Chasing Us (Dark Love 2)

“Sir…”

“Cut the ‘sir’ crap, Edwards. I’m still getting laid three times a week with my girlfriend. I ain’t that old.”

Right. Awkward.

“Okay, Mark… listen, you don’t need to pay a cent. It’s all taken care of.”

“It’s tradition, the father of the bride pays.”

“I don’t mean to sound arrogant, but I can pay for the wedding with an hour’s worth of work. I don’t want to offend you, but it’s peanuts to my bank account.”

He looks hurt, which I fail to understand since it means he doesn’t have to take out a second mortgage on his home. “If you want to help, there’s plenty to do like explaining the whole thing to your ex-wife and making sure she gets here in time.”

“Fuck, that’s a lot to ask. Maria and Debbie in the same house? God, what if they start comparing my technique and shit?” he complains.

We both laugh at the same time before he holds out his hand, and I shake it.

I leave Mark’s house, pleased I have him on board ‘Project Marry Charlotte Mason.’ There is one more person I have to see before I leave Carmel—Finn Rodriguez.

I knock on the door, taking a deep breath as I know this will be a battle. An attractive lady answers who I remember from prom.

“May I help you?” She looks at me intensely, certain she recognizes me.

“I was after Finn.”

“Alex? I mean Lex? I mean… sorry, I can’t remember what Charlie…”

I smile, she relaxes almost instantly. “I prefer Lex. Sorry, I didn’t mean just to show up unannounced.”

“Sorry! Excuse my scatterbrain, please come inside. I’m Jen, by the way.” She holds the door open.

“We met at prom. Are you sure? It might be best that I wait outside.”

“Oh, Finn won’t be home for another half an hour. Please come in, but I’m warning you, the kids won’t leave you alone.”

I follow and take a seat in her living room while Jen offers me an array of beverages. Minutes later, a little girl walks in. She’s maybe five.

“This is my daughter, Mikayla. Mikayla, this is Charlie’s boyfriend.”

Boyfriend—the word sounds juvenile. Even more reason to announce to the whole world she is my wife.

“You’re pretty,” Mikayla says as she stands in front of me.

“Why, thank you. So are you, Mikayla.”

“My daddy says that Mommy isn’t allowed to talk to pretty men because they might steal her.”

“Mikayla! Excuse her, please, it’s a ‘Mommy and Daddy’ joke. Oh, and sorry about calling you her boyfriend. I’m not sure what word to use.”

“Hopefully not for much longer,” I reveal.

“Are you serious? Wow! I spoke to Charlie a few days ago. She’s so happy, Lex. I’m glad you two found your way back together again.”

“How much has she told you?”

“Just that you were living together, but tell me, Lex, do you have a death wish by wanting to speak to Finn?”

As soon as she says the words, the screen door slams, and Finn yells out to his family. He enters the room, his eyes suddenly turning to me, the rage clearly visible. His tall stature overshadows a short Jen, and his clothing looks bulky. I guessed by them he’s a firefighter. I’m not one to be disrespectful to those who help our community but…