From where I was standing on the podium, I could see the obvious surprise on Jake’s face. I had told him I wasn’t going to be gifting him my shares, but on second thought, I realized it might be best if he started from somewhere. Laying a foundation for him could help him accomplish his goals.
The crowd erupted into applause, and Jake walked up to the podium with a beaming smile on his face, clearly still riding the high of the announcement.
“What changed your mind, old man?” he whispered the moment he got closer, his voice barely audible over the clapping.
“I guess it won’t hurt giving you three percent,” I said, stretching my arms to give him a hug, hoping to lighten the mood.
“Three percent? What am I to do with three percent shares?” He flared up immediately, pushing my hands away with a disbelieving expression and stormed out of the hall without looking back.
It all happened so fast that I could barely process what was going on. I turned toward the crowd, smiling awkwardly, trying to regain some composure.
“He’s clearly still surprised; one can’t predict these children,” I said, letting out a nervous laugh that echoed in the now quieting hall. “Thanks again, everyone; I really appreciate it.” I raised my glass in a toast before stepping down from the podium.
The party continued, but the atmosphere felt different after Jake’s outburst. Guests mingled, laughter floated through the air, and the clinking of glasses echoed, but my mind was elsewhere. I stood by the entrance, shaking hands with those who were leaving, thanking them for coming, my thoughts still lingering on my son’s reaction.
“If I didn’t know you better, I would have thought you were genuinely happy about this party and everyone. Nice speech you gave there; it even had me fooled,” a voice said from behind me.
I turned to find Sandra standing there, and for a moment, I was transported back to my college days. It felt like I was back on the basketball bench, watching the two most beautiful girls throw stunts in their short cheerleader skirts.
“It’s been a while, Sandra,” I replied, trying to mask the flood of memories her presence stirred within me.
Sandra and I had history. She was the best friend of my late wife, and back then, I had harbored feelings for her. But I loved my wife more, and when she became pregnant with Jake and Kate, Sandra was one of the few who never judged us. She was there for us, supporting us in ways that mattered most.
“As much as I want to take you to bed right now, I can’t. You’re the best friend to my wife, and it would shatter her if she found out. Besides, it’s an insult to our marriage,” I had told her that day, the last time I had seen her before my wife passed away. I still remembered the look of understanding in her eyes, mixed with the unspoken tension that lingered between us.
Now, standing before her once again, I felt a rush of nostalgia. Her black hair flowed just below her shoulders, and though she looked more sophisticated than I remembered, she was still breathtaking. The cat-shaped eyeliner accentuated her features, giving her a striking yet familiar allure. She wore a green dress that beautifully complemented her eyes, enhancing the vibrant colors that seemed to sparkle with mischief and curiosity.
“Wow, you’ve really grown up, haven’t you?” she said, a playful smile curling at the corners of her lips.
“Is that a compliment or an insult?” I quipped back, trying to lighten the mood.
“Definitely a compliment,” she replied, her laughter ringing like music in the crowded hall. “You’ve aged, but it looks good on you.”
“Thanks, I guess,” I said, feeling a warmth spread through me. “It’s been a while since I’ve seen you. How have you been?”
“I’ve been good. Life has taken me in different directions, but I’m still here, still kicking,” she said, her gaze steady. “Have been divorced almost two years now, and I’m trying to live my best life.”
“You seem busy?” She said the moment she noticed my eyes weren’t on her.
“Yeah a little, I’m just checking to see if I’ll see Jake. Forgive my manners please. We should definitely catch up, how about we meet up later in a bar? We can talk over a drink or two there.” I suggested.
“That sounds like a perfect idea, I’ll see you by 9 pm if that’s okay by you.”
“That’s perfect.” I said giving her a quick hug.
The party soon came to an end and I went back home, took a quick shower and got ready to meet up with Sandra, Jake wasn’t home when I arrived, however I choose to not bother myself with his shenanigans.
“Have you been waiting for long?” I asked the moment I got close to her at the counter.
“Well not that long, I just got here.” She responded smiling at me.
She had on a blue denim Jean with a jacket over a red singlet.
She was looking smart yet very pretty, as she spoke about her trips and vacation after she divorced, all i did was stare at her lip that was so tempting.
She’d laugh at every little comment I made tossing her head backwards which exposed her fair neck.
Every action she took aroused me, “How long do you plan on staying in town?” I asked after she paused a bit.
“I’m not so certain for now, are you tired of my presence already?” She asked teasingly.
“Of course not, as a matter of fact if I’m being honest, I want you to stay.”
“Well then you’d have me to contend with for the next few weeks.” She said licking her lips.
I know it wasn’t an action that was meant to trigger me or something, but for some reason lots of dirty thoughts flashed through my head.
After the incident with Nora, have been trying to busy myself off with work that I didn’t even have the slightest bit of time to condone any sexual activity.
I turned in more liquor in my glass in hope of using it to wash of my thoughts.
“It’s getting late, I think it’s best we take our leave now.” I said to her after downing down the content of my glass.
“You’re right. Happy birthday ones again, I’m glad I got to see you today.” She said. From the way her words were coming off it was very obvious she was tipsy.
“Yeah, yeah, I’m also glad you got to come for it, now let’s get you back home.” I said getting off the stool.
She stood up aswell in a rather too swift movement, which made her slip, without even thinking I caught her in my hands, wrapping my arms around her.
Her breast pressed to my chest and her head tilted backwards, she stared at me.
My eyes ran from her eyes down to her pointed nose and her plum lips, all I wanted at that moment was taking her lips in mine.
“Damn it Ray! you’re forty not fourteen, get a grip of yourself, it’s just infatuation.” I thought to myself and quickly released her from my grip, because of the swift movement the little singlet she had under her jacket shifted a but exposing little of her boobs.
At that moment I had every reason to believe she was sent by the devil to torture me.
I quickly made my way to the entrance not even minding if she was following behind me or not.
We got outside where my car was packed and I awkwardly offered to drop her off which she agreed to.
“Thanks for agreeing to spend some time with me.” She said the moment we got to her door step.
“The pleasure is all mine.” I replied smiling at her. “You should go in now.”
“Yes I should.” She replied awkwardly.
“Definitely.” I responded still standing there.
“Why don’t you go off first?” She said.
“No you go in first.” I replied.
“No you first.” She said again.
“You…” we both chorused together. Realizing it we burst into rolls of laughter.
We laughed so hard that a tear drop down her eyes.
I stretched out my hands towards her face and used my thumb to clean of the tear.
My eyes where locked in hers and without even thinking I brought my lips down and kissed her.