Why not? What have you got to lose?
With a new energy and excitement, I opened his office door to return Camilla to Brad, and that’s when I saw it.
My mom visiting Brad in his office. And sitting in his lap.
* * *
BRAD
I had no idea how I got myself into these situations. Sandy had come into my office in a tight black dress, swaying her hips, smiling at me, and talking about how we should get to know each other better.
“Like I said at the park, we have a mutual acquaintance, and I love science guys. Since things didn’t work out with you and Joyce, and that’s way over, I thought you might like to take me for drinks,” she’d said in a seductive voice, getting closer, coming around to face me as I stood next to my desk chair.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea, Sandy, but thank you.”
“No need to thank me, Cowboy. I haven’t done anything yet.” She pushed me down into the chair, and then slid on top of my lap.
Right then, literally right then, as if there were no other more appropriate moments in the world for this to happen, Cassie opened the door, and she and Camilla stared at us, open-mouthed. I pushed Sandy to her feet and scrambled to mine, sweating like crazy.
“Hey guys, you’re back, how’d it go?” I smiled, and I was sure I looked like an insane person.
Camilla walked inside, holding her map under her arm. “Cassie liked it. Hi, aren’t you the lady from the park?”
“I sure am, sugar,” Sandy said, winking at Camilla. “Hi Cassie,” she said with a bright smile, reaching out for me, but I stepped to the side. “Why didn’t you say this handsome fellow was your boss?” She clicked her tongue in disapproval. “Keeping secrets.” She wagged a finger at Cassie.
Cassie was pale. “I’ve got to go,” she said, and hurried out the door, and I nearly bolted after her, but Camilla was still in the room as was Sandy.
Sandy turned to me and shrugged. She put her hands on her hips and lifted up her chin to look at me.
“I am so sorry about that. I know my daughter is more professional than that, but my girl has always let her emotions take over her. You’ll have to forgive her.”
“What?” I asked, louder than I meant to, and Camilla looked up from her coloring book. Clearing my throat, I said, “No, it’s fine. Sorry, Sandy, but I’ve got a lot of work to do.” I went to the door and stood by it, hoping she’d get the picture.
Clearly, she was a woman used to getting her own way. She licked her lips and stared at me for a few seconds, and I realized she thought that would work, to get me to change my mind.
“No drinks then?” she asked innocently, and I shook my head.
“Sorry, I’ve got to take Camilla home, and I’ve got some plans tonight.”
“Too bad,” she said, trailing her finger along the edge of my desk. “I guess I’ll have to try again another day.” She picked up her purse and sauntered towards me.
Touching my arm again and squeezing it, she said, “I don’t like to admit defeat, Doc, so I’ll be back.” She winked at me, and when she was gone, I shut the door and breathed out, glad she was gone.
“Daddy, what’s with that lady? She makes Cassie run away.” Camilla frowned, and I opened the door again.
“I know. I’ve got to find Cassie, to apologize. Stay here a second, Cam.” I hurried out the door, and quickly checking the lab, I rushed outside, hoping I wouldn’t see Sandy.
But I did see Cassie in her car, driving off, and I swore aloud, putting my hands on my head.
“Damn it.”
I turned around and walked back inside, embarrassed that Dan was looking at me with a curious gaze, but I didn’t say anything. When I got back to the office, I shut the door and sank into my chair. It wasn’t as if it wasn’t closing time. She’d been working late a lot and was free to go, but she still had her lab coat on when she drove off. She’d barely enough time to get her stuff before getting the hell out of there.
Why did this have to happen to me? I thought Cassie was going to open up to me again, to agree to see me again, and then Sandy had to come and ruin it. It was like my old life was coming to clash angrily with the new life I was trying to create for myself.
“Everything ok, Daddy?” Camilla asked, and I nodded.
Sometimes it was too hard having a perceptive six-year-old. “Yeah, everything’s fine, honey. Come on, grab your stuff. Let’s go on home.”