Page 53 of The Single Dad Dilemma

After hearing how well Ridge’s talk with Lou went, I feel more confident about what’s unraveling. But also a little more worried. Because now that Lou is involved, it’s even more important that I know what’s going on with my own emotions about the situation.

The fact that I’ll be back in classes in a month still scares me. I don’t know if I have the time to commit to something that will require so much of me. I always said classes first, and there would always be time for serious dating later. Especially after how much Tyler affected me while I was in school.

I made an exception to my rule for him and I learned my lesson. Or at least that’s how I felt before. But now, what if it happens again? What if I let my guard down and it doesn’t work out again?

Of course, there’s that nagging voice in the back of my head screaming, “RIDGE IS NOT TYLER, DUMBASS!” And that voice would be right. She sounds a lot like Lyric, too. Probably because that’s what she yelled at me last night when I asked her that question.

Ridge and I planned for me to come over today and spend the night tonight. It’s a beautiful Saturday, so I’m hoping we do something outdoors. The reason we didn’t pick last night, seeing as Friday makes it easier because I’m already there, is because Lyric and I already had plans. She just hit a pretty big milestone at work—having an article about her featured in a regional newspaper. It was about women in her field. They interviewed her and everything. So we went out to celebrate.

This morning, I’m packing an overnight bag along with a couple of different outfits so I have whatever today throws at me.

My phone dings from across the room, and I leap over my chair to get to it, expecting it to be a text from Ridge. Instead, Tyler’s name fills the screen. I roll my eyes and open his text, preparing myself for what it might say.

TYLER

I really need to talk to you.

I haven’t spoken to him since the night at the bar. I never replied to him that night when he said the same thing he’s saying now. For a moment, I consider setting my phone back down and returning to what I was doing, but then I remember Ridge’s advice on the matter. His encouragement in finding some closure. So I open a text bubble.

Say what you have to say.

TYLER

Look, I don’t like the look of that guy you’re with or his friends. They’re sketchy. I don’t trust them at all and I’m worried about you. But all that aside, I miss you. I really do. And I’m not just saying that out of jealousy or anything. I mean it.

I inhale deeply, familiar with this tactic of his. This is the same kind of shit he pulled when he wormed his way back in last time. But I’m a wiser woman this go-round.

Tyler, thank you. I appreciate your concern but I’m fine. I’m better than fine. And I suppose it’s probably time I told you something.

TYLER

What?

You hurt me. You hurt me a lot when we were together and you didn’t really care about me. You treated me bad again and again and I put up with it because it’s what I thought I deserved for some crazy reason. But I’m not going to put up with it anymore. You no longer have access to me.

I send the text, pull up his contact, scroll to the bottom, and block him. A huge sigh of relief escapes me as I deflate. In an instant, I feel lighter.

I did it. I fucking did it. I finally blocked him.

I pull out my phone and text Lyric the good news, explaining that Ridge is the reason and what he said to me.

LYRIC

Darcy, as your best friend in the whole world, I need you to know something.

What?

LYRIC

I like Ridge. He’s the best. Please marry him.

I choke as I read her text, her bluntness hitting me right between the eyes. Marriage. I scoff. I’m barely able to think about the next year, let alone a commitment like marriage.

Ridgewouldmake a good husband, though. A damn good husband. My imagination drifts off for a moment, a flash of Ridge standing at the end of an aisle, Lou spreading flower petals. Fast forward to our first Christmas and Ridge unboxes a pregnancy test, Lou thrilled to be a big sister. I could think of worse futures.

They say love conquers all, but does it? I would argue that timing is an integral part of the happily-ever-after potion. Two people separated by time, by where they are on life’s path—if they can’t find their rhythm, it will never work.

I slide a bag of nail polishes into my bag, thinking it might be fun for me and Lou to paint each other’s nails. Maybe she can convince Ridge to let us paint his, too. I laugh at the thought, feeling like there’s a pretty good chance he would be willing.

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