Alex woke up the next morning and stretched his stiff arms and sore back before folding his blanket and setting it to the side.
Time to start the day, Alex's said before waking up Cindy getting her dressed and fixing breakfast.
Are you excited to go visit Grandpa and Grandma for the weekend? Alex asked Cindy as they ate their cereal.
Cindy gave Alex a toothy grin "Yeah, Grandpa and Grandma are really fun."
Alex smiled softly "I'm glad you're looking forward to it.''
One they finished their breakfast Alex cleaned up and washed the dishes then he helped Cindy get into the car and fastened her seatbelt before the hour long drive to his parents house. Cindy practically hopped out of the car and darted onto the sidewalk thankfully Alex was close behind. Be careful Alex warned unfortunately Cindy didn't answer and wound up tripping. Thankfully Alex raced forward and grabbed her arm holding her steady..
"I know you're excited but slow down a little kiddo."
"Thanks Papa, sorry," Cindy said as she stood up and grasped one of his fingers in her small hand before they stepped on to the curb and walked along the concrete path up to his parent's front door.
Alex knocked softly, "On my way!" a deep voice said cheerfully, the door open to reveal a short man with combed back grey hair, he smiled with recognition at the two of them. "Come on in you two." He ushered them inside closing the door behind them.
"Hi Grandpa!" Cindy said racing up to him and giving him a big hug which he returned. "Hi sweetheart, how have you been?"
"I've been good, I had to wake up a little early today so I could be ready in time, but I was able to nap in the car. So I'm ready to have fun."
That's good, because grandma has something new for you to try once she's finished working.'
"You can grab a snack while we wait."
PB&J? Cindy said bouncing up and down smiling brightly.
"Yep," Dad said leading her into the kitchen getting the plate out while she sat down at the table. "Yay," she squealed when she saw the solar system plate with two peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on it.
"Enjoy sweetheart, let me know when you're done so I can get you some milk to wash it down okay?"
"Okay grandpa thank you." Cindy said before chowing down.
"You're welcome, sweetheart.''
While Cindy ate Dad hugged me and we chatted in the living room.
How have you been how's married life going?
I frowned. "Bad, I discovered Brenda was cheating on me, neither of us is rich so we're still living together and we've decided to wait until Cindy's older to tell her that we're divorced."
"I'm sorry to hear that, how are you doing?"
"I'm okay just trying to take care of Cindy."
"Dad gently laid a hand on my shoulder. You're doing a good job the kid seems to be happy and oblivious."
"I want her to stay that way for a while, I know she'll learn when she's older but I don't want to grow up too fast because I can't keep my shit together."
"You're a good man, I respect the fact that you're sticking around. So what are you doing this weekend?
"Our neighbor invited me to hang out, so I just want to beat the heat and have some fun."
Dad, "Ok, enjoy yourself this weekend, it sounds like you could use a break."
"Cindy? sweetie it's good to see you. Mom said from the kitchen.
I looked over to see my mother Amanda, bending down to give Cindy a hug trying to avoid getting peanut butter and jelly on her clothes. She turned to the living room and smiled upon seeing me and Dad on the couch.
"Grandpa I'm done eating, can I go play?"
"Sure sweetie, Dad said helping Cindy clean up before bringing her into the room they had made up for her. Mom walked into the living room and sat down beside me giving me a hug. "How are you doing Alex?"
"I'm not doing okay."
"What's wrong?"
I told Mom the same thing I told Dad
Mom was scowling by the end of the story but her eyes softened when she looked at me. I'm so sorry sweetie, what are you planning for this weekend?"
"Relax and enjoy some fun in the sun."
"Good" Mom nodded approvingly.
I hugged my parents and Cindy before heading back home. When I got home the house was quiet, Brenda had undoubtedly left while I was gone. The quietness of the house made me sad so I handled some chores then I did some work on my laptop. A couple hours later I showered changed into a T-shirt and shorts then put on some sunscreen before I headed next door.
And knocked on the fence separating our properties minutes later the door opens to reveal Sarah in a two-piece bathing suit that showed off her curves.
I struggle to maintain eye contact tinted too stare at her sizable breasts and thick thighs.
"Good to see you Alex, join me for a dip?"
"Sure," I said following her to her pool
I was about to take off my shirt but hesitated. Sasha noticed.
"You don't have to take your shirt if you don't want to this is a clothing optional pool." She joked.
I smiled " thanks, I'm no swimsuit model."
"Not all models have muscle they can use, I like men who can use their muscle not just show it off."
"I don't exactly have a six pack from running around after a toddler."
"Handsome and good with kids that's already two points in your favor."
Alex blushed and looked away.
Oh my goodness he's adorable, and I have him to myself now that he's cheating wife is away on "business."
"Why don't we go for a swim maybe give your cute face a chance to cool down?" Sasha said walking over to the pool.
"That sounds great." Alex said his glued to Sasha as he followed her over to the pool sitting on the side sigh comfortably as his feet sank into the water.
Sasha dove into the water enjoying the feeling of the cool water on her skin as she glided through the water laughing around the pool winking at Alex and she passed by before planning on door waiting pool floaty.
Alex watched that Sasha looped around the pool, her chiseled arms and legs allowing her to glide through the water. The confident wink she wink she gave him as she passed made his heart race. Alex decided to say something rather than keep staring and make her think he was a weirdo. "Thank you, for inviting me over, it's so nice to relax in the pool on a hot day like today."
"No problem Alex, I've been wanting to get to know you for a while and a hot summer day was the perfect excuse."
I'm flattered but I'm just your next door neighbor.
"That's on the surface, however you and I both know it there's more to you than than just that. You're a hard worker and a great father. Along with that you're a selfless man who puts everyone else's needs before his own.
How do you know?
I've heard it from our neighbors and I've seen you doing chores for them.
"I don't mind helping." Alex said genuinely.