Imperfect Fit

Chapter 11-The First Kiss (Almost)

Song for chapter: Just A Kiss ~ Lady A

SAGE

My knee bounces erratically under the table and my eyes snap to the door every time the damn bell rattles whenever someone leaves or comes in. I'm on my second cup of coffee, technically third, if you count the one I had before leaving the apartment this morning.

Checking my watch, I let out a long frustrated sigh. Some things never change. Even after eleven years, being punctual is still a problem. Doubts begin to creep in as I wait for Obie's mom, Birdie, to arrive.

The phone call from her a few days ago was surreal to say the least. She found my name and number listed because of the gym. It took me a few seconds to catch up with what was happening because I didn't believe it was her. We didn't exactly leave things on friendly terms considering how and why she left.

Things weren't ideal when we were together but I tried my hardest to make her happy. It wasn't glamorous being new young parents, trying to figure out what Obie wanted or needed when he would cry endlessly some nights. I also wasn't home a lot—working and going to school to get my business degree—all the while we were still trying to get to know each other, too.

I set my cup of coffee down, and sense as someone walks by and sits down across from me. Her once sandy brown curly hair is not as long, and rests just above her shoulders, and is now dyed blonde. Her huge sunglasses hide her eyes, and the winter hat she's wearing covers most of her head, but I easily remember her smile.

"Hey, good-lookin." She tucks in her bottom lip with her teeth, something she did whenever she was nervous.

"You're late."

Her mouth curves down to a pout. "Still so serious. I thought being a dad would have made you see the lighter things in life." She thinks her comment is teasing, and her frown lifts to a smile, but my blood begins to boil.

"You wanted me to hear you out, so I'm here. But you've cut into your twenty minutes with your inability to be on time and you're down to twelve."

Birdie scoffs and then bursts out laughing. "Damn, you're even more serious now if that's possible!"

A memory of her laughing in the same manner flashes in my mind— after I convinced her to meet with me to reconsider the divorce— and I broke down in front of her. I swore then never to cry in front of a woman I cared about again, but as Obie grew I didn't want him to think it was not okay to express his feelings no matter how uncomfortable it could be.

The waitress stops by our table, notepad and pen ready. "What can I get for you, hon?"

"Oh, just water with lemon, please." Birdie flashes her a smile. After the waitress scurries away she focuses on me again. "I'm moving back, well, not permanently but for the summer because this cold weather is not good for my skin. You look great, what's your skin care routine?"

I can't help the chortle that comes out. "That's it? You wanted me to know you're buying a vacation home in Chicago?"

She thanks the waitress who sets down her cup with lemon in it and then takes a long drink. "I've had a lot of time to think about things."

"Eleven years to be exact."

She huffs out a breath, folding her arms. "I want to see Obie."

I force myself to remain calm even though it's hard to remember how to breathe all of a sudden. "No. You gave him up or did you forget? You left him alone, with a fucking note." The words strain through my clenched jaw.