I loved him

* 36 *

I was at the office when I decided to go to the coffee shop.

"Laura, I'm out to the coffee shop."
she didn't hear me but I knew she would know where I am regardless.

I was excited to tell Mitchell about his first holiday. I would break the news tomorrow.

I walked into the coffee shop and sat down to place my order. I grabbed a newspaper to check what was trending. Nothing new. Same old stories.

As I held the newspaper up to my face, I heard a familiar voice. I turned to see who it was the looked away and turned my head again when I couldn't believe what my eyes were seeing.

It was Lizelle with that new guy who has just moved offices. I had every reason to be shocked. They were holding hands being friendly and sharing a few kisses and laughs.

The waitress brought my coffee, I paid her bill and left the coffee there. I had to leave this place very fast! I walked out as fast as I could, pulling out my phone.

"Where are you?" I texted Samuel.
"In a meeting out of town. What's wrong?"

I never replied back. Instead I rushed down to see Dr.James.

"This was rather unexpected, what's wrong."
"She's cheating."
"Who? Lizelle?"
"Yes! Who else! I saw her with my own eyes."
"You probably saw what you wanted to see."
"No." I swallowed my spit. "I know what I saw! I swear! I need to tell Samuel."
"No no. You don't want to mess things up."
"Excuse me?"
"We agreed that you and Samuel are to no longer be around each other."

I rolled my eyes because Dr. James was useless right now.

"Besides. Your focus right now should be on telling Mitchell he is going on holiday...and that I'm joining you guys."

I lifted my eyebrows.

"Wh-what?"
"My treat. I know you've planned it for so long and that you've set the finances out but I want to do it. For you and for him."
"I I-can't let you. He's my son and he doesn't know you. He's never met you. I can't just drag you on holiday."
"Maybe you don't see what I'm asking."
"What are you asking?"
"I want to meet the little guy before he leaves. I want him to get to know me."

I felt so confused. Was he trying to get to know me or my son?

I hesitated.

"Think about it and if you're comfortable with it then we're on board.
"Oh okay. I should get back to work."
"Sure thing and stay out of Samuel's business."

On my way back to work I couldn't believe it. I mean I know I've had secret feelings for James but how did he feel about me? Maybe I should invite him over for dinner today. I would have to explain to Mitchell.

Later when I knocked off from work, I went to pick Mitchell up.

"Baby?"
"Mummy?"
"How was your day?"
"It was fine. How was yours? Did you learn about dinosaurs?" he asked me.
"No, not today but did you?" I chuckled.
"Yes! It was awesome. I think our teacher wants to take us to the dinosaur museum."
"Mhmm that sounds very fancy" I lifted my eyebrows.
He looked out of the window and I knew it was time.

"Baby?"
"Mummy?"
"Today my friend uncle James is coming over for dinner. How would you feel about that?"
"Is he the friend that let you down when we went for coffee?"
Uhm..no. No honey. He's a different friend that I known for a very long time."
"Oh okay yay. I love new friends. Yes mummy he can come!"

I was so relieved. So I called James and let him know that dinner is on.

"You what?" mom asked.
"I know but Mitchell doesn't mind."
"He's still a baby."
"He's four years old Mrs,Cox." Lily rolled her eyes.

My mom looked at the both of us. She agreed but couldn't believe it. She shook her head and went upstairs.

Lily and I gave each other high fives.

I went to get dressed for the night and Mitchell was also neatly dressed. The doorbell rang.
"I will get it." said Lily.

She made it seem like such a formal date when it wasn't.

Dr. James walked in with a bottle of wine.

"Well, good evening."
"Hi, I'm Lily." she played with her hair." Come, let me take you through."

I walked down to the dining room. "James, how are you? Good to see you. Meet Lily my friend, who is going home in a few seconds."
That was basically me hinting that she should leave.

"Nice to meet you Lily and drive safe." James said.
"You are such a gentleman." she replied.
She winked at me as to say he's very fine.

Dr. James , mom, dad and Mitchell all sat around the dinner table as I was dishing up.

My dad asked "so, James what do you do."
"He is my psychologist dad, remember?"
"Oh yeah." my dad looked at him strangely.
"So I assume you have a Masters Degree in Psychology?" mom asked.
"PHD, ma'am."
"Nice." My mom mumbled. I knew they both loved that he was educated.
"Mom, James also did medicine."
"You finished?" mom asked.
"Yes, Ma'am I completed my studies in that too."
"How old are you?"
"Mom where did you put the salad?" I interrupted.

Mitchell finally broke out of his shell.

"Dr. James you are a nice guy and when I grow up I want to be like you."

The dinner evening conversation revolved around Dr. James and Mitchell getting to know each other.  After dinner, both decided to go to the backyard and play with Mitchell's toys.

I kept a close eye on James while I was washing the dishes watching them through the window.
When it was time to leave, I went to call Mitchell.

"Mitch. Bedtime."
"Ah, mom!"
"Seriously. You took your bath already. Now it's time for bed."
"A few more minutes with Uncle James."
"No. Uncle James has work to do tomorrow and so do I.

Mitchell was upset but rules are rules. I didn't want him getting too close too quickly to James. I put the wash cloth on the sink and carried my son upstairs to bed. I read him a story while James waited in the lounge drinking a glass of wine.

When Mitchell was finally asleep, I went downstairs. I wanted to throw myself on the couch next to James but it was time to leave and it was our first night.

"Well...how was it?"
"I've never been happier." his eyes lit up.
"Well Uhm...next time?" I suggested.
"Definitely. I love Mitch. He's amazing."

There was silence when I heard my dad's footsteps which weren't even coming to us.

"Goodnight?"
"Yeah. I should get going."

I walked him to the door. We looked at each other, smiles, chuckled and we both wanted to say something but we didn't.

"Goodbye, Courtney."
"Bye James."

I slowly closed he door and leaned with my back against it, sliding to the floor. This man was handsome!