CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Laura had successfully talked Peter into coming back to her apartment after dinner. “Do you want something to drink?” she asked as she walked into the kitchen.

“No, thanks.” Peter sat on the couch and gazed out the window while conflicting emotions whirled around inside him.

“Can I get you something else?” Laura peeked around the wall.

“I’m fine.” He wanted to sit and stare at nothing. He probably should’ve just gone back to his place, but sometimes it was too empty there.

Laura sat on the couch next to him. “Thanks again for getting Benji.”

“Sure.” Peter watched the last few shards of dusk disappear.

Laura popped the tab on her soda can and the carbonation bubbled out. She wiped her hand on her pant leg. “I still say you should ask her out.”

Peter knew exactly who she meant, but he wasn’t interested in a long discussion with his sister about his love life, or lack thereof. He needed to set her straight. Again. “Look, I already told you she’s a patient’s granddaughter.”

“Who cares?” Laura crossed her ankles and leaned back.

“I’m not going to ask her out. It wouldn’t be professional. Besides, she was with a guy.” The memory of her with that man sent a jab of irritation through Peter, but he knew it was irrational for him to feel annoyed, or anything else for that matter. Hailey was Harry’s granddaughter. There was nothing between them.

“Oh.”

He could tell by the tone of Laura’s voice that she was trying to imply something, but he hesitated to ask. Finally, he said, “Okay, what?”

Laura sipped her drink. “This is the first time I’ve seen you remotely interested in a woman since Sara.”

He didn’t say anything, because it was true. After Sara left him, he was broken, and he wasn’t about to allow another woman to hurt him that deeply, so he’d withdrawn and thrown himself into his career to avoid a social life.

“Are you going to be a bachelor forever?” Laura poked him in the leg.

He scratched his throat. “Maybe.”

“That isn’t a solution, and you know it.”

“I think it is.” Not having a woman in his life meant no chance of another broken heart. His life was his own. He could do what he wanted, when he wanted, without interference. Peter liked the way he lived and didn’t need a woman to complicate it. He was happy and content.

Laura shook her head. “You are so difficult.”

“I appreciate your concern for my love life, but I’m fine. You don’t need to worry about me. I’m happy. Besides, I need to focus on my career and opening my own therapy practice.” He had his eye set on his goal and he wasn’t going to let anyone distract him.

“You’re going to be a lonely old man.” Laura let out a loud burp, then covered her mouth. “Excuse me.”

“I have you and Benji,” Peter said. “I’m not lonely.”

“It’s not the same as having a relationship.” Laura set her can on the table.

Peter decided to turn the conversation back on his sister. “What about you? It’s been almost three years since Sam passed.”

She adjusted her weight and leaned back against the couch. “That’s different.”

“How?” He genuinely wanted to know.

“I have a son to worry about, and I was already married to the love of my life.” She put her feet up on the coffee table. “I’m not looking for another one.”

“Same.” He’d thought he’d married the woman he’d spend his life with, but he’d been wrong—very wrong—and he didn’t want to take that chance again.

“Fine.” Laura stood up and walked to the kitchen. “This conversation is going nowhere.”

“Mom,” Benji said as he rushed into the room wearing a Spiderman costume. “Can we go get a movie at Redbox?”

“School night, remember?” Laura said. “It’s time for bed.”

Benji collapsed to the floor. “Aww, Mom,” Benji wailed.

“I better get home myself.” Peter stood.

“What if your uncle reads to you before bed?” Laura said, casting Peter a hopeful glance.

Benji lifted his mask and eyed Peter.

“Only one book. That’s all.” Peter reached out his hand to Benji.

Benji reluctantly placed his hand in Peter’s and stood. “Okay.”

“Let’s hear some enthusiasm,” Peter said as he took off Benji’s mask and rumpled his hair.

“I get to pick the story?” Benji asked with wide eyes.

“Sure.”

Peter and Benji walked down the hallway together.

After he’d read a much longer book than he anticipated, Peter said goodbye to his sister and left. He drove back to his place. His thoughts centered on running into Hailey at the restaurant. She’d only come to town recently, so he guessed her date wasn’t too serious.

Something about her grabbed him. A part of him wanted to explore it, but the sensible part reminded him that her grandfather was under his care and any kind of attempt to ask her out would be awkward at best.

Besides, he was still convinced that one broken heart was enough. He didn’t need, or want, to risk that pain again. Better to remain a bachelor and keep control of his life and his heart. Even if that meant no bedtime stories with children of his own.