“Okay,” she begins in a slow voice. “Maybe I knew it wasn’t Stewie because it felt different. He’s not usually very generous when it comes to making love, and you are.”
I nod.
“Atta girl. You might have been a little out of it at the beginning, but there’s no way you’d mistake me for my son. We’re different in so many ways, not to mention the fact that you screamed my name, loud, while you were coming.”
She gasps, eyes wide.
“No, I didn’t!”
I grin. “Yes, you definitely did honey. It was later in the night, maybe the second or third time we were together, but you were climaxing hard and you definitely let out a few, “Oh Julians!””
She stares at me, shocked, but then smiles.
“Okay, maybe I did,” she admits. “But what are we supposed to do now?”
I take her hand in mine. “Well, sweetheart, if I’m being honest, I’ve been attracted to you for a very long time. It’s wrong, I know, because you were dating my son which is why I kept my feelings in check. I didn’t let myself even talk to you much, but the old restraints don’t exist anymore. Stewie’s out of the picture, so I think this is our chance. I want to date you. For real.”
Serenity leans back, clearly shocked. “Really?”
I nod seriously.
“Why are you so surprised? I think I made my feelings clear last weekend and again tonight when we were at the movies. You’re amazing sweetheart, and to be honest, I’ve never come so many times in a twenty-four hour period. But it’s more than that. I love the way you work hard at your job, and how you want to become something.”
She stammers a bit.
“Yes, but you’re an established, important attorney while I’m nothing but a waitress. People will talk, don’t you think?”
I shrug.
“Let them, because it doesn’t bother me. Besides, don’t knock your job. You’re making honest money and you like what you do. That’s what matters, far more than how much cash you actually pull in.”
She’s dumbfounded and her mouth opens and closes a few more times. “Yes, but what about the fact that we’re twenty years apart in age? Don’t you think that’ll raise a few eyebrows.”
I shrug.
“Maybe, but again, sweetheart, does it really matter? Age is nothing but a number and besides, May-December relationships can be very romantic. I have a few friends who’ve done similar things. In fact, one of your co-workers comes to mind. Faith Randall? Didn’t she recently marry an older man?”
Serenity nods and bites her lip, looking down.
“Yes, Faith married Hunter Stockton of Hunter Apparel, which makes all those puffy winter jackets. And yes, Hunter’s about twenty years older than Faith but …”
“But what?” I ask gently. “May December relationships are being done right here in Medina, and I understand Faith and Hunter are very happy together, judging from when I see them strolling about town.”
She giggles a bit. “Well, they’re happy whenever their kids aren’t driving them crazy! Faith still takes an occasional shift at the diner and all she can talk about is the chaos at her house because of those babies.”
I squeeze her hand.
“Sounds like a happy family to me then.”
But Serenity won’t let me off so easily. She takes a deep breath and looks me straight in the eye.
“But Julian, I dated your son, and you know that’s the biggest obstacle. Tongues are going to wag because not a lot of women date a father-son duo.”
I nod seriously and take her hand in mine again.
“You’re right honey, but you have to pick your fights in life, and I wouldn’t choose this one to agonize about. The key word in your sentence is “dated,” which means it was in the past. You’re not dating Stewie any longer, so there’s no overlap. You guys are kaput, which leaves the coast clear for me.”
Serenity opens and closes her mouth a few times, trying to come up with another excuse, but she comes up empty.
“Are you sure about this though, Julian?” she asks with a searching look. “There are so many reasons not to go down this path.”
I nod. “That’s true, and I don’t want to pressure you, honey, because it won’t be easy. This obviously isn’t a conventional relationship, but I enjoy spending time with you, and I really think the gossip will die down after a while. There’s always a new scandal to be had in Medina, and after six months, people won’t even remember. Besides, we have a really good time together, and we’re very compatible in bed too, if last weekend is any indication.”
Serenity giggles, cheeks flushing pink. “We definitely have that part down. I’m still worried though, because what if everything goes wrong? What if Stewie finds out about us and is utterly repulsed? What then?”
I nod.
“That could happen, but let’s cross that bridge when we come to it, okay? My son will be touring for the next few months, so let’s use this time to get to know one another. I look forward to it, honey, and will cherish this time together.”