Chapter 17: First Date

Author's Note: Smaller than my normal chapter but they're together finally

Gordon Bombay could still feel the lingering sensation of Casey's lips on his as he walked Casey up the front door of the tenement house that she shared with Charlie. This was the third time in as many weeks that he had come over to the Conway's for a visit. Despite the drafty windows and a furnace that worked only half the time, the Conway's was one of the warmest and coziest places Bombay had visited.

It felt like home.

Bombay was serious when he said that he wanted to live there too. For the first time in his life, he wanted a relationship for more than just sex. Casey Conway was attractive. That wasn't the issue at all. She was pretty in the way that they just didn't make anymore.

It was Charlie. Kind, sensitive, heart-of-gold Charlie.

Bombay could not see what he did to deserve the loyalty and affection that Charlie showed him. He was starting to understand Casey's hesitancy of going on a first date. Charlie had been hurt . Although she hid it, Casey had been hurt as well.

Gordon, mustering up as much courage as he could, grabbed Casey's hand and uttered the words, "I'm not going to hurt him. I promise."

Casey was about to unlock the deadbolt when she felt Bombay's hand on hers. She froze at Bombay's touch. She was used to men pursuing her even after she had done her best to dissuade them. Normally the knowledge of Charlie's existence was enough to discourage men before the relationship had the chance to turn serious but with Gordon things were different.

Charlie was looking forward to hockey practice so much now that he had a hard time focusing on school work. Anyone could see how Charlie looked at Bombay. That was unmistakable. Even Bombay could see it. But he didn't appear to be bothered by it one bit. Bombay enjoyed Charlie's company and found himself caring for the young boy.

"I know," Casey said. She knew inside Bombay wasn't going to hurt Charlie. Not intentionally anyway. "It's just I'm not ready for all this yet."

"Yet?" Bombay said, full of hope.

The word yet left her lips before she was able to stop them. She open her mouth to utter the word 'ever' but the words wouldn't come. Bombay saw this and seized the moment. "I'll wait."

Casey was flabbergasted. Never had a man before that was interested in her had offered to wait until she was ready. Bombay was the first. "I can't ask you to do that. It's not fair to either of us."

"You didn't ask. I'm offering." Bombay flashed his very best smile. "Somethings are worth waiting for."

She blushed. Casey wasn't used to this. She was used to guys leaving at the first sight of Charlie. Bombay was not only willing to wait but appeared to be open to stepping into the step-parent role that no one else wanted. Everything seemed too good to be true.

Casey fought the urge to kiss him right then and there. She stepped towards him so that their lips were only inches apart. She could smell the scent of his cologne. She could feel his presence. It took all of her willpower to stop. "Charlie's probably on the other side of that door ."

Bombay nodded. He understood what she was saying. Although he didn't mind, he knew that this first date that wasn't a first date was orchestrated by Charlie. Neither of them would have gone to the festival together if it wasn't for Charlie pushing them to go together. If he was a betting man, he would have bet his retainer fee that Charlie was just on the other side of the door.

"You want to come in for a coffee?" Casey offered. "Charlie will probably inundate me with a hundred questions but he won't if you are around."

"I'd love to but I don't want to impose any more than I already have," Gordon replied.

The front door to the apartment swung open but instead of Charlie, an elderly woman stood there in his place.

"Imposition? Nonsense! Come inside. I'd love to meet the man dating my daughter," the woman said.

"Mom!" Casey exclaimed. "What are doing here! I thought you were at Bingo tonight!"

The colour drained from Bombay's face. Bombay could handle inquisitive Charlie no problem. Casey's mother was another thing. He extended his hand. "Nice to meet you," Bombay offered.

"Thelma couldn't make it for Bingo." Casey's mother took Bombay hand and held it. "You're even better looking up close."

Bombay blinked. "Excuse me, have we met before?"

"We haven't," Casey's mother said. "Although I've heard a lot about you. My grandson can't stop talking about you. He wanted to stay up but I put a stop to that. Can't have him disturbing your date."

"Mom, stop it. Gordon and I are just friends," Casey insisted.

"Is that what people are calling it these days?" she asked. "Either way, I'm glad. You had me worried for a while there with your choice of men. Gordon here is so much better looking than your ex. And a lawyer at that!"

Bombay was speechless. He didn't know what to say. He looked over to Casey and saw the colour rising in her cheeks. Gordon smiled inwardly at Casey's blushing. "Thanks, I guess. Although I don't work as a lawyer anymore."

"What?" Casey's mother exclaimed. "I thought you worked for that big law firm downtown."

"I used to," Gordon replied. "Not anymore. Just coaching hockey for now."

"Hmmm." Her interest in Gordon Bombay immediately wained upon learning he was no longer practising law. "Pity. I read that you were one of the best in the city somewhere."

"It's just not for me," Gordon said helping Casey out of her coat. Gordon didn't like where this conversation was going but he was going to remain polite. "I'm planning on trying out for the Minnehaha Waves at the end of the season. "

"What?" It was Casey's turn to be shocked. "When did this happen?"

Before Gordon had the chance to answer, her mother picked up her coat and started to leave. "I'm going to leave. Sounds like you two have a lot to talk about. I thought you would have taken the chance to talk about it on your date but I guess not. I've never been a fan of long-distance relationships but you never know these days."

Before Casey was able to protest that they were not in a relationship, her mother had already left. She turned to Gordon. "I'm sorry about that," Casey apologized. "I had no idea she was going to come over."

Bombay shook his head. "Don't worry about it. It's okay."

"Why didn't you tell me about trying out for the Waves?" Casey asked.

"I didn't know. I just figured you wouldn't be interested …"

"If you are going to…you know..then we…I mean….you should tell me these things." Casey was struggling to find the words.

She looked at Bombay. He seemed to understand what she was trying to say. He smiled, grabbed her hand and squeezed it. "We'll figure it out."

Casey heard a door creak as it opened followed by footsteps. She knew it was Charlie and immediately let go of Bombay's hand.

"Figure what out?"