ODDS OF LOVE - SEASON THIRTEEN

Episode 60

" This is a good restaurant," Aiden Norris said as he finished his shepherd's pie during lunch with Spencer and little Miracle at Richard and Nigel's. " Good food. My compliments to your brother in law and his cooks. "

Spencer looked up from wiping off the messy with food mouth of his daughter who sat in the restaurant high chair currently scribbling with crayons on a kiddie place mat. " I'll tell Nigel you said that. My stepmother used to cook here as well but she has cancer currently and is in treatment for it. She seems to be doing well so hopefully she can return to work soon. I do a little part time work here as well. I do the bookkeeping , payroll and such. It's not as challenging as teaching but it keeps me busy. "

Aiden glanced at the man as he reached for his own napkin to wipe his mouth. "Do you miss teaching at the college? "

Spencer hesitated before answering. " Sometimes I do. But I really don't have the time to devote to it really. Not with Miracle here. And the other children. The restaurant is really a little more flexible for me. Nigel doesn't care if I bring the baby with me here. Everyone here spoils her which I disagree with. I read a book that there should be a proper balance between over indulging a child and neglecting them. Too many parents are at one or the other end of the spectrum. "

Aiden smiled. " I've never known anyone  as smart as you. I like that really. "

Spencer rose one eyebrow at him and flushed red. He watched him closely to make sure he wasn't making fun of him. " That's not how most people feel about me. Outside of my husband. "

" How do most people feel about you, Spence? "

Spencer said dryly," They consider me a pompous arrogant pain in the buttocks. Pretty much. DuBuis was my only real friend. Although now I do have a few more friends. "

He really did, he admitted in silence. Reese Malden and Michael from the PTA. Susan Mullins. Nigel.

Aiden's eyes twinkled at him. " Well I don't consider you that. I think you are a very kind , sweet and nice man. " He paused briefly and looked down at the tabletop. " And not bad on the eyes too. Your husband is a lucky man. "

Spencer swallowed hard. He said," I'm the lucky one. So you said you are divorced. I couldn't imagine not being married to my husband. My family is everything to me. "

Aiden sighed. " Me as well. My husband never wanted A.J. It was my idea to have him using a surrogate and my sperm. We began to drift apart after he was born but it didn't fall apart until a year ago when I discovered he was seeing another man. Gary is in the military , Army , and always stationed somewhere. The other one was a fellow soldier. They're engaged now. I have full custody of our son. "

Spencer widened his blue eyes behind his glasses. He reached out to touch the man's hand which oddly enough had Aiden tensing up slightly. " I'm very sorry to hear that. "

Aiden smiled slightly. " Don't be. You didn't do it. Besides it most likely wasn't meant to be. I'm used to disappointment. I wanted to be an investigative reporter like Scott Sands and all I found to do was obits. But my Granny always told me if life gives you lemons just make lemonade with a splash of gin in it. "

That made Spencer laugh out loud almost by accident and Aiden smiled wider at the mere sound. " You have a wonderful laugh , my new friend. "

That had Spencer blushing even more.

" Well , hello, Dr. Norland - Lane ," they both heard a jovial male voice say from beside the table where they sat. " Funny seeing you here ! And , who is this here? Not your husband I know. "

Spencer glanced up and saw his next door neighbor Jonah Simms standing there next to his sister in law Nettie Jean Benson. Both Jonah and Nettie Jean were staring pointedly at Spencer's hand still atop Aiden's. Spencer sucked in a breath and quickly jerked his hand away from the other man.