he paused for the right word, "well, they are all over the place. They need to be accentuated to get you, you hot mama, ready for action."
"I am not going to get 'ready for action' as you said," she gestured with her hands. Gavin took her hand and started walking away from the dress Sharon had been looking at there in the store.
"Please," Gavin waved her off with his free hand, "this is my birthday present, playing dress up with my very best friend. Women have the best clothing choices, and I'm going to spend whatever necessary to get you feeling good about yourself and looking spectacular again. You know money is no object for me. I have no one in my life right now, so you, my friend, get my undivided attention and unlimited credit card usage. Let's go. We're starting in the lingerie department for a complete overhaul."
"My bras and underwear are fine; I have good taste. Besides, no one sees that," she pointed out to him.
"And, that's a crying shame," he sighed. "The designers want to show off their clothing, and don't tell me after pushing out a baby, your lingerie is fine. Nope," he shook his head. "Let's get started."
"I don't know why I even flew out here to see you," she gave him an irritated glance.
"Hmm, you love me and know I'm only speaking the truth. Someone has to watch out for you, and lucky for you, it's me-a rich, stylish, best friend."
Two hours later, and very much ready for a break, the two sat down for lunch. They were quiet while they examined the menu at the small bistro in the shopping area. Surrounding Gavin were four bags, full of new things for Sharon. Sharon had other ideas, and she had two bags, one with a few new things for Hannah and one with a new coat for Ricky. He'd mentioned needing one, but hated shopping, so she'd done it for him, rolling her eyes now as she thought about it. She'd shopped for her kids-her favorite people, and Gavin would argue he'd shopped for his favorite person.
"Did you decide on a wine yet?" he looked over the menu toward her. She was studying the salads. She looked up and eyed him.
"Wine?" she asked.
"I'll do it myself. Mama does need to get out more," he winked. "Yes, wine. You can drink it again. I hope you haven't forgotten. Those months you couldn't drink it are over, remember?"
"Sorry," she chuckled. "I was looking at the salads. I guess I just hadn't thought about wine with lunch."
"Oh, bite your tongue! It's my birthday weekend, and wine is most definitely involved. I will thank you again for the case you sent me for my birthday. As I showed you, it has the prominent spot in my wine collection."
"I'm glad you like it," Sharon grinned at him. "I called the vineyard and told them you'd bought several things from them in the past."
"We'll open a bottle when we get back to my place later," he told her. "Now, if you have studied the menu for your entrée, let's move to a new topic."
"What would that be? If you are planning on sitting here discussing my wardrobe, let's not discuss that," she smirked.
"No, I want the latest update on the baby daddy. Last update I had from you was after he found you and left all those gifts for Hannah. What's the latest? You've been avoiding the topic this visit."
She closed her menu and put it on the table while she looked to him, now slightly irritated. "I'm not avoiding anything. There is nothing to tell. You and I both know he's legally not involved. I have the paperwork, paperwork you drew up and filed, to prove it. Actually, it's been rather refreshing. I haven't heard much, well, really nothing from him. I sent him one picture of her on Christmas, and that's been it."
"You sent him a picture of my baby?" Gavin asked, bringing his hand to his chest as if he was horrified.
Sharon chuckled and looked down at her plate, where her fingers played with the fork, "I was trying to do something kind. I know I have been extremely rude to him. She was wearing one of the outfits he'd bought for her, and I took a picture of her sleeping. That was it. I told him she'd had a great day."
He raised his eyebrows, "What did he say?"
"Not much, actually," she nodded. "He replied, and with that, he didn't say much. He wished me a Merry Christmas and said it had been a year."
Gavin gestured with his hand toward Sharon, "Let me see that. Do you have the message? What else did he say?"
"That's it," Sharon shrugged. "Here," she pulled her phone out, pulled up her messages, and she handed it to Gavin. "Really, that's all he said."
"You sound surprised," he eyed her again. "What else would you like him to say?"
"No, it's not that. I mean, I suppose I expected him to say more. I just find his behavior odd. He hasn't contacted me at all. I initiated that with the picture, and even then, that's all he said."
"Well, that's what you want," Gavin explained.
"Oh, I am well aware. It's refreshing, but I guess I've just been walking around on pins and needles waiting for him to contact me constantly. I am not sure what he wants," she frowned.
"Sounds like he wants to be part of Hannah's life," he nodded to her. "He seems to be showing he isn't a total disaster."
"Well, I still have a bone to pick with him about his gifts," she enunciated the words gifts, and that had Gavin raising his eyes at her.
"What? What's wrong with his gifts?" he asked. "You told me he got her some large toy thing and some clothing, which is a nice gesture even if it's not designer clothing."
"Hmm, yes, but I didn't see, not until I was opening her gifts at Christmas, that he'd put a check in one of the boxes," she sighed.
Gavin raised his eyebrows, "Another check? That's not a bad thing. Little Princess is costing you, and that is only going to increase as I introduce her to designer labels."
"Stop," she started to chuckle and shook her head. "Don't make me laugh right now. I'm irritated he keeps giving me money."
"Let me get this straight," he nodded. "Jack was total trash for many, many reasons, but for one thing, he walked out on you and the kids. He took every single dime of money you had, not once, but a few times, and he has never bought anything for the kids. You have paid for private school, dance lessons, baseball teams, prom dresses, graduation parties, college, fraternity dues-the list goes on and on, but you've paid for it all. Jack's garbage. We know that. Now, the lieutenant is giving you money, without being asked, and you have a bone to pick with him?"
"It's complicated, and you know it," she pointed at him. "I took care of the legalities before she was born. I made sure he was not tied to us. I can take care of her, just as I took care of Emily and Ricky. I'm doing even better now. I make more money, and I'm financially secure. I don't see why he keeps giving her money."
"He's maybe just trying to be kind? Look, I don't know him that well, but he's a decent guy. The case I had with him, he was normal. We know he's not bad on the eyes. At least your daughter has that going for her, good genes from her mommy and daddy," he winked. "Take the money and do whatever you want. How much did he give you this time?"
"He wrote a check for a thousand dollars," she rolled her eyes.
"We just spent more than that on your mommy makeover," Gavin smirked. "I don't see the problem. Hannah is growing like crazy, and good quality costs money, for the mom and the baby."
"My daughter does not need to wear designer baby clothing, Gavin," she rolled her eyes. "I've told you that before. Sure, I am fine spending a little more on things for her; I don't have to buy her the same sleepers and dresses you see in every store, but she doesn't need a $100 sleeper or something," she scoffed.
"So, you really plan to tear up the check?" he asked.
"No, I'm going to tell him to take it back. I've tried that before, and he keeps giving me money, whether cash or a check. I'm going to end this," she nodded.
"When is this great phone call going to take place?" he asked, casually as he sat back in his chair.
"Not on the phone," she shook her head. "I'm doing it in person, so he knows I'm irritated. I haven't decided."
"Look, you aren't going to overthink this your whole trip. Either deal with it now, or I will," he told her.
She stared at him, and he stared back. The two knew each other and knew neither would easily back down. Finally, she rolled her eyes, and she picked up her phone again.
"I have something to discuss with you," she typed, her message simple and to the point. She put the phone down and looked back at Gavin, his eyes in wonder at what she'd said. She shrugged and offered nothing.
A few moments later, her phone alerted her to a new message. Gavin tried to look over the table at it, but she put her hand over the phone and picked it up. She looked to the message.
"I can call you soon if you want, or you can text the question to me. I'm at work right now, but I can step out," he told her.
"I will be at LAX Sunday afternoon between 4:30 and 5:00 PM if you can meet to discuss it in person," she typed and replied to Andy. She turned her phone to show Gavin the message.
He raised his eyebrows, "You are wanting to meet him at the airport?" Gavin started to chuckle at that. "You know, I know this is my birthday weekend, but I will even be okay with you ditching me a couple hours to meet the guy for a cup of coffee."
"That is precisely why I am not meeting him," she frowned. "I don't want to meet with him, but this money issue has to stop. I'm not interested in being seen in this town with him. I just need to speak to him, in person, and if I have him come to the airport, I have an excuse to leave."
He shook his head, "You just don't want to be alone with him. "You don't trust your instincts."
"That's not true at all," she scoffed. "The checks-" she drifted off and didn't complete her thought.
"Look, Sharon, it's me. You were physically attracted to the guy. That's not a horrible thing. Who know what would have continued had you not gotten pregnant. Your arrangement was working, and that week, you looked like you were pretty happy about it. It's okay to have an attraction, a physical attraction."
"I am not getting involved with that again," she rolled her eyes. "I've told you that. We had our moment. It's over. He knew what it was just as much as I did. He's been dating plenty. He told me a few times while I was pregnant."
"All the more reason to get you back out there too," Gavin nodded. "We'll find you a college man."
Sharon's phone went off again, and she picked it up, almost forgetting that she had sent Andy that message about meeting. She picked it up and sighed at his message.
"The airport? If you are traveling, I'm happy to pick you up and go somewhere to talk. That place is a zoo," he said.
"I don't have much time. I can meet outside security. There are plenty of coffee shops, but I can give you more specific information after I figure out where I will need to be," she quickly typed.
Andy replied right away, "I'll be there. Just send me the details."
"Well," Gavin asked when she put the phone on the table.
"Well," she shrugged. "He is about to have another thousand dollars back in his account that he can spend on his next date."
Gavin rolled his eyes, "Well, if you aren't going to spend a thousand dollars today, I might as well spend another thousand. My last case, well," he shrugged, "I won't even tell you what my cut was, but let's just say we are going to have every college co-ed and professor eyeing you when you step onto that campus next week."