MONDAY

Charles woke up well before his scheduled 6:00 alarm went off. As he lay in bed surrounded by the dark his thoughts turned immediately to Liza, and how much he missed her being next to him. His bed felt emptier without her in it and he wished that she had spent the night next to him. He knew it was much too soon for both his girls and Liza, but he longed for a day that she wouldn't leave his bed or his home, that she would eventually live there with him. She just fit in every aspect of his life and he only wanted more time with her. Now he wouldn't even be able to see her at work every day, it was a dark and depressing thought that would consume him if he let it. He let his mind wander to the day ahead for Liza, it was a big one. She would soon be telling Diana the truth about her age and about the relationship she had started with him. He was nervous for her, and about Diana's reaction. Charles' wasn't naïve to Diana's earlier advances, they were harmless but he didn't want to hurt her. To be perfectly honest, he was ultimately only okay with leaving Empirical because of the 2 women that were strong enough to handle the adversity that would come with running a publishing empire, and those 2 women were Liza and Diana. He hoped for both Liza and Diana that their relationship could handle the truth and that they would ultimately be better off knowing they were equals. Turning over to try and go back to sleep was impossible, as soon as he closed his eyes, he imagined waking up with Liza beside him. Like he had done for the past 2 mornings, it had been such a huge comfort knowing she was there with him. Such a simple thing had made him so utterly happy. Giving up on the thought of any more sleep, Charles reminded himself that he needed to keep his mind and body busy today, so he forced himself out of bed and changed into some workout clothes and started his early morning with an hour run on his treadmill.

After showering and getting dressed for the day, (although not in his usual office suit) he checked the time on his phone. It was 6:45, hoping that it wasn't too early for a text to Liza, wanting to let her know that he was thinking about her. He decided to send a quick message before he had to wake the girls up. Good Morning, I haven't been able to get you out of my head, Lucky me. Good luck with Diana today.

Charles knew his girls weren't exactly morning people but waking both Nicole and Bianca this morning proved to be no easy task. They both complained about being too tired, not wanting eggs and toast, and whose turn it was to feed their pet fish Nemo. Charles decided it was his turn, since the girls couldn't stop arguing. He sent them both up to brush their teeth and to get dressed, while he straightened up the kitchen. As he made his way up the stairs he could hear both girls complaining about everything this morning, neither one of them exactly thrilled about going to school. Charles reminded them that it would be him walking them to school, instead of their nanny Abby, whose scheduled 2 week vacation had come at the perfect time, while Charles was still figuring out the new logistics of his own routine.

Almost all of Charles patience had run out by the time Bianca was begging for a French braid, "Please Daddy, it's how I want my hair done today." The brand new terror that had formed in Charles' eyes was unmistakable to his older daughter. She ultimately took pity on him as he began to explain to Bianca that he had no idea how to do any type of French braid, "Ummm, Bianca I don't kn-," Nicole rolled her eyes and looked at Bianca as she explained, "Bianca we don't have time this morning for a French braid, how about we leave your hair long, it looks really pretty that way." Smiling at the compliment her sister had just given her, was all the convincing Bianca needed as she forgot about the braid immediately.

Charles smiled at Nicole over Bianca's head, grateful for his older daughter's awareness of his own shortcomings in the girls hair department. "Thanks for saving me Nicole," Charles whispered, as he smiled and shook his head.

"No problem Dad." Nicole was giggling at her Dad's funny expression.

All 3 of them were out the door with just enough time to make the 5 minute walk to school. Nicole on his right side and Bianca on his left, each choosing to hold his hand as they walked. Making Charles heart burst with joy as he listened to both of his girls chatter on about their day ahead of them, making the appropriate responses when it was time. Their excitement was palpable and it helped his overall outlook knowing how happy his girls were.

As their school came within their sights, Nicole immediately dropped his hand and raced ahead. "Bye Dad, thanks for walking me, see you after school today."

"I will pick you both up after school," Charles yelled, hoping that Nicole had heard him. He didn't quite know how he felt about Nicole already being embarrassed by her Dad. Charles looked down at Bianca, who was still holding his hand. "Is it okay if I walk you to your classroom," hoping the embarrassment stage hadn't quite hit his youngest daughter yet.

"Of course Daddy!" Bianca smiled as she held on to her Dad's hand and led him down to her classroom, all while explaining the new math lesson she had learned last week. And about Jeremy, the boy in her class who loved to tease. Charles was completely amused and distracted by Bianca's stories that he had forgotten about the great lengths he had previously gone to, to avoid Bianca's teacher at all costs. Ms. Anderson had shown no shame at previous parent teacher conferences and her outright forwardness about wanting Charles had made him extremely uncomfortable.

"Mr. Brooks, I mean Charles, it's so nice to see you." Ms. Anderson gave him a sly smile as he felt her gaze linger on his mouth and then check him out up and down.

"Umm, you too," Charles responded while his face turned a brilliant shade of red, this woman made him so uncomfortable. "Just here to drop Bianca off," Charles pulled Bianca into a hug and quickly let go, hoping to make a fast escape.

Ms. Anderson shamelessly stepped closer to him and suggestively reached out to run her hand up and down his arm, "How are you doing? Divorce can be so hard. Please let me know if I can help you at all, we wouldn't want you getting lonely now, would we?"

"Uh, well, I…" Charles stuttered over the words trying to get out of his mouth, the nerve of this woman was astonishing.

"Daddy isn't lonely Ms. Anderson! He has me and Nicole and now he has Liza too. They even kiss!" Bianca helpfully replied.

The corner of Charles mouth twitched, trying to hide his amusement he quickly replied. "Yes, no worries about anyone being lonely at our house, is there Bianca?" In that moment Charles couldn't help but feel eternally grateful for Bianca's abrupt honesty. "I will pick you up after school today."

"Bye Daddy!"

"Good to see you Ms. Anderson." Charles couldn't quite bring himself to look her in the eye as he could sense the scowl that had formed on her face. Thinking to himself, Charles smiled hoping that Liza meant he would never have to step foot back in the dating pool again. Amused at the entire situation he quickly left before anything else happened.

The rest of his day was filled with lawyers and meetings, none of which were pleasant. He spent the afternoon going over the new contract with Quinn's investors and the ultimate papers in which he signed over his controlling percentage of Empirical. It hurt quite a bit more than he was ready to admit, and at the same time he finally felt like he could breathe again. His sense of obligation and duty to his family's company that had felt like a stranglehold the past 3 years had finally come to an end. He was ready to live again.

Signing the new agreement that made him Chairman of the board, was little more than window dressing. The realization of the finality of him no longer running Empirical hit him as he left Bob's office. Feeling happy and lost at the same time, was a strange and new feeling for someone that had his whole life mapped out for him by the time he turned 15 years old. Pulling out his phone, he saw 2 missed texts from Liza. I missed you more than you know last night, thanks for the luck! I am sure I will need it. This first text sent at 8 this morning and the latest text had just come in. Things didn't go well with Diana. Charles could sense the distress that Liza was going through, wanting to help her but not knowing how made him feel completely useless. He didn't want Liza to suffer because of their relationship. Charles sent a quick text to Liza, knowing it was all he could do in this moment. It will get better. Something I recently read from Herman Hesse, "Some of us think holding on makes us strong; But sometimes it is letting go." Embrace the real you Liza, let go of the person you were pretending to be. Thinking of you and missing you, always.

That night after the girls their favorite dinner, spaghetti, Charles settled down to help both girls with their homework. Over an hour later Charles had seen more math problems to last him a lifetime and both Nicole and Bianca were happily chatting about the field trip the whole school was taking later that week. He decided to bring up Pauline's plan about taking the girls to Europe over summer vacation. As he explained what Pauline wanted to do, both girls seemed quite hesitant.

"Would you come with us Daddy?" Bianca asked.

"No honey, I wouldn't. It would just be you, Nicole and Mommy. Just a fun girls trip."

"For the whole summer?" Nicole spoke up, she wanted to spend time with her Mom, but not if it meant missing her Dad the entire summer.

"We could talk about the length of the trip, maybe come up with a better plan." Charles didn't want to worry his girls.

"I would miss you Daddy," Bianca said as she tried not to cry.

"Absolutely nothing is set in stone right now girls, I wanted to you both to know about what your Mom would like to do with both of you this summer. It would be an exciting opportunity for all of you to see other parts of the world and spend some good quality time with your Mom. But no one has to do anything that they don't want to do okay? I just want you both to think about it."

This seemed to satisfy both Nicole and Bianca, and bedtime went as smooth as possible for 2 young girls. Grateful he tucked them both in and kissed them good night, wishing time would slow down just a little.

It was 10 when he finally got into bed, exhausted by the days events. He was longing to communicate with Liza, but hadn't heard back from his earlier text. He argued with himself for 15 minutes before he finally gave in and called her, hoping to hear her voice.

"Hello…"

Charles smiled, grateful that he was talking to the one and only person he wanted to end his day with.

TUESDAY

Charles began his Tuesday with the same routine as Monday. The only fortunate difference was no awkward interaction with Bianca's teacher for which Charles was eternally grateful for. Walking back into his home he decided today would be a productive day of cleaning out his study. He wanted to keep busy and productive, while he tried to sort out what direction his life would eventually take. If only it were that easy, Charles thought as he stepped into his study. Looking around he saw his old antique desk that had been passed down from previous Brooks generations, a tan leather couch that he use to fall asleep on and all 4 walls were filled with his favorite books. He couldn't remember the last time that he had been in his study just for pleasure. It had been a long time, his recent work in there had always been accompanied by the stress and worry of Empirical and it's employees, it had consumed him for the past 5 years. He could admit now how much time and energy he had focused on his business had left little time to focus on his relationship with Pauline. He had just assumed they were both happy, he hadn't meant to neglect his kids or his wife. Work had always just been there, and it was important to him, but he never meant for it to be more important than his family. Shaking himself out of his own thoughts, he reminded himself of Pauline's choice to just leave and not discuss her own unhappiness within their marriage. He truly believed that he would have listened and tried to make things better, but if he was being honest with himself, he didn't know if that would have fixed their marriage. Wary of his own happiness right now with Liza, he didn't want to think about how much of his heart was already lost to her. It was scary to know how hard he had fallen for this magical woman that came into his life 2 years ago. It wasn't an exaggeration to admit how much Liza had changed who he was and who he wanted to be. What he was willing to change for himself and for their future together.

Glancing down at his watch he discovered that he had been sitting on this tan couch for over an hour thinking about the past and the present and his future with Liza. A different kind of productive than he had intended.

Getting up Charles started to look through the books on the wall in front of him. Everything from The Great Gatsby to Hemingway's classics and so on. What a shame that he had long forgotten about these books. His passion and love of reading had long since been replaced with the constant worry of keeping his publishing empire afloat. The weight and worry that he had carried around for 5 years was gone. Replaced with a fresh start, one with its own worries and apprehension, but distinct new possibilities that had no limitations. He couldn't believe that he was no longer confined to Empirical. The last time that he had even questioned his loyalty to Empirical had been when he sat across from Liza in a bar, after escaping LL Moore and his unwanted advances. It still made Charles ashamed at what he was willing to put up with to keep Moore happy. Charles could still remember the taste of scotch as Liza asked him "What's something he always wanted to do, if not for his job." The sincerity in her voice touched him and he had longed to reach out and touch her hand, just to feel the warmth of her skin against his. He couldn't remember a time when he wasn't mesmerized by everything about her. The way she laughed, her playful nature, her goofiness, and thoughtfulness. The intelligence that made him long to discuss anything and everything with her. And the way her eyes lit up every time she smiled. He had been so drawn to her, even when he had known better. Shaking himself out of his own long kept memories, Charles reminded himself that Liza was finally his. It still felt too good to be true.

Finding an old worn copy of "The Alchemist" immediately intrigued Charles and he made a mental note to read it again. He pulled a post it from his desk and wrote, What does Liza think of this book? To remind himself to talk to Liza about it, he really wanted to know what she thought of it.

Attempting to get productive again Charles started to clean out his desk, moving from drawer to drawer and emptying it of long forgotten manuscripts, budget spreadsheets, old contracts and so on. By the time he was finished cleaning just the desk out it was time to pick the girls up from school. He decided right then that they were going out for dinner, he felt a little trapped in his own home right now and needed a fun night out with his girls.

Calling Liza on his way out the door, he only got her voicemail. Thinking she must be extremely busy he left her a message, "Hey, just was thinking of you. Hope you have had a more productive day than me. I am taking the girls out for dinner. Wish you could join us. I miss you."

Liza smiled at the voicemail that Charles had left her, she was just leaving Empirical and it was 8, and she was exhausted. Hoping to catch him, she called his phone but was disappointed when it went straight to voicemail. "Hey, I hope you had a fun night out, tell the girls hi for me. I miss you too." Liza couldn't help but feel a little out of sorts, she was missing Charles, a lot.

WEDNESDAY

Liza walked into the loft at 7, kicking off her heels as soon as she crossed the threshold. She didn't care if anyone tripped over them, she was too tired to worry about it. Liza collapsed on the couch and didn't move for a full 5 minutes. Until she heard Maggie open the door and immediately run into her shoes.

"Hey, what in the hell are your shoes doing in front of the door? I almost killed myself on your 4 inch heels."

"I'm too exhausted to care." Liza mumbled with her eyes closed.

Maggie stood above Liza with a concerned look, "Liza, I'm beginning to worry about you, you're starting to look like the real 42 year old that you are, with that worry line in between your brows becoming a permanent fixture on your otherwise lovely face."

"Stop talking Maggie," with her eyes still closed, Liza stuck her tongue out at Maggie like a 5 year old and she immediately felt a little better.

Maggie laughed as she sat on the couch next to Liza and tried again, "No, seriously Liza I haven't seen bags under your eyes this bad since you found out David was cheating on you."

"Thanks for that pleasant memory. I found your note this morning, saying you wanted to talk. What about?" Liza asked.

"Oh don't worry about that right now, you need to relax Liza. I will get you a nice glass of red wine, and a new face mask that you need to try. Go run yourself a nice hot bath, light some candles and RELAX!"

"I can't relax, I still haven't found a new assistant for Diana. It's going to be the death of me and my career. My brain hurts from thinking." Liza sighed.

"Stop thinking so much, it's bad for your health and your face."

"Ha, very funny, now what did you want to talk about Maggie?"

"Umm, it can wait." Maggie got up, hoping to avoid this particular conversation.

"Maggie, what are you not telling me?" Liza asked, beginning to worry.

"I don't want to add to your stress. It's about Josh."

"What about him?" Liza tried to sound calm but her friend was starting to freak her out.

Maggie stayed silent, trying to find the right words. Suddenly there was a loud knock on their door, saving Maggie from having to answer. "Be right back!"

Liza got up to follow Maggie, "We aren't finished talking Maggie."

Maggie opened the door to find Lauren, just a little crazy eyed and breathless. "Oh good Liza you are here, I am sure Maggie has filled you in on all of the craziness! Can you believe that we actually called the Cacao Mother? Isn't it just unbelievable?" Lauren was talking as fast as she possibly could and Liza was having a hard time deciphering any of the words that had just come out of her mouth. A dull ache started to throb behind her eyes as she stared at Lauren and just said, "What?"

"You know this Irish chick, I mean I knew she was not good news. Even thought it was incredibly romantic for Josh to follow her all the way to Ireland, but can you believe he knocked her up? I mean for as much sex that Josh has you would think he knows exactly how to prevent this from happening!"

"Lauren, stop talking," Maggie turned to check on Liza. "Are you okay?"

"Wait, you didn't know Liza?" Lauren asked.

Liza shook her head slowly, "Josh is going to have a baby?"

"Yes," Maggie sighed, knowing that she could no longer avoid this conversation. "Claire showed up last week, 8 months pregnant. I guess it's a good thing they're still married." Maggie joked, trying to lighten the mood.

"Liza, I'm so sorry, me and my big mouth. Are you okay?"

Liza smiled, "I'm okay Lauren, I think I am just a little shocked. Josh is going to have a baby? Wow. I'm happy for him, he will make a great Dad."

"Really?" Lauren exclaimed.

"Lauren, do you have any sort of filter on that mouth? Liza come sit down." Maggie and Lauren followed Liza to the couch.

"Do you still love him?" Lauren wanted to know.

"I think a part of me will always love what Josh helped me get back. He helped me become more confident and we really did fall hard and fast for each other. But we always hurt each other more than we meant to. I want him to be happy." Liza could tell that both Maggie and Lauren were worried about her, but they didn't need to. "I'm happy right now, happier than I have been in a long time."

"Wow, you've really got this whole zen aura thing going on right now Liza," as Lauren waved her hands in front of Liza's face. Maggie just rolled her eyes, "Go enjoy your bath, I will bring you some wine and that face mask I wanted you to try."

"Now that is the best advice I've gotten all day. Thanks Maggie." Liza leaned over to give her friends a hug, trying to reassure them both as they both still seemed a little worried about her.

A nice, hot relaxing bath was just what she needed, then hopefully she would get a hold of Charles, they had missed each other's phone calls again today.

Charles finally got the girls to stay in their beds after a late night snack of cookies and milk and 3 chapters of Harry Potter. They had begged him to read one more chapter but he had stood firm and made them go to bed. He was feeling only a little guilty so he guessed that was progress from the previous night when they had conned him out of two extra chapters.

He was feeling slightly agitated that he had gotten hardly anything done today. He had made some slight progress cleaning out more of his study, but it had left him feeling restless. He had come across 2 old manuscripts that were the first books he had chosen to publish at Empirical, they had once ignited a passion within him that he had lost somewhere along the way. Making matters worse, he had missed 2 of Liza's phone calls. She was extremely busy at work and he didn't want to come off as some needy, attention seeking boyfriend. God is that the term he wanted to use to describe 2 people in their forties dating? Charles's brain was on overdrive as he climbed into his empty bed.

Charles knew were most of his frustrations were coming from, he missed Liza. It was that plain and simple. He missed her laugh, her goofy and endearing positivity. Hell, it had only been 3 days since he had seen her but it felt like 3 months. What did that say about him? His bed felt so empty without her in it. He thought back to Sunday morning, he smiled just thinking about her asleep next to him, softly snoring. Her long hair fanned out on the silk pillow and a soft smile on her lips. Distantly Charles heard his phone buzz, interrupting his thoughts, signaling a new text message.

Are you awake?

Just thinking about you. Charles replied.

That's nice to hear, how was your day?

I cleaned out my study, made chicken for dinner and finally got the girls to go to bed after they conned me out of an extra chapter of Harry Potter.

Ha, smart girls…. I missed you today.

I missed you too, how was your day? Any luck in finding a new assistant for Diana?

Exhausting and completely unproductive. Finding a new assistant has proven to be no easy task.

Sounds like an uphill battle, I think you need a distraction.

Hmmm…. Sounds interesting, what did you have in mind?

Liza saw the 3 dots and couldn't stop laughing when she saw what Charles had in mind.

What are you wearing?

That sounds like a distraction for you Charles.

Oh no, not for me, just trying to help take your mind off work, anything I can do to help.

Well, I just got out of a nice hot bath, so currently I am only wearing a towel.

Hmm, I don't know if I believe you, I think I need some proof. Charles replied flirtatiously.

Liza couldn't believe what she was reading and yet she was feeling extra confident and daring as she smiled and sent a picture of herself in her towel to Charles.

At home in his bed, Charles groaned. You're trying to kill me aren't you?

Not at all, just participating in some innocent flirting that you started.

Charles started to laugh as he read Liza's response. Then a new picture popped up on his phone, this one of Liza in a lot less towel and a lot more skin. He could barely type a response that made sense, his brain was currently not working.

I wish you were here right now.

Me too. Goodnight Charles, sweet dreams. Liza replied.

Looked like it was going to be another long restless night, Charles complained to himself.