Page 175 of The Parkers' Handsome Holiday
“Positive,” I said, grabbing her hand. “Want to go for a walk?”
We stood up, leaving our empty glasses on the table. I took a deep breath of the salty air.
“I will never get sick of this smell,” I told her. She laughed as we continued our walk.
“Thank you,” she said.
“For what?”
“Thank you for allowing me to open up to you,” she said. “I know I can be complicated, and I’m not guaranteeing that going forward there won’t be issues. I just hope you can be patient with me. I’m not used to this dating game.”
I squeezed her hand.
“I will be patient with you,” I told her. “I’m actually not a seasoned dater, either.”
She looked at me in surprise.
“What?”
I shrugged.
“I’m serious,” I told her. “I didn’t really date anyone but my late wife, and that was it.”
“Really?” she asked.
“Really. I’ve been so focused on work for the past few years that I haven’t taken any time to date,” I said. “I know what you mean.” I turned the conversation to something more positive.
“I have my little boy who keeps me busy. He’s everything to me.” She nodded. “Do you want more kids?” I do,” I told her. “Two or three, maybe. What about you?” “I want two,” she said. “A boy and a girl. That’s pretty standard, isn’t it? Brad didn’t want kids. I always thought I could change his mind, but as we got older, it became pretty clear that he had no intentions of being a father.”
“That’s too bad,” I said. “I have such a great relationship with both of my parents.”
“You would be a DILF, for sure,” she giggled. I knew that giggle. It was her drunk giggle.
“A DILF?” I asked. I had not heard the word before.
“A dad I had like to fuck.” She burst into laughter. Her laughter made me start to chuckle.
We walked along the shore, holding hands for a while. We talked more about the future.
“I still want to be a reporter,” she told me. “I took this fact checking job hoping that it will lead to better opportunities.”
“That’s a great reason,” I told her. “It can be tough to get into a publication, so the hard part is over. If there is ever an open position or a way to help you excel in your career, I am going to recommend you.”
She gasped.
“You can’t just recommend me because we’re fucking,” she said. I stopped her and looked into her eyes.
“Tiffany, I would not recommend you just because you were my girlfriend. I would recommend you because you have a strong work ethic. I could see you being a great reporter. You ask great questions at work and are really focused. You will go far, with or without my help, trust me.”
“Thank you,” she said, leaning up to kiss me. Every time I kissed her, I felt a spark of electricity run up and down my spine. I had never felt that before, not even with Layla.
“Let’s go skinny dipping!” Her face suddenly lit up. It was now dark outside. We had walked far enough away from the bar that I didn’t think anyone could see us, but I was still a little nervous.
“Are you serious?” I asked, although I already knew the answer. She began to take off her top. Her breasts were held up with a black, lacy bra.
“Come on,” she said, dropping her shirt and running toward the water. I took off my shirt as well and followed her to the water.
“This is crazy,” I said, undoing my belt. Crazy, but exciting.
