Chance on You (Pub 4)

11 - Rules

Leo's muscles hurt when he woke on Monday morning. The shed looked great, but he would owe Zach for the rest of his life.

It had been an odd weekend. First, he had his date. The sex was good, but it was just sex. Reagan had texted him both Saturday and Sunday. She wanted him to come over, but he told her he couldn't. Leo needed to figure out if he meant couldn't again that weekend or ever. He felt conflicted when he thought about it, mostly in ways which didn't make sense. He was legally divorced and could date if he wanted to.

When he took a break and went in for beers, he found Lilli and Isla with their heads together in the kitchen. Isla looked vulnerable. The woman was an enigma. She could be so competent, but other times looked innocent and naïve.

He thought of Isla as he watched the train speed into South Station. She wore sneakers for the first time. He wondered why she wouldn't have worn them sooner. She had been cleaning his house and cooking in a pair of old leather loafers. The bright blue shoes were her only color except for her eyes, her lips, and her cheeks. The nanny blushed over the slightest attention from anyone. She was like a butterfly who came out of her egg a drab brown caterpillar.

Shaking his head, he switched his thoughts to Reagan and his lack of decision about seeing her again. A few weeks before he was a guy who couldn't keep a nanny.

After arriving at the office, he went to see how Zach was feeling. His office was empty, but Lilli's wasn't. He walked in to find her typing on her laptop.

"Where is he?"

"He'll be along. I wanted to get in early." Lilli's voice lowered.

She enjoyed keeping her and Zach's relationship a secret. At one point, she confided she didn't want Kendall at Roche-Sumner to question her position. Leo didn't think it was the editor's business.

"Is he hurting like me?"

Lilli smiled. "Probably not as bad as you."

Leo frowned. "Do I look that soft?"

"No, but you have kids and don't workout all the time. Did your lady friend complain you were soft?"

Leo wagged his finger and laughed. "You're skirting the line. What were you and Isla talking about?"

Lilli frowned. "She didn't tell you?"

He sighed. "I didn't ask."

She bit her lip, but there was a smile trying to break through. "You'll find out. I guess. One of the old ladies at church has a son who asked her out."

"Did she say yes?" Lilli nodded. Leo said, "She went out last week."

Lilli shook her head. "It wasn't a date. I get the feeling she doesn't have experience dating."

"Did she live under a rock?"

Lilli shrugged. "You should ask her. I know she borrowed shoes so she can go for a walk with the ladies she met at church. I bet they'll know all her secrets."

He shook his head. "I wouldn't bet on it."

Lilli smiled. "He's here."

Leo turned around. Zach was at reception. "What are you a hound dog with his scent?"

Lilli snickered and held up her phone. "He texted me from the elevator."

Leo shook his head. "With coffee in his hand?"

"Voice to text. You are so old." She rolled her eyes.

He walked away. He could use a phone. Again he thought of Isla. "Hey Zach. How do you feel?"