Midlife Valentine: A Later in Life Single Mom Romance

Not really, but I needed his help, so I played along. “I just figured you missed the sound of my voice.”

“Always such a funny man, you are,” he drawled back in a pretty crappy attempt at a southern accent. “Of course I will continue to represent you, Trey. You have always been a hard worker and a good earner, and I would be happy to spend the foreseeable future splitting your money with you.” Alexi laughed at his own joke. “The same fees apply, of course.”

“Of course,” I answered sarcastically and rolled my eyes for effect, even though Alexi couldn’t see and probably wouldn’t notice if he could. “Why? I mean, I’ve been waiting days to hear from you, and I’ve been met with nothing but radio silence.”

“Honestly, I wasn’t thrilled with this silly idea of yours, and I figured it was just a way to ease your way back into modeling without admitting that you were wrong to retire early. You know I do not represent influencers.”

“I didn’t know that, actually. Hell, I didn’t even know that influencers needed agents.”

Alexi gave a disapproving smack of his lips that echoed down the phone. “Well, you are special, and I can admit that for the past hour I’ve had no less than one dozen calls and texts asking if you were available for this or that. Tell me you have everything set up to get started yesterday?”

I still didn’t have a photographer, but maybe I could convince Val to do it on a temporary basis. “I do.”

“Good. That social media post with your adorable new charge was perfect. Absolutely perfect. Gorgeous and relatable, that’s an entirely new tax bracket because you won’t just bring fashion forward teens and adults, but the all-important mommy set.” He sighed and let silence settle between us. “It was a smart move on your part, so let’s just keep the momentum going.”

I shrugged off the compliment for my unintentionally brilliant act. It was actually Rashad’s idea to be fair. “That’s the plan, Alexi.”

“I expect three contracts before the weekend is over, so you should expect them early next week. Sign and return as quickly as you can.”

“Will do. I promise.”

“Quickly,” he added again with emphasis before he ended the call.

I smiled at the phone, suddenly feeling a little bit lighter after my talk with Alexi. I had an agent again and would start working soon.

The bell rang and I floated to the door, smiling at the sight of the kid who held two large pizza boxes and a smaller box that I knew held my favorite fire nuggets. “Thanks, man.” I shut the door and called the girls for dinner.

Full of energy, they bounded down the steps a noisy mass of giggles mixed in with conversation and just a hint of arguing. “It’s smells great in here, Uncle Trey. What did you make?”

I turned to Keri and frowned. “I made a phone call to the best pizza joint in town, it’s a sleepover tradition.”

“It is?” She frowned and looked to Belle and then Bridget for confirmation. “I’ve never heard of that before.”

“Have you been to a lot of sleepovers?” Belle asked plainly.

“Well no, of course not. But I read up on them and I watched tons of movies with a sleepover theme, and none mentioned that pizza was a traditional sleepover food.”

Bridget rolled her eyes and flung an arm around Keri. “Not tradition like a bride wearing white, like you’re having fun with your favorite people in the world so why not eat the best food ever, that kind of tradition.”

Just when I thought the conversation was about to spiral, one of the Berryman females saved the day. “I couldn’t have explained it better Bridget, thanks.”

“Just tell me there’s sausage on one of those pizzas, and I’ll be your best friend.”

“Looks like I’ve got a new best friend,” I crowed as I opened both boxes with a flourish.

Keri frowned up at me. “How did you know I liked mushrooms and bell peppers?”

“Because I listen when you talk, and you went on and on about how well Mrs. Berryman cooked them for fajitas.” I laughed at the blush staining her cheeks.

“What? Your momma has skills in the kitchen,” she shot back defensively.

“Speaking of my mom,” Belle began. “Are you guys dating?”

I swallowed too quickly and nearly choked on the cheese-filled crust I’d splurged on. “Excuse me?”

“You have been spending a lot of time together,” Bridget jumped in with a justification for the question. “So, are you?”

“We’re friends.”

“If you do get married, will she be my step-auntie or my stepmom?” Keri asked with her usual aplomb.

“We’re friends, you nosy nellies.”

Giggles followed for a long minute before another question was shot in my direction. “Are you guys going to stay in Carson Creek, or move to Paris?”

“This is home,” I answered easily and honestly. “We’ll leave for vacations, but we will always come back.”