“Not much,” Connor repeated with a wry smile.
“Mia tell you I stopped by yesterday?”
“She did. I spent a half hour playing video games with Alexis after lunch. That was a very generous gift.”
“She’s my only grandchild. I’ve got an obligation to spoil her now.”
“Yeah, well, just don’t overdo it.”
“Hmm.” With that noncommittal response, his dad continued, “She’s a sweet little thing, isn’t she? Cute as a button. Well-behaved, too. You’re lucky there.”
“Yeah, she’s really good. Hasn’t given us any trouble at all.”
“She looks like your mother.”
“Yeah, I guess she does.”
“Got her eyes. Just like you do. Your mom would have been thrilled with her, you know.”
“I know. I wish they could have met.”
“So do I, son,” his father murmured with a sigh. “So do I.”
“I’m sorry I wasn’t there when you met Alexis.”
“Mia said you were off studying.”
“Yes. I didn’t get in until late.”
“I know it’s important for you to do well in your classes, but make sure you leave time for your daughter, Connor. My one regret from your boyhood is that I didn’t make more time to spend with you. Seemed like I was always traveling in my job or hanging out with my buddies. I missed too much of your life. I realized that when we lost your mom so soon.”
Connor was taken off guard by his father’s uncharacteristic soul-searching. Duncan Hayes always said he didn’t waste time on regrets or justifications. “Are you okay, Dad?”
“Don’t worry, I’m not dying or anything,” his father replied with a short laugh. “I guess becoming a grandfather makes a man look at things a little differently. Don’t want you to make the same mistakes I made. But don’t worry about it, Conn. You’ll be a good father.”
“I hope you’re right.” Connor wished he could be so sure of that himself.
“Besides, you’ve got Mia to help you. Speaking of lucky…how come you never told me the friend you talked about so much was such a looker?”
“I’m sure I mentioned that she’s attractive.”
“I knew you were fond of her, but I didn’t realize how close the two of you were.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, for her to give up everything and move in to help you with your k
id, even though you’re hardly ever there to help her…that’s a bit more than everyday friendship.”
Connor cleared his throat. “I’ve always said she was my best friend.”
“Same way I always felt about your mom.”
Shifting behind the steering wheel, Connor murmured, “Uh, Dad…”
“Don’t worry, I’m not going to start nagging you to set a date. But don’t be stupid there either, okay, boy? Luck only stretches so far. Takes a little effort to hang on to your good fortune.”
“Yes, well—”