Only Him (Only One 1)

“Buying someone stuff doesn’t always mean treating them well,” I counter, grabbing my almost empty beer. “Does she want all that?”

“I’m not sure, but when she gets pregnant, she’ll stay home with the baby. He’s been very pushy about that, so I’m not sure she’ll have a choice.”

There’s no doubt Robert Hawkley could give her a dream life, but I don’t understand what she sees in him as a person. Is it all about wealth and status? Gemma isn’t that superficial, but then again, there’s a lot I don’t know about her anymore.

“Wanna grab another drink?” I offer, needing to escape this conversation.

“Sure. Just one more, though.”

“So I have to be transparent with you,” I tell her after we grab some beers and sit in the booth. At the last minute, we decided to order fries to help soak up the alcohol. My stomach is in knots over what I’m about to say. “I know Jerry had good intentions telling Gemma to plan a double date, but I don’t want to lead you on. While I think you’re beautiful and a lot of fun, I don’t think—”

“You don’t even have to finish.” She pats my hand. My shoulders relax when she nods. “I’m sure Jerry’s heart was in the right place, but I’ve realized I’m not in the right mindset to be dating right now. Owen’s my priority at the moment. Plus, I’m trying to buy a house and stay focused at work because I want a promotion.”

“Whew, okay.” I chuckle. “I was nervous, considering I haven’t gone on a date in…well, since before I went to prison.”

“Really? No fan mail in prison or conjugal visits?” Katie smirks before taking a sip.

“Oh, there’s always stalker mail, but dating has been the last thing on my mind.”

“How long exactly?” She narrows her eyes, resting her arms on the table.

“How long has it been since I’ve dated or had sex?”

“Well, now that you brought it up, both.”

I laugh at her boldness. “Let’s just say, it’s been averylong time since I’ve dated or had sex. It’s been well over five years.”

“Me too. Sometimes I think I’m okay with being alone. I’m set in my ways, and raising Owen is a full-time job on its own. Then I remember what it felt like to have a partner, someone to come home to after a long shift at work. That’s what I miss the most—companionship.”

I frown, vaguely remembering what happened between her husband and Noah. Though I wasn’t living in Lawton Ridge at the time, Everleigh told me all about it and how distraught she was. Katie lost her husband and her best friend at the same time.

“From what I’ve heard, you’ve done an amazing job raising Owen and being on your own. Whoever you end up with will be a very lucky man.”

“That might be a while…it’s slim pickings in this town. My options range from the jobless just graduated college guys who get their parents to co-sign loans for them or the old church-goer widowers. There’s literally no in-between.”

I bark out a laugh. “Well, let’s weigh the pros and cons here…” I hold out my hands and rock them back and forth. “The younger guys are active enough to play and keep up with Owen. The flip side is you’ll probably have to teach them how to be an adult and do things like balancing a bank account, saving money, and paying bills on time.”

Katie throws a fry at me, chuckling. “Wow, thanks. If I wanted to take care of a man-child, I’d just get pregnant again and teach one from birth.”

“Pros of dating an old guy is getting a senior discount at restaurants.” I shrug, reaching for a couple of fries before shoving them into my mouth. “Plus, Viagra means you can go all night long. Personally, older sounds better, so you should start going to church.”

“You give out thebestadvice! It’s a wonder you’re single!”

We’re both laughing when the waitress asks if we’d like refills. We pass and finish our basket of fries.

“I wrote Noah in prison,” she says softly, looking down. “For years, actually.”

“Did he write back?”

“Never. Doesn’t let me visit him either.”

I tilt my head, studying her sad expression. I can tell how much it hurts her. “Do you know why?”

Katie shrugs as she quickly brushes a tear off her cheek. “No. I wish I did, though. Everleigh and Gemma think I’m holding out for his return, but the minute I see him, I plan to cuss his ass out, then slap him.”

“Has anyone else talked to him? Maybe they can ask—”

“Only Jerry and Gemma. He says it’s complicated.”