Unconcerned that his friend looked ready to throw a hissy fit, Drake chuckled. “Talking about the rich and famous, you’re not so shabby yourself.”
“That’s beside the point. You know I hate it when you invite me to your parent’s house. You guys are old money. I’m new money. Old and new don’t mix very well.”
At that Drake laughed out loud. “That’s a ten-ton load of bull and you know it. Mom and Dad love you. Too much, if you ask me. I’m beginning to get a bit jealous.” He fell silent as the server approached their table with two mugs of beer then, drinks served, he turned his attention back to Tyson. “It’s my birthday so suck it up. Tomorrow. Four-thirty.”
It was Friday night and, as they did every now and then, Drake and Tyson swung by Simpson’s, an exclusive sports bar not far from Navy Pier. It was the perfect place to unwind after a long and hectic week.
“Tyson grinned. “You’re getting old, man, real old.”
“Thirty-four? Perfect age. Young enough to be called young, old enough to not make too many stupid mistakes.” Drake shrugged. “And it’s not like you’re any younger. Thirty-five in August, right?”
Tyson laughed. “You got me.” Then as his chuckle died away he turned curious eyes on Drake. “So how are things with the love of your life?”
Drake leaned forward and picked up the frothing mug. He took a sip of his beer. “Going good, I’m guessing.”
“You’re guessing?”
“It’s early days yet so I don’t want to make any premature calls but she looks like she’s coming around.” Drake shrugged. “At least she hasn’t slammed the door in my face. I’ll be spending Sunday with her.”
“Sweet.” Tyson gave him a look of triumph. “I told you – back off, give the lady some breathing room, and slowly work your way back in. It worked, didn’t it?”
“So far so good.”
“You damned near scared her away for good, dropping the marriage bombshell on the table like that.” He shook his head. “Glad you took my advice and stepped back and gave her a chance to miss you, let her see you in a different light. So…Sunday, huh?”
“No need to look so smug.” Drake shook his head at Tyson. “It will be three of us. Her little girl will be there and we’re going to the aquarium.”
“Oh.” Tyson looked a little deflated but then his face cleared. “That’s okay. It’s a start. And I have the perfect plan-”
“Whoa, hold up, buddy. No more plans. I took your advice when I was desperate but from here on it's my call.”
CHAPTER SEVEN
“Drake!”
Drake heard a yell and was just in time to catch the tiny body dressed in pink that had hurled itself at him. Jessie flew into his arms and, laughing at her excitement, he lifted her high into the air, making her squeal with delight.
As he gently placed her to stand on the ground he looked up and saw Meg, rosy-cheeked and smiling, as she walked down the driveway toward them. She’d pulled her hair up in a ponytail, which made her look all of sixteen. Gone was the sophisticated lady he’d come to know in her smart business suits and immaculate make-up. Today her face looked fresh and bare, her skin glowing in the bright spring sunshine.
“Good morning.” She greeted him with an infectious smile.
“Morning yourself,” he said as he smiled down at her. “Ready to roll?”
“Yup.” She nodded. “Just as soon as I get Jessie’s booster seat from my car.”
In less than two minutes they had Jessie buckled up in Drake’s SUV and he was backing out of their driveway. Then they were on their way. He and Meg didn’t do much in the way of conversation but they didn’t have to. Jessica kept up a running commentary, telling them about her week at Kids’ Camp, all the drawing she’d done and the friends she’d made. She didn’t stop talking until they pulled into the parking lot of the aquarium.
“Yay,” the little girl yelled, almost bouncing out of her booster seat in her excitement. “We’re here, Mommy, we’re here.”
“I know, honey.” Meg looked back and smiled at her daughter. “Now just stay calm and we’ll have you out of the car in a jiffy.”
They got out of the car and as they walked toward the building with Jessie holding Meg’s hand he almost laughed out loud as he watched them.
Jessie, in her eagerness, had dragged her mother forward, making her almost have to break into a trot to keep up. Meg raised her voice in protest but Jessie refused to slow down. Finally, Drake had to come to her rescue.
“Okay, Jessie, let’s be good now. You need to listen to your mother.”
Jessie stopped immediately and turned to look back at him with big, blue eyes that were full of reproach. Maybe it was because this was only her third time meeting him or maybe it was the sound of a male voice, Drake couldn’t tell which, but after that Jessie calmed right down and began walking sedately by her mother’s side.
He smiled to himself as he followed behind. It felt good to be out on a sunny day for a family excursion. And that was what it felt like – family. Was this what he’d been missing all this time? Tyson had often teased him about being a loner and he’d never let it bother him too much. It wasn’t as if he was short of women to go out with. But this, he’d never had before. And he wanted more.
“Hey guys, wait up,” he called out. He caught up with them and together they began their sightseeing journey, exploring the mysteries of the ocean deep.
From stingrays to sharks to belugas, they saw them all. They had to pull Jessie away from the dolphins she loved so much. Then they explored the Caribbean reefs with their strange and sometimes scary-looking inhabitants – sea turtles, spiny lobsters and the ominous-looking moray eels.
After Jessie had had her fill of jellyfish and octopuses they took a lunch break then set off for the children’s museum. There, Jessie had a ball conducting science experiments, building architectural structures and her favorite, drawing. When the presenter announced that they’d be showing a movie about how the earth was formed Jessie was the first among the children to jump up and raise her hand. Drake smiled as he watched her, so bold and confident. There was not an ounce of shyness about her.