Chapter Seventeen
Cade
A week after our second first date, I take Serena out to a hole in the wall dive that I frequent when I want to fly under the radar. I’ve gotten to know the owner and his wife over the years. They’ve owned the place for over thirty years and know every regular by name. I’m glad to count myself among them. No one there has ever treated me as anything but a regular guy when I come in, and I appreciate that I can relax and avoid any crowds when I’m at Fred’s.
Bill and Linda take pity on me when they see me arrive with a date and put us in a booth in the back to keep us out of sight of anyone that might come in that isn’t a regular customer. I appreciate the gesture, telling myself that I’ll leave an extra generous tip for their kindness.
Serena and I have been out three times in the past week and I have enjoyed reconnecting with her. There have been chaste kisses at the end of the night, but nothing more than that. I thought it would be difficult to heed Tyler’s advice to not push sex too quickly, but it has been easier than I expected because I just enjoy being with her and talking and laughing so much.
“So, I was thinking,” I start to say as we finish our meal. “Maybe I could meet Alan sometime? From everything you’ve said, he sounds like a great kid.”
“You want to meet Alan?” I hear the surprise in her voice.
“Well, yeah. He’s your son, and he’s a huge part of your life. We’re dating; don’t you think I should get to know him, too?”
“I don’t know, Cade.”
Her hesitation is written all over her face, and I want to try and smooth it over and make her feel comfortable with the idea. I’m picturing all these things I want to do with this woman, but we can’t move forward if she doesn’t want to introduce me to her son. There can’t be an us if it doesn’t include Alan because I know – and I’m sure she knows, too – that we will run its course and burn out faster than I know I want it to if she doesn’t feel like she can include me with the two of them.
“It’s up to you. I love kids, and I want to meet him, but only if you're comfortable with that.” She doesn’t say anything, so I continue. “I like you, Serena, and I’m pretty sure you like me, too, but how can we continue if you don’t feel like you can introduce me to your son? He’s your everything, I know, and I’d like to meet the little man that holds the key to your heart.”
“Tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow?”
“Tomorrow I’m taking Alan to the mall to see Santa. Why don’t you meet us there?”
“Yeah?”
“Yes, I’d like for you to meet Alan.”
I grab her hands and bring them to my lips, kissing her knuckles softly. “I’m really looking forward to tomorrow now.”
***
With just a week until Christmas, the mall is packed. This might not have been the best plan, but I am going to do everything in my power to keep this low key and above all else, normal. I worry that I will fail at going incognito, but I try my best, pulling a hat down low and putting on sunglasses. I took great care to make sure that I’m not wearing any Condors gear to remove another layer of who I am.
Serena and I agreed to meet in the food court, and I spot her quickly. I wave as I approach, and she stands up with a smile.
“Hi,” she greets me.
“Hey.” I’m not sure if it’s okay to hug her, so I don’t. Instead, I turn towards the little boy peeking out at me from behind Serena. “Hello,” I say to him.
“Alan, this is my friend, Cade. Can you say hello?” Serena said quietly to him.
“Hi,” the little boy says shyly.
“Cade is going to go with us to see Santa. How does that sound?”
“Santa!” he cheers excitedly.
Serena and I laugh at his enthusiasm. She has a small stroller that is folded and has a strap that she places over her shoulder. She takes one of his hands in hers and I fall into step beside her as we head for the middle of the mall where Santa awaits.
Once we have make it to the line, I see immediately that we will have a bit of a wait. I try to get Alan to warm up to me so I start out asking him how old he is and if he likes doing science with his mommy. He starts to tell me about making fake snot with Serena, and I smile as I listen to him. I ask him if he likes the preschool he goes to, and he tells me that he likes to play with the trucks there.
“Do you play sports?”
“Mommy doesn’t play sports. But I like football. We play football at school.”
“Can I tell you secret?” I ask, squatting down so I am eye level with Alan. He nods solemnly. “I used to play football. Maybe we can play together sometime.”
His eyes grow wide and he looks up at Serena. “Can we, Mommy? Can I play football with Mr. Cade?”
“We’ll see, baby. Look, it’s almost our turn.”
I’m not sure if I overstepped, and I catch Serena’s eye, mouthing the word sorry. She shakes her head and squeezes my hand, but I’m still not sure if it’s okay or not. Santa’s helper motions Alan forward, and he heads straight for the Santa and crawls into his lap. As soon as Santa asks him what he wants for Christmas, Alan begins listing off a plethora of toys I’ve never heard of. I think he’s run out things to name when he stops, but then he speaks again.
“Oh, and a giant stuffed panda like Molly has. That’s all I really want, Santa. I love pandas.”
The mall Santa Claus chuckles and whispers something to Alan whose eyes light up. I find my heart melting. This kid is cuter than words can describe, and I realize that not only have I fallen for his mom, but I’ve fallen for her son, as well.
After a photo with Santa is taken, Serena loads Alan into his stroller, telling me he will probably fall asleep quickly, and we walk through the mall. Alan oohs and ahhs over all the decorations, and then he’s asleep, just as Serena predicted.
“I really want to buy him the huge stuffed panda that he asked Santa for. Would that be okay?” I ask her.
“That’s fine, as long as you know I'm gonna tell him it’s from Santa.”
“I wouldn’t expect anything different.” We head out into the parking lot, and I walk with her towards her car. “I had fun today. Maybe next time we could go to a family friendly restaurant, all three of us.”
“I’m sorry?” she says, looking up at me sharply.
“Is that not okay? I liked spending time with the both of you, and I just want to get know you and Alan both. I thought maybe next time we have a date it could be the three of us.”
“I don’t know, Cade. This was a big step today, and I don’t to rush anything or confuse Alan. He’s never had a father.”
“Where is his dad?”
She looks away. “That’s personal.”
“You’re right. I’m sorry. I overstepped. I just want you to know that I’m serious, about both of you, that’s all.”
“I know, Cade.”
“I’ll do whatever you want.”
“Let me think about it.”
“I can live with that.” We reach her car, and I kiss her cheek. “I’ll talk to you soon.”
“I’ll call you tonight.”
I turn to leave, but stop and look back at her. “Serena?”
“Yes?”
“Whoever Alan’s dad is, he’s an idiot for leaving a woman like you behind, for not being a part of that kid’s life. You’re raising a good one, Serena, and I’m proud to know you.”