AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He frowns. “Is that healthy?”
I shrug. “It might not be to some people, but after I saw the way Gwen’s death affected her, I resolved to always be available to her.”
I swallow thickly before I continue, “When her mother died, she became needy and possessive, fearing I would abandon her. So, I had to give up a lot of things to assure her that I would never leave her and would always be there for her. Ashlyn is the most important person in my life, and no one can ever take her place. For my peace of mind, I swore off women and relationships to commit myself fully to being a father. Because of that, there’s never been any room for a girlfriend. And yes, I have casual flings here and there, but that’s it. Sex to let off the steam.”
I take my drink and gulp from it to keep from talking further. I want to tell him about Giselle and how I want to start a serious relationship with her, but I don’t think it’s right to share since I haven’t spoken to Giselle or Ashlyn about it yet. However, when Ashlyn went to bed after our Thanksgiving celebration and I was missing Giselle terribly and regretting that I hadn’t asked her to come with me, I spoke to my parents about her. Since they have always been supportive of me remarrying, it thrilled them that I’ve fallen in love again. They encouraged me to pursue it and to talk to Ashlyn as soon as possible. I would have told my daughter already, but she caught the flu when we got back and only just recovered.
“Are you saying I should focus on my daughters and forget about finding love again?”
I shake my head vigorously. “Not at all, Dave. I was merely talking about my own life. If you find love again, grab it with both hands. My point is to first reassure your children that no matter what happens, you’ll always be there for them. Let them know that having another woman in their lives doesn’t mean you’ll love them any less or no longer have time for them. You being in a relationship with someone other than their mom changes nothing. And tell your girlfriend how much your daughters mean to you, and that you would love for all of them to get along.”
Dave nods pensively. “That’s great advice, Miles. Thanks a lot. At the moment, none of them are speaking to me. Hopefully, I can make things right.”
From the corner of my eye, I sight Giselle, and I know it’s time to speak to her. “You’re welcome, Dave. Please excuse me.”
With determination in my gait, I walk over to her as she’s talking to a patron.
“Giselle.”
I nod at her companion, whom I exchanged greetings with earlier. She smiles and moves away.
Warning bells ring in my head when I notice the iciness in her green eyes as she stares at me.
“Hello, Miles.”
I rub a hand across my jaw, noting that the frostiness in her eyes matches the tone of her voice.
“What’s going on, Giselle? I’ve been trying to reach you.”
She looks away. “As you can see, I’ve been busy.”
“I’m hoping we can go somewhere after the event and talk.”
“I’m sorry, I’ll be too busy seeing that things are put in order,” she responds coldly.
“What about tomorrow night?”
“Still a full plate. Please excuse me.”
As she makes to move away, I hold her hand. “What’s going on, Giselle? Tell me what I’ve done wrong for you to be acting like this. I thought we parted amicably when I dropped you off at your apartment. What has changed?”
Looking me straight in the eyes with a small smile dancing on her lips, she replies, “Please let go of my arm, Miles. People are watching, and I wouldn’t want you to create a scene simply because you can’t take no for an answer.”
I drop her hand as if it’s a hot plate. “Then talk to me.”
“I don’t have the time for such frivolities. As you can see, I’m quite preoccupied attending to guests. Please excuse me. Again.”
Anger gnaws inside me. “Giselle, I’m prepared to create a scene if you don’t tell me what’s going on this instant. If you don’t want to speak to me now, then tell me when you can.”
She gives me a chilly look before replying, “Very well then. I’ve decided there’s no use trying to have a relationship with a man with other commitments.”
I gaze at her with shock. Other commitments? What the hell is she talking about? “Is it because I didn’t reply to your Thanksgiving message early enough? I was—”
“Do you think I’m that shallow?” she snaps, and I shake my head while trying to explain, but she cuts me off. “Our relationship . . . whatever it was . . . is over. I’m ready to move on. So, please leave me alone.”
“Giselle, let me explain. I—”
“There’s nothing to explain, Miles. It was fun while it lasted, but I’m over it. I realize I want something else for myself, and it’s not you.”
