Co-Parenting For Dummies

Lilly's P.O.V

Dating Is hard.

Dating is hard especially when you have two kids under the age of 5, add to that the fact that they've never been away from me. You can guess how clingy kids can get, hell there have been times when I've had to cancel dates because I have one hanging to my leg and the other screaming bloody murder while rolling on the floor. They're practically walking talking cock-blockers or whatever the female equivalent is, anyways the point is that I'm never going to go on a date again, especially after the last time.

It was a nice Wednesday evening, I had actually put on something other than loungewear and formal wear. It had been a long time since I went on a date, we're talking months.....maybe even years. I was sitting on a stool by the bar, waiting for my date Ryan to show up so we could be seated for our meal. I was quietly sipping a Virgin Mojito and didn't want my nerves to cause me to dull my senses, and observing my surroundings. I spotted a man who was sweating up a storm and constantly darting his eyes towards his date, no doubt about to propose. I also see some men in suits, huddled close together in a corner pouring over some sheets with glasses of bourbon sitting idle. Giulia is notoriously hard to book and is famous for attracting people who want to create a lasting impression on their dining partner. Speaking of dining partners, I had met Ryan through a mutual friend, he was a stockbroker, a far cry from my usual type of nerdy bookish tech developers. But, I was assured that I would take a liking to this guy and was also threatened to give the guy a chance, courtesy of my best friend Emily.

The bartender caught my eye, I motioned for another drink to which he happily obliged. I checked my watch and saw it was 45 minutes past our 8:00 date, I scoff and am about to draft an angry text to Emily about how I hate latecomers when I feel a tap on my shoulder. I look up and am greeted by an exact replica of Clark Kent, the same dark brown hair combed over and the stylish black glasses.

"Lilly, right?"

I swallow back a sigh at the gorgeousness in front of me and berate myself for thinking to text Emily and bail.

"Yeah......Ryan?"

He nods and I swear that smile made me melt into a puddle on the floor. He motions to where a server is standing by an empty table, and I follow dazed by how lucky I am that I got a date with someone who looks like.....that. I sit down in the chair in which he has politely moved the chair behind so I can sit, and he sits down in his chair. He asks for a bottle of their house wine and the server leaves us along with the menus. I glance over the amazing options while sneaking peeks at my date, we finally decide on the chef's tasting menu. As we wait for our entrees to arrive, we engage in small talk about work, the weather, and the upcoming holiday season. Luckily, I am saved from further discussion by the server who has come back with a plate of chicken liver crostinis and a bowl of potato focaccia. I scrunch my nose at the idea of eating a chicken's liver, but scoop some potato focaccia onto my plate and grab the accompanying bread rolls to dip in garlic oil. We discuss the Patriots' chances of making the playoffs and lament the Red Sox's inability to make it to the World Series. He's in the middle of telling me a story about some childhood shenanigans with his siblings when my phone rings. Across the screen flashes the picture of Eileen, my housekeeper. I smile apologetically and mouth that I have to take this, he smiles and I head outside to hear her more clearly.

"I'm sorry to bother you like this, but it's Liam he just won't stop crying."

" Oh no! My poor baby, can you give the phone to him?"

She hands the phone to my baby boy and he narrates a fight between him and his sister, I can barely hear him through his tears. I ask him if he wants me to come home and he sniffles out a yes, I assure him that'll be home in 20 minutes. I step into the restaurant and head towards my table, I shoot my date an apologetic look as I gather my things and hurry away after paying my half of the bill. He calls after me that he'll call so that we can reschedule another date, something I'm not too sure will happen. I wrap my coat around me as I hail a cab to my apartment, I climb inside the warm cab and tell him my address. In 25 minutes, I'm in front of my door, pushing the key through the lock and kicking off my uncomfortable heels, and hanging up my jacket. I hear the distinct sound of two toddlers running around and laughing, I spot Eileen near the refrigerator and raise an eyebrow.