I've been spending a lot of time with Zayn lately, and I have to admit, I'm thoroughly enjoying every moment. He's a perfect gentleman, and being with him is a refreshing change of pace. However, I can't shake off my skepticism about introducing him to my kids just yet. It's a big step, and I want to make sure they're ready for it.
Instead, I've decided to show my appreciation to Candy, who has been my rock since day one. She's been there for me through thick and thin, both as a friend and a colleague, and her professionalism has never wavered. Inviting her over for dinner feels like the least I can do to express my gratitude for all she's done for me.
As Candy breezes into the room with her usual infectious energy, a bright smile lighting up her face, I can't help but feel a sense of warmth and familiarity wash over me.
"Kattie, darling!"
She exclaims, enveloping me in a warm hug before turning her attention to the twins.
"And look at these two! Aren't you growing up so fast?"
She gushes, her eyes twinkling with genuine affection as she ruffles their hair playfully. The twins giggle in response, their faces lighting up at Candy's lively presence.
"Candy brought us cookies!" Madison announces excitedly, darting towards her with outstretched arms. Candy chuckles, producing a packet of cookies from her bag with a flourish. She always brings them their favorite cookies.
"Of course I did, my loves!"
She declares, earning an appreciative grin from me. As we settle around the table, laughter and conversation flow effortlessly, punctuated by the clinking of glasses and the occasional playful quip from Candy. In her presence, the atmosphere feels lighter, and I'm reminded once again of how fortunate I am to have her in my life.
"Avery , are you okay my love?"
Candy always seems to forget that my son is the quietest child you can ever meet.
"I'm okay aunty Candy. Just enjoying my mom's stew."
Trust Avery to be a sweetheart. I just melt at his kind , random comment about my cooking and just kiss his cheek , I see Madison bringing her face my way , i already know what is up , we all laugh as I kiss her.
"I wasn't going to like it if you didn't kiss my sister anyways!"
Avery says and we all continue laughing. After eating , it's bedtime for the twins , Candy and I remain in the dining area , drinking our wine. Candy is your typical chatty girl , she's forever single because she always meets the bad boys who leave her heart broken.
I wish she could meet an honorable man one day because she is a very lovely , gorgeous girl. I don't understand how she's not succeeding in the department of love. Her work speaks for itself. I was lucky when she agreed to work for me as she is used to managing bigger and better places. I guess she also likes me as much as I like her & I'm grateful.
Candy's curious gaze flickers and I already know she wants to talk about something , more like get an update on something. She leans in with a playful grin.
"So, spill the beans, Kattie!"
She teases, her eyes dancing with intrigue.
"What's the deal with you and Mr. Mysterious?"
I can't help but chuckle at her enthusiasm, feeling a warmth spread through me at the thought of him.
"Well, there's no deal here & his name is Zayn, candy. Zayn!"
We both laugh , trust Candy to call people with weird names.
"We're not exactly an item yet,"
I confess with a shrug, a hint of uncertainty lacing my words.
"But I have to admit, I'm enjoying his crazy company."
Candy's eyes widen in delight, her grin widening into a knowing smile.
"Ooh, sounds intriguing!"
She exclaims, leaning back with a playful wink.
"You'll have to keep me updated on all the juicy details!"
As we share a laugh, I feel a sense of gratitude for Candy's unwavering support and genuine interest in my happiness.
Candy's question catches me off guard, her words lingering in the air as I grapple with their implications.
"If you're just friends, it shouldn't be that hard to introduce him to the twins, would it?"
She muses, her tone thoughtful yet probing. I furrow my brow, feeling a wave of uncertainty wash over me. It's a valid point, and one that I hadn't fully considered until now. If Zayn and I are truly just friends, then why does the idea of introducing him to my kids feel so daunting?
As I struggle to find an answer, I realize that perhaps there's more to my feelings for Zayn than I've been willing to admit. With a sigh, I concede,
"You know, you might be onto something there, Candy." Her knowing smile tells me that she understands, and I'm grateful for her insight, even as it leaves me feeling more confused than ever.
Candy's unexpected question sends a jolt of anxiety coursing through me, my heart racing as I grapple with how much to reveal. The wine has dulled my senses, leaving me feeling vulnerable and exposed.
With a heavy sigh, I take a deep breath and decide to lay bare the truth. "Their father..." I begin, my voice trembling slightly as I recount the events that led to my pregnancy. It's a story I've kept buried deep within me for so long, and as the words spill forth, I feel a weight lifting from my shoulders.
"I have no idea where he is. I don't know him. It was just a once off incident that happened when we were both enjoying ourselves. Next thing , I'm pregnant. I don't remember his name, or much about his facial appearance because it's all so foggy. I was totally wasted that day Candy."
"Hectic. I also do not remember the guy who deflowered me at Prom. It should be between Mike and Khalid. I don't care who it was , what matters is that I enjoyed the pain & pleasure."
We both laugh at our similar situations. It's unbelievable , to think I thought she was going to judge me for a second!
But to my surprise, she actually listens with an empathy that touches me deeply, her expression one of understanding rather than judgment. I'm overwhelmed with gratitude for her unwavering support and acceptance, grateful to have someone in my life who sees me for who I am, flaws and all.
The only difference between Candy and I is that I have kids to show for my reckless behavior. She is happy with her decision because she wanted to do it that day at Prom , while I regret that heated moment with a stranger because I'm left with a lifetime responsibility to explain to my kids how my reckless actions led them to not have a father in their lives.
As we sit together in the warm glow of the evening, the conversation takes an unexpected turn as Candy offers me heartfelt advice about giving Zayn a chance.
"You should give it a try with Zayn , Kattie. He seems genuine and you'll never know until you try."
Her words hang in the air, laden with sincerity and concern, but instead of responding, I find myself shifting the focus to her own love life. Am I in denial about Zayn?
"So, what about you, Candy?"
I inquire, curiosity piqued by the prospect of learning more about her romantic endeavors. Her eyes light up with a mixture of excitement and nervousness as she shares her crush on the new barber, and I can't help but feel a surge of happiness for her. In that moment, the weight of my own uncertainties fades into the background as I find solace in the simple joy of friendship and connection.
"Tell me more about what you find interesting in Alex,"
I prompt, leaning forward with genuine curiosity as I encourage Candy to share her thoughts. Her face lights up with enthusiasm as she begins to paint a vivid picture of the new barber, describing his charm, wit, and undeniable charisma.
With each word, her admiration for him shines through, and I can't help but be swept up in her excitement. As she recounts their interactions and the moments that have left a lasting impression on her, I find myself smiling, genuinely happy for her newfound infatuation.
Witnessing a friend's blossoming romance makes me feel joy and I cannot help but think about my own romance that died years ago. The only thing that I look forward to everyday is seeing my kids smile.
Candy's straightforwardness catches me off guard, her words carrying a blunt honesty that both surprises and stings.
"You should give anyone a chance, Kattie,"
She asserts, her tone gentle yet firm as she looks me directly in the eye.
"Even if it's not Zayn."
Her words hang in the air, a stark reminder of the passage of time and the uncertainty that accompanies it. And then, almost as an afterthought, she adds,
"After all, you're not getting any younger."
The implication of her words lands with a weight that leaves me feeling unsettled, a mixture of resignation and defiance swirling within me. At that moment, I'm acutely aware of the ticking clock, the pressure to find love and happiness before it's too late. But beneath the surface, a flicker of determination ignites, a silent vow to forge my own path and embrace whatever the future may hold.
But wait , did Candy , not in so many words just called me Old?