“What the hell is so funny?” Eli asks while eyeing up the sports car guy. I watch as he looks back and forth between Ben and Eli, as it registers they’re twins.
“This guy just referred to me as Mom’s ‘man,’” Ben snorts, and Eli starts laughing too.
“You two shut up,” I reprimand them. Turning back toward the arrogant God who stands looking at me curiously, I remove my sunglasses, pressing them into the mop of hair knotted on top.
“I apologize the truck is parked in front of your car, but your car is parked in one of my parking spots and I needed them both today,” I say as sweetly as possible.
He takes in my appearance, which consists of yoga pants, a loose-fitting tank top, and flip-flops. My hair is up in a bun, and I’m not wearing makeup. Give me a break, I’m moving. When his eyes make it up to my face, he finally replies.
“Well, I’m sorry I parked in your husband’s spot. If you have one of your boys move the truck, I’ll remove my car,” he says a little more gently.
“No husband,” I snort. “And I won’t usually need both spots since it’s just me. I just did today to get all my stuff moved.”
He cocks his head to the side and studies my face, for what I’m not sure. Eli clears his throat and steps in front of me, blocking me.
“I’m Eli, and that’s Ben. We’ll be here quite often to check on her, so I’d appreciate you not using the other spot,” Eli says, standing at his full 6’3” height. Ben comes up beside him, both now standing in front of me. Due to my meager 5’3” stature, I can’t see the guy’s expression. What the hell are they doing?
“Sorry, guys. It won’t happen again. I’m Cord by the way,” he says politely while holding his hand out to Eli. Eli shakes his hand firmly, followed by Ben.
“Okay, guys. Ben move your truck so Cord can leave, and then we’ll head up. I’ll order you guys some pizza for dinner,” I tell them, turning to head toward the apartment.
“Ma’am, I didn’t catch your name,” Cord requests.
“Oh, sorry, it’s Ellie,” I say without making eye contact.
Cord steps toward me and I watch Ben and Eli stiffen. Cord takes his sunglasses off with one hand while holding his other hand out to shake mine. The moment my hand touches his, I look up into the greenest eyes I’ve ever seen. He smirks, I’m sure due to the shiver that runs through my body, as he lifts my hand and kisses the top of it. Eli steps up beside me and startles me when he says, “Okay, Ma, let’s get up to the apartment.” I just nod, not breaking eye contact with Cord.
“Nice to meet you, Ellie,” he pauses before looking to Eli, “and you and Ben as well.” He releases my hand and heads to his car.
“Seriously, Ma! Don’t tell strangers you live alone!” Eli basically shouts at me as soon as we are in my apartment.
“Be serious, Eli. That man was driving a damn BMW sports car and he’s hot as hell. What would he want with me? Simmer down,” I snort.
I hear the deep intake of breath from Eli before I even realize I just called Cord hot.
“I know you’re worried about me, but I’m going to be fine, guys,” I say to them both as I make the call for pizza.
Eli looks at Ben, then back to me. “Mom, I don’t think you realize how guys see you. Hell, we have friends who give us shit all the time about having a hot mom. Cord isn’t blind. You’re beautiful, and you don’t even know it.”
“Be serious, Eli. I’m a train wreck on most days, including today. I’m okay with it,” I protest.
Ben shakes his head, before responding. “He’s being totally serious, Mom. Our senior year of high school, didn’t you ever wonder why all the guys wanted to hang out our house? You were the coolest of the moms,” he replies seriously.
“Well, yeah. I make the best damn snacks ever,” I joke.
“Okay. You believe what you want, but according to our friends and the reaction we see men have to you, you’re a MILF,” Eli laughs, then shudders.
“Um, okay. What the hell is a MILF?” I ask Ben.
“No. I’m not answering that. You’ll just have to google it later,” Ben says, shaking his head and laughing.
We start to put things away while we wait for the pizza to arrive. I don’t know how I’d have made it through this day without their help.
As soon as the pizza is gone, the boys announce they have to go because they were invited to a party at one of the fraternities on campus. I give them the usual lecture about behaving themselves, no driving if they drink, and then kiss their cheeks and rush them out the door. It’s my first night in my very first apartment and I’m actually pretty excited to enjoy the quiet.
It’s about ten minutes later that I realize I have no food in the house. None. Not even coffee for in the morning. That just won’t do. It’s only 7:30 p.m., so I figure I might as well head to the grocery store and get the most important stuff at least, like coffee and wine.
I make a mental note to look up “MILF” when I get home.
PULLING A CART FROM the line, I start on the first aisle, having to remind myself ever so often that I’m only buying food for one person, not four. I made a pact with myself when I put the deposit on my apartment that once I was moved in and only cooking for me, that I would start eating better and taking better care of myself. The apartment complex has pools for me to swim laps and a gym for me to workout in. I’m actually pretty excited to get started.
As I push my cart into the check stand, I remember I forgot coffee. I can’t wake up tomorrow morning to no coffee. As I start to back up, I run into whoever is behind me. When I turn to apologize, the words die on my lips.
Cord.
“Ellie. Fancy meeting you here,” Cord chuckles.
“Hey, Cord. Sorry. I forgot coffee and that would be a tragedy first thing in the morning,” I joke. He backs out of my way, and as I pass him, I watch as he assesses what’s in my cart. He is built like a brick shithouse, so when he grins, I assume it’s because my cart is full of healthy, unprocessed food.
“You must like to cook,” he approves.
“Why would you say that?” I ask.
“Well, everything in that cart needs to be prepared. It’s not like a TV dinner.” He wrinkles his nose when he says TV dinner and it’s pretty damn cute.
I chuckle and reply, “You’re right. I’m trying to eat better, and I do love to cook actually.”
His expression turns serious for a moment and I start to pull away to get my coffee. His next words stop me again though.
“What do you do for a living, Ellie?” he asks.
“I just finished my culinary certificate, so I’m actually looking for a job right now.” I smile because I’m so proud of the path I’m on.
He studies me for a moment before responding. “It just so happens that I know of a place looking for an entry-level line chef, if you’re interested.”
“I am very interested. Is it close by?” I ask eagerly.
“As a matter of fact, it’s right down the road from our apartment building. Maybe you’ve heard of it, ‘Saint’?” he asks almost nervously.
“I have heard of it, but I’ve never had the pleasure of eating there. I’ve heard wonderful things about their food though. It’s a little too expensive for my pocketbook,” I reply honestly.
“Well, it just so happens I know the owner, so I could put in a good word for you,” he retorts with a smirk.
“Why would you do that? You don’t even know me, Cord.” I ask, realizing this conversation just turned into a flirt session.
“You’re right. I don’t know you, but we could change that,” he hints, smiling full watt now.
And that’s all it takes for me to start freaking out on the inside. I’m flirting with a hot guy, who I’m pretty sure just hit on me. I’m an almost thirty-nine-year old, divorced mother of three for shit’s sake. This guy is so out of my league!
“Look, Cord, I appreciate the offer, but I’ll get a job on my own. I’m damn good at what I do, that should ac
count for something,” I reply cheerfully. I don’t want him to think I’m ungrateful. But my entire adult life has revolved around depending on other people for my well-being, and I won’t ever let that happen again. I will find the perfect job all by myself.
He once again gives me that quizzical look like he’s trying to figure out an answer without asking me a question. It kind of makes me uncomfortable.
“Okay then,” he finally replies. “I do think you should put in for the position though. I’ll keep my nose out of it.”
“I’ll think about it,” I appease.
“In the meantime, why don’t you let me take you to Saint for dinner tomorrow night?” Cord questions, his voice having dropped a little lower, if that’s even possible. The man’s voice drips with lust all the time. It’s smooth and deep and makes me want to rip his clothes off.
Wait, what now? Not happening. Rein it in, Ellie.
“I appreciate the offer, Cord, but I just moved into the new place and need to get things settled. Maybe some other time,” I reply before starting to push my cart again to go retrieve the coffee I’ve almost managed to forget for a second time.
“Wait, Ellie.” He takes a step toward me but stops and backs up again. “You have to eat, right? Plus, then you can check the place out and see if you are interested in putting in for the open position. It’ll be like you staking out a new job prospect with a new friend.”
I watch as that glorious smile returns to his face. Hell, why not. It’s just dinner, and I really can check out the place and see if I’m interested in putting in for the position. Plus, he just said “friend” and that makes me feel both a little bit disappointed and a little bit happy.
“All right, Cord. You win. Dinner tomorrow at Saint sounds wonderful,” I submit.
He reaches his hand out like he’s going to shake mine, but when I place my hand in his, he lifts it to his lips and places a gentle kiss on the back of it, again.
“I’ll pick you up at seven,” he replies, before dropping my hand and heading back toward the check stand.
I nod, then turn quickly toward the coffee aisle. My head is spinning. Did that just happen? Did I really just agree to a date with a complete stranger who I just met this morning? The boys are going to kill me. Sure, he’s gorgeous, but they’re right, he could be a complete psychopath. Plus, no matter how off the charts hot he is, I have zero desire to start dating again right now. It’s too soon and I’m not ready in the slightest. I mean, what’s the damn point? It’ll end the same.
But he did say “friend,” and having a friend in the apartment complex would be nice. Yeah, that’s it. Friends. Now if I could just stop drooling over him . . .
WHEN MY ALARM Goes off the next morning, I hit snooze more times than I’ll ever admit. It’s the first time in a long time that I’ve woken up to complete and utter silence and I want to savor it. I almost feel guilty that I’m enjoying this being alone thing so much. I mean, I love my boys. They are the reason I breathe, but for as long as I can remember, I’ve been the caregiver for our family. My entire life has revolved around them. Having the time to step back and enjoy my freedom is something I’m beginning to really embrace. No laundry to rush through, no dinners to throw together.
I stretch slowly, basking in every second of my new bed’s comfort. With all of the new things happening in my life, I’ve made up my mind that I’m going to get healthy. Starting with utilizing the gym in my complex and eating better. I’ve always wanted to be a runner; I’ve just never made the time to do it. Now, I have the time and I’m bound and determined to get in shape before I turn forty next year.
I throw my yoga pants, sports bra, and a t-shirt on; brush my teeth, wash my face, throw my hair up into a crazy bun, and head off to the gym.
First things first. Cardio. Having read a ton of books on exercise and health, and having spent years watching Justin exercise like a crazy person, I’ve learned a few things. Today will be: Run. Bike. Row. How hard could it be?
An hour later, I’m lying on the floor of the gym praying I don’t throw up. I knew I wasn’t in great shape, but I had no idea it was this bad. Two-mile walk/jog, four-mile bike ride, five-hundred-meter row, and I want to die on this floor. My shirt is soaked and my brain is screaming at me for overdoing it on the first day.
Oh yeah, I’ve got some serious work to do.
Once I get the urge to puke under control, I head back toward my apartment. Wouldn’t you just know it, as I start up the stairs, Cord is walking down them. Awesome, his apartment is literally right beside mine. I’m a hot mess, so I’m sure he’ll be thoroughly impressed.
I try to avoid eye contact with him as I scurry to my apartment door.
“Morning, Ellie,” he says with a low chuckle.
“Hey, Cord. See you this evening,” I mumble as I make my way past him quickly.
“Yes, ma’am, you will,” he snickers at my embarrassment.
As I’m unlocking my door, I hear my phone ringing inside. I let myself in quickly and head for my phone in case it’s one of the boys.
“Hello,” I answer without looking to see who it is.
“Ell?” His deep voice says.
I should have looked first. Damn it.
“What can I do for you, Justin?” I bite out.
“I was just calling to see how you are doing in the new apartment?” he says with hesitation.
I don’t answer for a moment, because I’m not sure if I should be mad and yell at him or laugh at the absurdity.
“Justin, I’m not doing this with you,” I laugh out. “Is something happening with the boys that I need to know about?”
He responds quietly after a moment, “No, I just wanted to make sure you are okay in the new place, that’s all. Jesus, Ell, we spent twenty-one years together. I can’t just turn off the part of my brain that wants to protect you.”
I’m shocked at his declaration. I get that we had a routine and it’s weird so many things changed so fast, but it’s been more than nine months since this all started. Why is he so concerned for my well-being now?
I choose my words carefully, trying to rein in my temper. “Look, I understand those protective feelings don’t go away overnight. However, it’s been nine months, Justin. I don’t need your protection anymore. Stop worrying about me and focus on your own life. I’m not part of it anymore.”
He doesn’t say anything for a moment, and I know that’s my cue to end this conversation.
“Goodbye, Justin,” I say calmly.
I hit the End button before he has a chance to respond. The smile that spreads across my face is strange, but liberating. I don’t feel sadness. For the first time in a very long time, when I speak to Justin or think of him, I’m not shattered.
After a quick, cool shower to rinse off the sweat, I decide to catch up on the latest romance novel I’m reading. As I dive into the story about bikers and the women who love them, I find myself picturing Cord as the biker—in leathers, on a Harley, taking what he wants when he wants it.
When I get to the steamy parts, I realize my breathing is heavy and I’m squeezing my legs together. It’s been way too long. Maybe reading books that involve detailed sex scenes isn’t the best idea for me right now. I’m already trying to keep my mind from going there every time I’m around Cord.
After yet another steamy scene, I check the clock to see how much time I have before Cord arrives. I always seem to lose sense of time when I’m reading, and it surprises me when I realize he’ll be here in three hours. I spent most of my afternoon reading, and I smile because I can.
I reread the last steamy scene one more time for good measure and then head off for my date with the removable showerhead. If I’m going to be in the presence of that gorgeous man for a couple of hours, I’m going to need to take care of that.
Seeing how Saint is a very prestigious restaurant, I find the only cocktail dress I own, a black one that I’ve only worn once. Justin had been invited to some bigwig retirement par
ty a few months before our split and had insisted I buy something “new and black” for the party. At the time, it didn’t dawn on me, but when I look back at it now, he probably requested I buy a dress in black to try to hide the fact I was heavier than most of the people who attended. He works in the fitness industry, so most of the people he works with are fit. He is fit. Julia is fit. Hell, he met her at one of those damn fit people conventions he’s always going to.
I shake away the melancholy feeling that is trying to take over me. Tonight will be great. I’m getting out there and making new friends, starting with my neighbor, who just so happens to be hot as hell. Stop it, Ellie. You don’t think about your friends like that.
I’m finishing up my makeup when I hear the light knock at the front door. He’s early. I smooth the front of my dress down and head out to let Cord in.
But when I open the door, it’s not Cord. It’s Ben.
“Wow, Mom! Look at you! Where are you going all dressed up?” he asks with huge smile on his face.
“To dinner with me,” I hear a deep voice say from behind Ben. Ben narrows his eyes at me as he turns to the voice. Lord help me, the man looks delicious. He’s wearing black slacks and a beautiful purple button down shirt. His voice alone makes me want to clench my legs together. Knock it off, Ellie.
“Oh, hey, Eli. Shit, wait, or are you Ben?” Cord asks with a laugh. Ben doesn’t laugh.
“Ben. What do you mean ‘dinner with you’?” Ben bites out.
I pull on Ben’s arm and he turns his head to look over his shoulder at me.
“Benjamin! Don’t give Cord the third degree. There is a restaurant near here that has an opening for a line chef. He is taking me, as a friend, so I can scope the place out and see if I want to apply,” I scold him.
Cord continues to smile at me as Ben glares at him.
“Friends, huh? I don’t recall you dressing like that to go out to dinner with Claire,” Ben retorts, still glaring at Cord.
“Excuse me, young man. The restaurant is very respected and expensive. You can’t just wear jeans and a t-shirt in there. I’m sure it has a dress code,” I rant. “What’s gotten into you, Benjamin?”
Defining Moments Page 5