Mr. Gardner

Birthday Part 1

"Got something on your mind?" I look up and see Gwyneth smiling down at me, holding yet another salad.

"Just mentally kicking myself for not making more of an effort to make friends." I shake my head and fake smile. 

"Well, I will be your friend. Or do you want to stay away from fellow professors?" She asks and I shake my head.

"Not at all! Of course I'll accept your friendship." I quickly respond, not wanting to offend the only friendly colleague I have.

"Good, I need to make more friends here myself. I hear the entire science department are all assholes..." She whispers the last part and I chuckle.

"What do you teach?" I ask, suddenly realize I have no clue what subject she is in.

"Culinary arts. As you can see I strive to eat healthy and I encourage the youth to cook meals instead of eat out." I nod.

"That's really cool. I rarely cook myself and I'm 42 years old." We both laugh.

"Well, I can teach you some basic cooking skills if you want. You said you have a daughter, correct?" I nod and look around to see if Susan is in sight at all. For once she isn't sitting at Mila's table, probably knowing they are together now and wanting to give them space.

"She's over there in the leather jacket, eating a sandwich with her boyfriend." I point and Gwyneth looks.

"Oh, she's so pretty, Nathan! Maybe you should learn how to cook simple meals to make for you and her."

"I could try. I know she's been trying to learn to cook herself lately. I'm proud of her, she's so grown up." I say, still looking at Susan.

"She has great parents, then." I look away from my daughter and scoff.

"No, that's her own personality, I don't know where she came from." I say and Gwyneth furrows her brows.

"I'm sure that's not true. You seem like an amazing parent who will do anything for her." It goes quiet for a second. "What's her mother like?" She asks the question I knew was coming.

"A slutty bitch." I mumble, making Gwyneth gasp lightly.

"Oh..."

"Sorry, there's a lot of hate between us. We have been divorced for years and she's upset because Susan prefers to spend time with me rather than be there as she hooks up with every guy she lays eyes on." 

"I'm sorry you had to deal with that. I'm sure you'll find someone who will treat you like you deserve to be treated one day. While also being kind to Susan." She explains and I nod, subconsciously looking towards Mila.

"I hope so too."

~

Mila's POV

Dating John is definitely odd for me. But I'm also not used to being in a relationship since it's been so long. He is kind of clingy, and I don't know what I think about that. 

Sometimes it's nice because he likes to cuddle and be super affectionate. At the same time, though, I like to have my space.

I was hoping he'd spend time with Charlie and do things guys like to do once in awhile, but here he is, on my couch holding me as we watch Law and Order: SVU. 

Oh, that's another thing. All he ever wants to watch is crime shows and movies. Nothing. Else.

I guess it could be worse, he could be an absolute jerk to me instead, right? I'll just give it time before really deciding on anything.