All characters are at least 18 years old.
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Leon
I rapped my knuckles on the top of the divider to Colette's cubicle. She turned to look up at me, probably seeing the state I was in.
"Colette, could you see me in my office?" I murmured, almost in a rasp. She must have seen the distress on my face and nodded wordlessly. I walked back to my office while she said something to her cubicle neighbor Jasmine. When she entered she closed the door behind her.
"I should start charging by the hour," she joked, and I chuckled once before my smile slowly faded. "So... You look miserable today. How is it that we talk about finding happiness, and two days later you look like this?" She regarded me with sympathy and worry, and I sighed.
"It's not really related," I explained, rubbing my brow. "Cherry broke down yesterday, wanting to know more about her mom."
Colette stared at me, then blinked in incomprehension. "I'm sorry for being blunt, but what's wrong with telling her? I mean, what was she asking to know about?"
I gulped. "Her name. How I met her. How she died."
Her eyes widened. Mine were downcast in shame, but I already saw how she was looking at me. It was expected, and deserved.
"Leon."
"Yeah."
"
Leon.
"
"I know."
"
You never told her?
" she asked, incredulous.
"How could I tell her?" I grumbled. "I mean, yes, I should've told her about all the other stuff. But how she died? What if she feels like she's responsible for her mother's death?"
"She wouldn't think that." Colette paused, seeming to study me for a moment. "...Unless you do."
"What? No. Never!" Part of me was almost offended that she suggested that, but I could follow her logic. "No, I blame the doctors for that." I clenched my fist and took a deep breath.
"It happens sometimes. As unfortunate as it is, it's not out of the ordinary--"
"Of course it is! It's the twenty-first century!" I snapped. "All this technology -- that kind of stuff doesn't happen anymore!" She thankfully didn't flinch, and I took a moment to get my temper back under control. "I'm sorry. That wasn't directed at you. It's just... My Rose. How could that happen to her...?" I muttered angrily, eyes wet. Colette took my hand in hers, and I chuckled bitterly. "Y'know, I almost sued the hospital for malpractice?"
"Frivolous lawsuit," she said sadly, and I nodded.
"Not being able to protect the woman I love. My worst nightmare." I looked down at Colette's hand holding mine, glad that she was here to listen. "I lost everything. My wife. Our future. All the memories that would never be. Everything... except Cherish." I squeezed her hand. "And now it turns out I was the one who hurt her the most. Have you... ever had one distinct event that made you feel you failed your child?"
She nodded. "Quite recently, in fact. But don't underestimate them, Leon. I think they'll surprise you."
"I suppose," I sighed. "Well, I told her to let me know when she's ready for me to tell her about Rose. Can't rush these things, you understand. Ball's in her court now."
"And what will you do in the meantime?" she asked.
You're still with mom eighteen years ago.
"I'm going to take your advice."
--
"Alright, I'm ready," I announced as I sat down.
Bill stared at me, then looked around the bar as if waiting for something to happen before turning back to me. "Uh, ready for what?"
"To do what you said. Get something casual."
Bill rubbed his eyes, then comically blinked at me a few times. "You are Leon Valentine, right?"
"Knock it off, prick." I shoved him by the shoulder and ordered my drink.
"What happened?"
"What do you mean?"
"Don't bullshit me, Lee." Bill turned to me on his stool. "Why the sudden change of heart?"
Taking a sip, I said, "My daughter made me realize I'm trapped in the past. Gonna bite the bullet and move forward."
"Just like that, huh?"
"Just like that."
He gave me a look of surprised acceptance. "Hm. Alright. So what's the plan?"
"You're the one who suggested I find somebody younger." I tilted my chin up at him. "How'd you meet Taylor?"
He deliberated for a moment before he leaned in close. "Alright, I'll tell you. But any of this gets out, I'll kick your ass, got it?" I nodded. "I used a dating site. ComeDaddy.com."
"ComeDaddy?" I sputtered. "What kinda name is that?"
"The kind for a dating site for girls looking to hook up with older guys," Bill growled, probably still sore at having to admit using it. "If you're serious about this, gimme your phone."
I obliged and he downloaded the app for me. Before I knew it, he was setting up my dating profile, snapping a picture of me when I wasn't looking. With my tie loosened around my neck, sat at a dimly-lit bar with a finger of whiskey, I suppose it was actually a good photo. Better than if Bill had let me prepare and awkwardly smile at the camera, so I suppose I should give him credit.
"What about legality issues?" I raised. "If these girls are on the... young side--"
"You worried about underage shit?" Bill replied, still focused on the app. "Just don't be a dumbass. Ask to see her ID, and take a photo of it for if you ever get taken to court. At least you'll have proof that you had no idea if it turns out it's fake and she wasn't legal after all."
"Sounds flimsy," I said hesitantly.
"What are you gonna do, carbon date her? Jesus Christ, just go for college girls or something. Should be safe enough then. 'Less you get one of those prodigies that are like twelve years old or whatever," he added with a guffaw.
"Maybe this isn't such a good idea..." I muttered, when he leaned over and showed me my phone's screen.
"See? What ya think o' this chick?"
I glanced at the girl shown and had to do a double take. It was the girl from the other day. Lexi something.