The Three Musketeers

THE THREE MUSKETEERS 2.0

A continuation of February Sucks in Greenville.

PREAMBLE RAMBLE; This takes place around 2 years after February Sucks, 4 years after Hal's Story Part 2. As I never planned on writing this or the February story there may be some continuity issues as far as the kids ages and Hal's business growth go. I tried to make it work. Many of the characters have appeared in both stories.

One comment made me think how the events affected the children. I haven't read all the FS stories so I don't know if anyone else have done it. I tried to convey that in this story. It was hard to think like a 10/12 year old White girl. I'm not a woman, I'm a 61 year old Black man. And honestly who knows how a woman thinks no matter what age or color they are.

This story is told from several characters perspectives so parts are repeated from their point of view. This will probably irritate some people.

This story hopefully ties up a lot of loose ends that people questioned. It might being up more questions.

Another question is this Greenville in North or South Carolina. Here's the thing. Its in North Carolina but its not the actual Greenville. I lived in Gastonia which is about 10 minutes or 90 minutes outside of Charlotte depending on when you drive in I85. Those who know know. Why I started with Greenville and not Gastonia. Greenville sounded more American. And I never thought I would be 25 plus stories into this. Most if not all places you can Google. I have visited Greenville NC, nice town if you like Purple and Yellow.

I read comments up to a certain level. Anything over twenty I stop because its usually the same thing over and over. Because they kind of repeat. I take what people write into consideration. I worried about ratings when I first started writing. I checked and have seen the progression of improvement over time. My first story is my lowest rated which ishould be expected. Romance stories rate higher then Loving Wives.

I do appreciate constructive criticism. Especially those that actually point out where I made a mistake (usually grammar) instead of just saying, you suck and need an editor.

I've never been a writer, always a talker. I'm a better story teller than writer. I've spoken in front of thousands of people. Talked to some very important during my years in the fire service. Putting words on the page is something I've thought about. Until I got sick. If it wasn't for doing this I don't know where I would be mentally. Its given me something to look forward to each morning. So, while I want people to enjoy my stories, I do them for selfish reasons, for myself.

Hope you enjoy the story.

TIA MARIA

"Tía María, necesitamos tu ayuda pero puede que no quieras hacerlo." (Aunt Maria, We need your help but you might not want to do it.)

"What would you say that for Lita?" I responded to my niece. I love when they try to speak Spanish. She is almost fluent now. She wasn't my niece by birth but by love. Her, her sister Kira, her best friend Heidi and new sister Madison. Among so many other kids of coworkers who have taken to calling me Aunt. But those four are as tight as four people can be and not be related by blood. I know people call them the Three Musketeers 2.0. 2.0 because they call me, Jennifer, Kim and Ingrid the Three Musketeers also.

These people are my family. Jose and I have never been able to have kids. For some reason all the kids have gravitated towards me and Jose. Our house would be full of girls all weekend in the summer. I got calls when they had problems they didn't want to tell their parents. And being an only child I have those three ladies who have become closer than sisters. They didn't have to choose me as a hermana/amiga (sister/friend) but they did. I am truly blessed.

Back to what Lita wanted. "Its Madison's mom Tia, She's worried about her mother. She's been really lonely. She knows she messed up her marriage but all she does is work and stay home. She never goes out and is always sad. Its been affecting Madison and Sean for a while now. It's been two years and nothing has changed."

Madison's Dad married Lita and Kira's Mom, Kim who became one of my best friends, almost two years ago. She was cheating with a pro football player. The separation and divorce got ugly for a while. Zan, Madison's father, was violently beat up. They weren't able to prove it but everyone believed her lover had something to do with it. Zan had sued him for Alienation of Affection and ended up winning in the end. Zan works in our planning department as an architect and is a really nice guy.

I haven't had much contact with Olivia, Madison's mom. I do know Zan is a very active father. He has the kids every weekend and for most of the summer every year.

¿Qué quieres que haga nena? (What do you want me to do baby girl)

"What you do best. Help us make a match. We think if she has someone in her life things will get better for her, Madison and Sean. There is a guy that works with music program that Heidi's mom runs that would be prefect for her. They are about the same age. He's a nice looking guy. Just moved into the area six months ago."

Just then the door burst open revealing the other Musketeers. Kira, Heidi and Madison. The three oldest would be starting their sophomore year in high school. Its hard to believe they were so young when we first met. Madison is a sixth grade herself. I still remember her trailing after the girls like a star struck fan. They could so no wrong by her. She had the big sisters she never knew she needed and they had the little sister they wanted. They came into each others lives at the right time. Madison really needed them after the divorce.

"Did you ask her?" Kira, Lita's sister asked expectantly.

"¿Nos podrías ayudar tía, por favor?" (Will you help us out aunty, please will you.) Madison says in very poor Spanish but she tries so hard its cute. How can you say no.

"Of course I asked, what do you think I was just doing. I'm waiting for her to say yes" Lita says.

"What makes you think I'm going to say yes? I have a business to help run ya know. I'm a very busy person. Yes, very important busy person." I say trying not to laugh.

"Tia Maria, you sit back and boss other people around who do the real work. How hard can that be?" Heidi said with a too hearty laugh that the others soon join in.

"Oh really little girl. I make sure your father does even less then me. So what makes you think this guy, whats his name, is good for Maddie's mom? Besides being cute of course."

"Mr. Gregg, He's a really nice guy, He plays the piano and kids love to take his classes. He's never been married and doesn't have any kids. From what other people say he doesn't go out to clubs or drink alcohol. He moved here from Colorado and doesn't know a lot of people." Heidi explains. "Mom speaks very highly of him.

"Okay, he seems like a nice guy. The key to match making is having something in common that can bring each other together. For most of the couples we've matched its always been at the barbecues, like you did with Heidi's mom and dad. (We don't use stepfather when talking about Hal and Heidi) If you can arrange a blind date that might work. But they both have to be open to dating. It doesn't sound like Olivia has any interest in that, unless there is something I don't know. Would she be interested in that Madison?"

Madison looked thoughtful for a 12 year old. Like it was the most important thing in the world. Maybe for her it was. I knew she loved her mother obviously. She also loved Kim, she called her M2 for Mom 2. So far Kim and Olivia got along as far as I heard. And I hear everything. "I don't know. Its not something we really talk about."

"So the introduction is the key huh?' Kira said. 'How about we get Sean to say he wants to take drum lesson at the music school. Get his mom to take him on a tour and accidentally meet Mr. Gregg."

"That could work except how do you get them to talk to each other? What if he's busy? He doesn't teach drums so it might feel like a to obvious set up. There's a lot that could go wrong. I recommend you talk to your mom Madison. See how she would feel about dating. Even let her know you know a nice guy she may like."

I could see all four pondering how to get this done. Finally Madison said she would talk to her mom and see where her head was at. The girls fled out the office like a herd of buffalo saying bye to everyone in the office. It gave me a chance to go back and actually do my job.

MADISON

I've been worried about Mom for a while. I didn't understand the divorce when it happened. I knew what a divorce was. A lot of my friends had divorced parents and I had talked to some of them. I learned she did something bad with someone. I don't know what she did to make Dad leave. I thought she could apologize and everything would be okay. That's what we always did when we did something wrong. Maybe the guy who she made the mistake with had beaten up my dad pretty badly one night. It was the worst day of my life seeing my father in the hospital like that. His arm was in a cast and his face swollen with one eye closed. It took him months to get better.

When we got to the hospital he blamed Mom's boyfriend for hurting him. I've never seen her look like that. When dad yelled at her she froze, then looked around and finally grabbed us and ran out of the hospital. She cried the whole way home and keep saying how sorry she was and it wasn't her fault. The only time she left her bedroom was to take and pick us from school or cook dinner. She was always crying. Sean didn't talk to get her for two days after the hospital visit. Grammy and Gram Pop also seemed upset with her. Grammy would just sit and shake her head at her. It didn't help with reporters coming to the door to try to interview her about dad getting beat up.

Mom stopped going anywhere. She was either at work or home. She would only go grocery shopping at night. It was like that for months. It got worse when the divorce was finalized and then she had to testify at a trial because Dad was suing her boyfriend. She would get mad whenever someone said that was her boyfriend. Really mad, screaming and yelling than running off into her bedroom to cry for hours.

I noticed Sean had stopped talking and going out also. He didn't play with his friends anymore. They had stopped coming by to play video games and stuff. He was really mad at mom most of the time. He even yelled at her a couple of times which of course caused her to cry more. We talked once and he said one of the boys at school had said something to him about Mom. He punched him during recess and was almost suspended. I didn't know he called Gramp Pop to come to the school. He got a week in school detention instead of being suspended. I guess I was lucky, I didn't have any problems in school while all that was going on.

After the divorce Grammy and Gramp Pop would do more around the house. Pick us up from school, spend more time with us and cook dinner. Mom wasn't the same person. She never smiled or laughed. She didn't talk to us as much as before. She was more sad when we got back from staying at Dad's house for the weekend. Grammy would always mention therapy but mom refused at least for a while. It didn't help when Dad took Sean and me to Disney World in California for a week after he won his case against Mom's boyfriend. We came trying to tell her about the trip. It was our first time flying on a plane. All the rides we went on and food we ate. Seeing the whales and dolphins. I never noticed how Mom was reacting. And that she spent all day in her bedroom. She ordered pizza and wings instead of cooking for 2 days.

I hoped things would get better but they got even worse when Dad met Kim at a barbecue. They had known each other for a while. But 2 months after the divorce they started dating. I knew her daughters but not that well. They were older than I am.

Things got serious pretty quickly between Dad and Kim. They only dated 6 months before Dad proposed and she accepted. We were spending more time together and I got to know my new sisters more and more. That included Heidi who was their best friend/sister.

It was nice having someone I could talk too. Lita and Kira are really cool. Even though they are 4 years older they treat me nice and take me wherever they go. I've spent the night over Heidi's house countless times. Had slept overs at Tia Maria's with a bunch of other girls from the company. It was like I had a whole new family. But my old family had fallen apart and my mother wasn't acting like my mother.

When Dad got married I think Mom took it really hard. Of course Sean and I were in the wedding. He was a Groomsman and I was the flower girl. There were 350 people there. Dad and Kim's friends and family. I'm sure 250 were from Dad's job.

It's been two years now. Mom is a little better but you can tell she's not happy. She still doesn't go anywhere. Always work or home. She's not the same Mom I grew up with. I decided I need to do something. Maybe if she found someone like Dad did with Kim she would feel better. I'm glad I talked to my sisters. Heidi said there is a new guy at her Mom's music school that is a hottie. We just need a plan to get them together. And who better than Tia Maria.

TIA MARIA

Two weeks later they come bursting into my office again. High powered important people don't get into my office easily. That's why I have an assistant to stop people from bursting in. I'm glad I wasn't on the phone. "To what do I owe this unexpected pleasure of your visit today ladies?"

"We have a great idea Tia Maria. We're 100% sure it will work!" Kira excitedly says

"Okay okay, whats this great plan you have?" I couldn't wait to hear this.

"We have a we a staff and VIP party!" And they all stand there looking at me waiting for my response.

"Okay, a party is nice. But there will be lots of people there. How do you get Olivia and this Gregg guy together? And more importantly who is going to pay for this fiesta?"

"Simple, we say Madison wants to take piano lessons at the Music School. And when we go to the party we introduce them." Lita says with all the confidence in the world.

"Okay but, you say Olivia isn't ready to date. How do you get past that?"

"We start working on her now. Getting her out of the house more. Saying how pretty she still is. How she should be going out more often. We figure in two or three weeks she's be ready and open to dating." Madison added.

"So how do you get your parents to organize a party of all things just so Olivia and Mr. Gregg and can meet?

"That might be a little tough. But its the only thing we can think of." Kira said in frustration.

Giving it some thought. These girls were not going to let this go. "How about this, Madison says she wants to take Piano lessons, her Mom takes her to the school to look around. And that way they can met. When that happens you find out he's new to the area. Heidi can be there to help out. Then later on she invites him to a barbecue since he doesn't know anyone. Your mom will probably have to take care of that Heidi. Now the problem comes in getting your mother to the barbecue. How does your father feel about all this Maddie?" I don't think that was something they thought about.

"I don't know, we never talk about my mother when we're together." She says a little sadly.

"I'll talk to Zan. Heidi, you talk to your mother to see how she feels about all this. In the meantime start working on getting Olivia out of the house more. That's a good place to start. Even if this Mr. Gregg plan doesn't work she'll be better off anyway." We chatted about some other things, school, Kira had a boyfriend and the oldest were taking drivers education. They wouldn't tell me the boyfriends name because they didn't want Tio Jose checking him out.

I went back to work. I actually do work here contrary to popular belief. I run the office with 6 people in it. Make sure the contracts are signed correctly, orders done and paid for, the employees and vendors are paid. I take pride in the trust Hal has given me. Jose and I have both been able to grow as the company has grown. It would have been easy for Hal to bring in someone with a college degree but he trust me. He knows I'll work hard for him. We've built a family here. Its more than a company that builds things. We take care of each other. When Able's mom passed away without insurance we all got together and made sure he had enough money to bury his mom. The time Debbie had a car accident and the guys got her a good used car to replace her old one. Not even that, everyone is called Aunt or Uncle, Cousin. Niece or Nephew. Someone is always having a barbecue and everyone is invited. Doesn't matter what department you work in.

This Olivia situation is a little outside the box. She's is Zan's ex-wife who cheated on him. Not only that but her lover was possibly and most likely involved in his severe beating. Most believe she had nothing to do with it. But you know, if she wasn't then he wouldn't. She was guilty by association. The quandary was that the kids, Sean and Madison, were also part of our family. And when they hurt we all hurt. I had heard they were having issues with how their mother was acting. Its hard for kids to see their parents hurting. And it got worse as they got older and more aware. Seeing their father in a happy and loving relationship made the contrast all the more stark.

We were all surprised when Zan and Kim got together as a couple. We had been trying to fix her up with someone since we met her at one of Hal's BBQ's. She was renting the house next door that Hal owned. Everyone loved her and her two girls. We loved but also were surprised that Zan had bounced back so quickly and found love less than six months after his divorce. Not as surprised that it was Kim he fell for. She's a beautiful woman but she never showed any interest in a serious relationship. She wasn't easy and going out with different men. She focused on the girls and her job.

The Musketeers weren't going to let this go so I had to see where Zan's head was at. I walked down to his office and knocked on the door.

"Oh, what brings this unexpected pleasure of your appearance. I know I'm not in trouble. I don't think anyone did anything wrong."

"¿Por qué crees que hiciste algo mal para que te visitara? ¿No puedo pasar a saludarte?" Why do you think you did something wrong for me to visit. Can't I come by to say hello?

"Oh I know I'm in trouble now." He said with a stupid grin. I still have a heavy Mexican accent. The joke around the office is I speak Spanish when I mad or upset. We have enough Mexican workers that most of the employees at Green Construction speak at least a little Spanish.

"You keep up that attitude you will be. I came to talk to you about something personal if its okay?"

"Sure Maria, you want me to get rid of Jose and you need a place to bury the body?"

"Funny man, I know enough places to bury a body thank you very much. Its about Olivia, well her and Madison." That got his attention.

"What's going on with Madison and Olivia. Have you heard something?"

"Relax, its not bad, the Musketeers have it their head to fix Olivia up with a new music teacher at the Lynn's music school. Madison is worried about her mother. She knows she messed up but she still doesn't go out and socialize. Just work and home, even after all this time. From what they say she sounds depressed."

He was thoughtful for a while. I didn't know how much he knew about what was going on with his ex-wife. Or even if he cared at this point.

"I haven't really talked to Olivia over the last 2 years unless its about the kids. I haven't noticed anything but then again I wasn't looking for anything either. Sean or Madison hasn't said anything to me or Kim about it."

"They have big sisters to talk too. Sean won't say anything because that's the way boys are and God knows if he even notices anything past his nose. Madison has talked to Kira, Lita and Heidi. She's been worried for a while. That's why they have tried to come up with a plan to have Olivia met someone."

"So why ask me? I'm happily married now. If she finds someone its on her and if it makes the kids happy I'm more than okay with it."

"Well its more to it then that. The Musketeers came up with a hair brained plan that would involve Lynn, Hal, the City Council and Mayor, maybe you and having a party at the music school. I told them its a little much to put it mildly. I suggested they get this guy, his name is Mr. Gregg is all I know, invited to a barbecue. He teaches piano and just moved to the area. Madison would ask for lessons so he can be introduced to Olivia. Lynn would invite him to the barbecue to get to know people. The problem is getting Olivia there. And how you would feel about it."

ZAN'S INTROSPECTION

Zan sat for a minute thinking. I was over what happened between Olivia and me. I was also happily married to a wonderful woman and even her kids loved me like a father. I was prospering at this job. I had the opportunity to grow as the company grew. And I had a wide social network. But I had been happily married before everything blew up. That was the thing, trust. I can't hold what Olivia did against KIm. That's what my therapist taught me.

Olivia was living with the consequence of her actions. No friends or social life. I knew she lost a lot of respect within the hospital. Now those consequences are effecting my kids. I didn't realize it because Olivia and I don't speak or at the least very little. Usually its about the kids schedules or school.

What are the options. I could file for sole custody but that might not have results I would look for. The kids would think I was punishing their mother for her "mistakes" and grow to resent me. And they would still be in their mothers life and she would get worse instead of better. And that would effect the kids even more.

Would it really hurt to help her? I could look at as I'm helping my kids and not my ex-wife. When a mother is doing good the kids are doing good. How would Kim feel about all this? I would have to talk to her about it.

It may seem like I got over what happened quickly. Things aren't always as they appeared. I was beyond mad at Olivia for what she did. When you love someone that deeply there's no other option. I hated her for a long time. She threw away 20 years for 4 fucks. They say the opposite of love is not hate, but its indifference and they couldn't be more right. I've grown indifferent to Olivia. I did see a therapist for several months after the divorce. The only person who knew was Kim. It's hard thinking your wife wasn't sexually satisfied with you, then you get beat up by his minions. Sure I won the war but those battles took a toll on me. I knew people looked at me differently for a while, even coworkers. I knew some of it was in my head. I had good friends at work. But I would always be the guy that beat up and cuckolded.

It was hard smiling when your heart was breaking. Olivia and I had been together so long. I would never have thought something like this would happen to me. That our relationship had such a weak foundation that all it took was a big cock and smooth words to ruin an almost 20 year relationship.

I haven't given the past much thought in a while. This is bringing it all back. I need to think on it and talk to Kim.

BACK TO MARIA

He raised his head to respond to Maria. "I don't have a problem with you helping the Musketeers, Olivia might be a different story. I feel like I have to talk to Kim about it though. I don't want her blindsided when or if Olivia shows up to a party.

"I understand that. I haven't talk to her or any of the other girls about this. Between trying to finalize the Ranlo project and the kids running in and out of the office all week I haven't had chance to do to much."

We talked a little more. About business and some personal things. We are doing our first self funded project in Ranlo, a 6 unit apartment complex with 36 doors. Millions of dollars are involved. It could make or break the company. Hal is also looking at some property south of Hickory in the Lincolnton area for a housing development.

The weekend was relaxing. It was just me and Jose which was pleasant. I loved all the girls but sometimes you need to time for yourself and husband. We went out to a nice little restaurant called Agave then to a cigar lounge in Belmont called Smoke & Barrel. They had Axe throwing and I beat Jose twice! As usual the check was taken care of at the restaurant because someone knew someone who knew Jose. Sunday we laid around the house catching up on some shows we liked. It also gave me time to think about how to solve the Musketeers problem.

Monday came and bought good news. Hal was closing on the property in Lincolnton and might have also found some property in Denver. Denver was an overlooked area that had great possibilities. The location makes an easy 20 minute commute to Charlotte which is a plus. The office was abuzz. These projects would put the business on another level. There were meetings for most of the week so I didn't get a chance to think about the Olivia problem.

OLIVIA

Something is going on. Madison and her sisters are spending more time home than normal. She's usually at Zan's house or one of her friends. Now they are always over here. I also noticed Kira and Lita talk to me more. We have a good relationship considering their mother is married to my ex-husband.

I would never have thought I would have an ex-husband. I figured we would grow old and retire together to spoil our grandchildren. But I was stupid. I threw away the best man I ever met for nothing. Well, a 10 inch cock and smooth words which if you add it all up it still comes to nothing. Zan was only my second lover. My first was my high school boyfriend Adam. It was the usual high school sex. Quick, fast and in a hurry. Its hard to be romantic in the back seat of a Ford Taurus. With Zan it was on another level. Sure he was older but he cared about me and made sure I was satisfied.

I still remember seeing him at the get to know you event hosted by the band boosters our freshmen year. I saw him hanging with the other drummers. He looked so cool. I guess it was a drummer thing. The primadonna's of the band. It was love at first sight. We were exclusive from the start. Zan was cute and tall. He was also fit. He payed tenor drums in the band. You have to be fit to carry them since they weigh 40 pounds and you're running around the field. We spent almost every minute together from the first day. He was everything I wanted in a boyfriend, than husband. My parents loved him from the very beginning and his parents loved me.

I had the perfect life until I threw it all away. I can't even blame Octavious. All I had to do was say no. Two little letters. He wasn't even subtle about what he wanted when I met him as he toured the hospital and visited patients. He grew up in the general area, and played college football at Charlotte and got drafted by the Panthers. Talk about hometown legend. Sure, he was good looking, smooth and charismatic. He could have any woman he wanted but he seemed interested in me. It was flattering.

As I said I had only been with Zan and Adam. I knew I was an outlier. Most of my friends have been with several guys before they settled down. Some after also, It got me wondering if I had missed out. Sure I had been approached by guys before. I'm no Margo Robbie but I'm not Kathy Kinney either. I don't know why I succumbed to Octavious but I did. It had nothing to do with the myth of the big black man, though he was hung larger than I ever imagine a man could be. I didn't know that until he sent me a picture. He was 6'5" 270 of muscle. Maybe it was, besides stupidity, an itch I needed to scratch. The thought that I had missed out on something.

I should have realized that all he really wanted was to fuck a married woman. I found out later during his civil trail that was his thing. I wasn't looking for a long term relationship and I knew he wasn't either so I figured there wasn't a chance of an emotional attachment. But finding out I was one of 6 other woman he was sleeping with, Jesus, I felt so stupid. Stupid and embarrassed.

It's been two years. I don't date. Hell, I have no social life what so ever. Job and home is all I have and my job isn't the same. My best friend Page was so mad at me she stopped talking to me. She was furious because she tried to defend me before getting the true story. At least I stopped crying all the time. I had to get myself together for my kids. I found out later Sean was almost suspended for hitting a kid in school. If it wasn't for my father he would have been. My mother made me realize how my attitude was effecting the kids. Sean had become reticent. He wasn't socializing with his friends anymore. I know men don't talk about their feelings like women do. At least Madison had her new sisters to talk too. I know I'm not 100% back but I'm better.

But these young ladies are up to something. They have gone from hanging out to asking me to take them places. I don't mind. It felt good to get out again. It didn't feel like people were looking at me for the wrong reasons anymore. We went to the mall last week and hung out. I haven't laughed like that in a long time. We tried on dresses at a bunch of different shops. I noticed they would compliment me on how I looked in different outfits. They would say how this guy or that guy was checking me out as we walked around.

Instead of going to her fathers house on the weekends Madison and the girls would stay at my home for sleep overs. They did makeovers and included me. And then posted it on social media. I posted on my Facebook page for the first time in years. They asked me for advice about boys. Kira had just started dating a boy and Heidi had an interest and didn't know what to do about it.

Over the last couple of weeks I had started to feel better about myself. I came home early one day and cooked the kids their favorite meal. For the first time in a very long time we sat at dinner and talked as a family. I felt like I was catching up with what happened over the last 2 years. I asked Madison if she was going to her fathers this weekend. She and her sisters had been staying with me the last 2 weeks. Sean always went over his fathers. He said there was to many girls in the house. She said she was so I planned on doing something I haven't done in almost two years and call Page. I hoped she would give me a chance to bury the hatchet.

MADISON

The last three weeks have been so much fun. Mom is starting to come out of her shell. My sisters and I dragged her to the mall. It took some convincing but I think she didn't want to embarrass me in front of my sisters. So we loaded up the Kia and went to Franklin Plaza. We spent the day trying on dresses that we weren't going to buy. Lita came up with the plan to do that and give her compliments on her looks. As we walked around we would mention how this guy or that guy was checking her out, even when they weren't.

At the food court she actually laughed for the first time in years. I almost cried but I held it in. It was one of the best days of my life. Instead of going to my Dad and M2's house for the weekend we all stayed at my house and had sleepovers. One weekend not only my sisters but friends from school. 10 girls all together. We did makeovers for each other. Even Mom got a makeover and we did a photo shoot that we posted on Insta and I made Mom post on her Facebook page so "the other old people" could see it. I think it was her first post in years.

I talked to Dad about what was going on with Mom. I told him I was worried about her and the plan we had to make her happy again. He said he had talked to Tia Maria about it and was okay with our plans. He told me if it makes me and Sean happy then he's happy.

We had a barbecue that Sunday and Tia's Maria, Jennifer, Ingrid plus M2 came by and helped. It was the first time they had been to the house. Of course it was an all girl event because Sean went with Dad to Brandon's house for a BBQ over there with the men.

Talking to my sisters its time for part B of the plan. I have to start talking about taking piano lessons at the music school. I just have to get Mom to take me because I know she will want my father to do it. Tia Maria had talked to Dad for me. He's on board and so is Kim. I know he's doing it more for Sean and me than for Mom. But I appreciate it anyway.

KIM BOWEN

Zan approached me earlier this week about a plan the girls had to get Olivia fixed up with a music teacher at Lynn's school. Maria had talked to him at work. Of course they would go to her first.

I have nothing personal against Olivia. We talk a little when the kids come over for the weekend or we're dropping them off. It always seemed like she was just going through the motions. Just getting through the day. I know in most stories she would be the villain, heck in all the stories. She was the one who cheated. I'm grateful for that because it bought Zan and his kids into my life. I found out later how much it effected Zan even though he tried not to show it. I learned he was in therapy which is a good thing. Most men hold things in and it only makes it worse. Being cheated on then being beaten up is hard to take for a man. Inside he was feeling less than a man. To me he was superman. I'm glad he took the bull by the horns to get help to resolve any issues he had. He's become a much better man.

I thought I was happy with my life. I had my two girls who were and still are my world. Sure I wasn't in a relationship but I wasn't looking for another one. I had my job which was challenging. A large group of friends thanks to Hal who was a life saver. He not only rented me the house next door when I moved here but sold it to me for a song a few years later. He was a father figure to the girls until Zan came into our lives. Quite a few people thought he and I would become a couple. I never seen him like that, I saw him more as a big brother. Hal is an attractive man but the timing wasn't right for either of us. I had just moved from Delaware and was trying to settle in and he had just come out of a divorce and you could tell he wasn't over the pain. My girls and their best friend Heidi took care of that by introducing Heidi's mother to him sometime later. Maria, Jennifer and I took care of the rest. I was so glad they got together. The only drawback was he moved away into Lynn's house.

I had known Zan as he would attend a BBQ every now and then. Of course he would be with Olivia and the kids. We knew each other in passing more than anything. He came, or was dragged to a BBQ after the divorce and we got to talking. You know how you look back and can't understand how you got to a certain point in life. That's how it was that day talking to Zan. We talked for probably 2 hours. I never noticed the time going by but everyone else did. They started making those dang bets they have for everything. Wedding dates, who would be pregnant first, when a baby would be born and of course proposals. He asked me out on a real date. It surprised me that I accepted but I felt so comfortable with him. Talk about a whirlwind romance. Six months after that first date he proposed and I accepted. Within a year we were married. My two girls love him and I got another daughter and a son.

This plan of the girls. So far it seems to be working. From what they say Olivia is coming out of her shell. Lita thought Maddie was going to cry when her mother laughed at a joke at the mall. She said it was the first time in more than a year since that happened. Can you imagine not seeing your parent never laugh or smile. I feel the same way Zan does. We talked about it what become known as "The Plan". If it makes the kids happy we're happy.

MADISON

Okay, everything is coming together. Heidi talked to her mom and she's okay with us introducing Mom to Mr. Gregg. Dad and M2 said they are good with it also. Mom is a totally different person. She talks to us more, smiles and laughs. Ms. Page came by the house for the first time since Dad left. They talk all the time now, just like old times.

I had hinted a couple of times about taking piano lessons. I told Mom Tia Lynn said we could go by the school Wednesday and met the new piano teacher. She was shocked that I was interested in playing the piano. Since I had never shown or expressed any interest in it. I told her Dad would pay for it if I liked it.

So we went after school. Sean stayed home. The music school is on Garrison Road by the library. Tia Lynn and Tio Hal, bought the building after they got married. Its a nice place, they not only give lessons but have a marching band that does parades and concert and jazz bands that perform around the area. You have to be really really good to be in the Jazz band. The marching band played at a couple of Panther football games last year.

When we got to the school we went to the office and met Mrs. Armstrong, the Co-Director. She was going to give us a tour. Well, Mom really because I had been there several times with Heidi. We stopped at several class rooms to listen a little to other kids learning how to play different instruments. Mrs. Armstrong explained the cost was based on the parents income. She said they get a lot of donations because of all the good work they do for the community. Not only do they give music lessons but help with homework and provide after school meals.

We got to Mr. Gregg's room. He was just finishing up a lesson with boys a couple of years younger than me. He seemed like a nice guy. He wasn't to tall, had dark hair and wore glasses. They made him look smart. He was really patient with the boys. 10 minutes later he was done and Mrs. Armstrong took us into the room and introduced us. Mrs. Armstrong left to go back to the office. We sat and talked. He asked a lot of questions about why I wanted to play piano and what kind of music I liked. He had me sit at the piano and tap the keys a little explaining what notes they represented. After 30 minutes he thanked us and said he hoped I would take the class. The next beginner class started next month. I did feel bad because I was kind of lying about taking classes. I just wanted Mom to meet Mr. Gregg.

On the way back home Mom and I talked a little bit. "Do you think you'll like taking classes?" She asked me.

"I guess, Mr. Gregg seemed like a nice guy didn't he Mom?"

"Yes, he seems like he knows how to teach and was very patient. If you want to take classes you'll need to talk to your father. We'll have to figure out a schedule to get you back and forth for class."

"And he's cute too isn't he Mom?"

"Excuse me, cute, you're not going because he's cute, your going because you want piano lessons young lady."

"Ugh, I know Mom, he's like 100 years old. Probably your age. I meant cute for you. I saw the way he looked at you. He thinks you're cute too." I said looking at mom out out the side of my eye.

"Oh really, and how do you know that?"

"I just saw the way he looked at you when he was supposed to be talking to me. Trust me, I can tell, he thinks you're cute." I could see her blushing a little.

"And when did you become an expert on all of this? Is there something I need to be aware of?"

"Oh jeez Mom, I can tell when a guy likes a girl. Even you can tell if you paid attention."

"Well it doesn't matter, The only time we'll see each other is at concerts and stuff."

I don't know why but I knew she was interested or at least intrigued. Not time for Part C of The Plan. I think I know how to get Mom to a barbecue to connect with Mr. Gregg.

LYNN GREEN

How did I get roped into this hair brained scheme of these girls. Hosting a BBQ so Madison's mom can meet a teacher at my music school. Not only do I have to host it which means pay for it, which isn't that big of a deal. And get Seth to come to this party. That should be easy, he doesn't know many people yet and I am his boss. I'll invite some other teachers so its not so obvious.

I was really hesitant about being apart of this. I don't know Olivia at all, only from what I hear. And what I heard wasn't good. Heidi likes her from what we talk about. They have been hanging out at her house the last month. All part of this plan from what she says. Madison has become a good friend of hers. The 3 Musketeers 2.0.... jeez. They are thick as thieves. But they don't give me anything to worry about which is good.

We all know the story. I've met Zan several times and really like him. Hal is planning on promoting him to head up the planning department as a Vice President when he splits it into two sections, single residential and multi-unit residential. I can't say anything because its still a couple of months off. He's a really nice guy. Why someone would cheat on him is beyond me. We were glad and surprised when he started dating Kim. That came totally out of the blue. We were happy that she finally found someone to love.

Of course I talked to Hal. This involved an important employee. He wasn't to happy about it at all. Having been cheated on himself he wasn't a fan of Olivia. He knew her better than I did. I wasn't going to try to convince him and told Heidi that. She worked on him for weeks. Saying how unhappy Sean and Madison were and how it was affecting them. He finally relented saying that he wasn't doing it for Olivia but for the kids.

THE THREE MUSKETEERS

"I can't believe we pulled this off!" Lita said with a lot of pride.

"We're not at the finish line yet so don't jinx it." Kira responded with crossed fingers.

"We're almost there. Mom and Dad are hosting a barbecue next Saturday. Mom has Mr. Gregg and 6 other music teachers coming. Of course there will be people from Dad's company there. So probably about 20-30 people. Have you talked to your mom yet?" Heidi asked looking towards Madison.

"Not yet. I figure we do like you did your mom. I would ask her to bring me to the party at the last minute, get one of our Tia's to ask her to stay and let nature takes its course." Madison said with more confidence then she actually felt.

"That might not be a bad idea. But we're going to have to stay close. She doesn't know anyone there. I hate to say it but some of your fathers coworkers don't like her very much. She's going to feel uncomfortable and maybe no one from your fathers job will talk to get except our aunties." Lita said matter of factly.

Madison looked crestfallen. She knew her mother had done something wrong and that it hurt her father. The thought of people not liking mother still hurt. She loved both of them equally. For whatever she's done she's paid the price. She's lost everything except her kids. Everything had been going so well over the last several weeks. She's laughing and smiling. Ms Page is coming over and she's spending time outside the house more often. She deserves to be happy. "I'll be there with her. I'll make sure this works." Madison says with conviction.

"Don't worry little sister we have your back. We didn't come this far not to finish the job." As Kira walked over to hug her little sister.

"Okay, we'll go with what Madison said. She gets her mother to stay and we work to get her and Mr. Gregg together. How hard can it be?" Heidi said. They went about talking about things girls that age usually talk about.

DAY OF THE BBQ

"Mom! Mom!, I need a ride to Heidi's please"

"Whats going on at Heidi's today that's so important." Olivia wiping her hands coming out of the kitchen.

"She just called me and said her mom is having a barbecue and we're all getting together. Dad and M2 can't take me. They're going to Grammy's house with Sean."

"What time is it?"

"It starts at 3. Ms Lynn is having some people from the music school there. Maybe Mr. Gregg will be there."

"Okay, relax, I'll run you over and you can call for me to pick you up." Wondering why she mentioned Mr. Gregg. He was cute but well he was cute. Olivia thought with a smile.

"Maybe you can hang out for a little while. It would be good to get out some more." Madison said hopefully.

"We'll see is all I can promise." She didn't know how she felt. She figured Hal wasn't going to be her biggest fan. She knew his first wife had cheated on him which caused his divorce. And she's never met his new wife. Only his daughter. Zan and Kim wouldn't be there so that's a plus. But the only people I would know are from Zan's job and that's not good. I'll just stop in to let Lynn know I would pick her up whenever she was ready and leave. Maybe go hang out with Page for the day.

2:45 - "Mom are you ready! Its almost 3 and I don't want to be late." Madison yells up the stairs to her mother.

Coming down the stairs, "You need to learn how to make a grand entrance honey." She says with a smile knowing it will irritate Madison who always wants to be the first person anywhere she is going.

"Its not the Met Gala Mom. Is that what you're wearing? You need to change." Maddie says looking at her mom wearing her usual weekend wear, jeans and a big sweat shirt.

"What's wrong with what I'm wearing. I'm just dropping you off."

"You promised you would stay for a while. Plus your meeting Dad's bosses wife for the first time. And Mr. Greeg will be there. Can't you wear one of your sun dresses. You look cute in them. Go change, it won't take long."

"Really, do I look that bad?"

"No you don't but you could look better, please go change. I'll wait." And she goes into the living and turns on the TV.

Ugh, Olivia thinks to herself. But she turns to go change. She's thinking all of this just to drop her off and be there for 10 minutes. It takes her 20 minutes to pick something suitable to wear and change. She decided on a nice blue sundress and some cute sandals. Going back down the stairs, "Are you happy now" she says doing a spin.

Madison looks at her mother. "Yes, you look great mom. You want me to drive?" Asking the usual joke they share whenever they went out together lately.

"Nope, not for another 25 years, come on."

It's a 20 minute drive to Heidi house. When they pull up there are cars up and down the street. Olivia finds a place to park and they walk to the house and into the back yard. Lynn's house is in one of the newer developments that have been built in the last 10 years. Its not one of those McMansions but a nice 4 bedroom home on a third of an acre. Olivia had never been there before. There was a huge deck in the backyard with an almost full kitchen and a large grill. It looked like they could grill a whole pig in it.

They both entered the back yard and was immediately were met by the other girls. "Hey Ms. B, glad you could make it." Lita says giving her a hug. The other girls joined in on the greetings. Come on let me introduce you to my mom Ms. B." as Heidi grabs her arm and drags her away.

They walk to a nice looking lady who appears to be in her early 40's. Some would call her plump. She was dressed casually in jeans and a nice blouse. You can tell the clothes were expensive and well made but pretentious. She was standing talking to a group of 4 other people.

"Mom, Excuse me, I wanted you to meet Madison's mom Ms. Olivia. Ms Olivia this is my Mom, Lynn."

Turning towards Heidi she finally gets to meet the Olivia woman. She see's a woman several years younger then she is. Dressed nicely but not provocatively. "Hello, Olivia, I've heard so much about you' She quickly adds 'from Heidi and the girls.' I'm glad you could make it." She was trying to be polite. She didn't want Hal's attitude towards her to rub off. Its not the kids fault their mother did what she did. "Heidi tells me your a nurse at Memorial."

"Its nice to meet you. I've heard a lot about you also. All good things of course. Yes, I am but I'll be starting at Caromont next month, its time for a new start."

"Sometimes change is good. Let me introduce you to a couple of teachers from the school. I believe know Seth, this is Elizabeth Perkins, she teaches string instruments' As Lynn made introductions Olivia greeted each with a handshake, 'Bryon Heyward is one of our brass instructors, Marvin Henderson is our voice teacher and Maurice White teaches drums."

As Olivia went to shake Maurice's hand she felt a jolt, like she had been shocked. She let out an audible gasp. Maurice did the same thing at the same time. They stood there looking at each other for a moment. Finally Bryon coughed and the moment was broken. Olivia blushed. She looked around to see the others looking at them with a smile. "It's nice to meet you all. I used to play the clarinet when I was in high school and college." They all started talking about music and marching bands. Bryon marched in college also and said he marched two years in Drum Corps. Maurice jumped in "What years and corps did you march?"

"Crossmen after they moved to Texas. I got lucky and made finals my last year." I was a baritone tech after I aged out for a couple of years then decided it was time to be an adult and get a real job."

"Wow small world, I marched Bluecoats. I got lucky and we still wore the Bobbie style uniforms and not the clown outfits they wear now."

Olivia added, "My ex-husband marched Crown before we got married. It was the first year they made finals."

"What did he play?" Maurice asked.

"Tenors, same as in college."

"Come on Ladies, they will be talking about drum corps for the next hour." Marvin laughingly said as he walked away with Lynn and Elizabeth.

Olivia, Maurice and Byron talked for another 15 minutes until Byron left to use the bathroom. That left Olivia and Maurice. She noticed that he was very handsome. Tall at 6'3" and in great shape. He appeared to be mixed race with a light complexion but loosely curly hair or southern Italian. He had an easy laugh. She also noticed that he was checking her out.

"Have you lived in Greenville all your life?"

"No, I grew up in Canton Ohio. Went to Duke for Music and stayed in the Triangle area after school. I heard about what Lynn was doing at the music school and I wanted to be part of it. I love teaching kids. Its hard to find a positions in schools now a days. I was doing private lessons and playing in a band making the circuit around the Triangle. How about you are you a native?"

"Yes, but I went to State for nursing. I moved back after getting married when my husband got a job. I got lucky and got hired at Memorial."

They continued to talk between themselves. Madison noticed that her mother was talking to some man but not to Mr. Gregg. She was upset because that guy was messing up the plan. Kira noticed she was getting upset. "Whats wrong sis, you look mad."

"Yeah, That guy keeps talking to mom and she hasn't had a chance to talk to Mr. Gregg. He's messing up the plan."

Kira looked over to see Olivia deep in conversation. She noticed the way she was standing and responding to everything that was being said. She had seen that twice in her life. The first time with Heidi's mom and dad and than with her mom and dad. "I don't think you have anything to worry about Madison. What was the plan?"

"To get Mom hooked up with Mr. Gregg and he's messing it up. He's not giving her a chance to talk to anyone else. I'm going over there and break it up!"

"Slow down Maddie,' she says grabbing her little sister, 'the plan was to make your mother happy, right?' Madison nodded in agreement. 'It doesn't have to be Mr. Gregg who makes her happy. What if that is the guy that does it. Look at them. She's totally into him."

Madison took a second and looked at her mother talking to the stranger. She seemed really into whatever he was talking about. She was laughing and even touching his arm. She looked happy. She looked around to see where Mr. Gregg was. He was over talking to a couple of guys from her Dad's company. He never looked over at her mom the whole time.

She also noticed the new guy was more handsome than Mr. Gregg. Taller and in better shape. Could this be the guy?

"Well little sis, what do you think?" Kira asked her sister with a smile.

"I'll give it a chance. But if he messes this up I'll get Tio Jose to take care of him!" She kept an eye on them the rest of the evening. Besides checking on Madison a couple of times to make sure she was okay and was going to eat she spent the whole time with Maurice.

Olivia found out Maurice was also divorced for 5 years with 3 kids, 2 boys and a girl 8, 10 and 9 respectively, that lived with his ex in Winston-Salem. He got them during the summer and one weekend a month. They just grew apart. He said she wasn't very motivated to move up in life. The divorce was amicable. He was 3 years her junior.

She told him she had been divorced for two years but didn't go into details. She was worried about how he would react knowing she was the cause of the divorce. Was she thinking about the future? If it happens it happens. I won't hide anything if whatever happens happens.

They spent to whole day talking. He asked her out to dinner next Saturday. She accepted and they exchanged phone numbers.

At the end of the day she went to thank Lynn for hosting a nice BBQ. "I'm glad you could stay and enjoy yourself Olivia, Maybe we can get together for lunch sometime? Unless you already have plans with a certain drummer?"

"That would be nice Lynn, I have to see what my schedule is like. He did ask me out to dinner next week." Olivia says with a wide grin.

"He's a really nice guy, The kids love him. His class is our most popular. We're thinking about adding another drum teacher because of him."

"That's good to hear, Its only a first date. We'll see what the future holds." She rounded up the girls and headed home. Then the interrogation started.

"Ms. B, you seemed to have a nice time" Said Lita on the drive home. "Yeah Mr. White is a really nice guy, the kids love his classes." Heidi added. "He asked you out didn't he" Lita asked.

"Yes, I had a good time, Yes he is a nice guy and Yes he asked me out to dinner next Saturday."

"OOOOHHHHH Ms B has a date! Sang Heidi. "We should get Tio Jose to check him out first, make sure he's on the up and up." Lita chimed in.

"No there will be no checking up on anyone. Its only our first date. Its not a big deal." Olivia said hurriedly. She knew Jose's reputation. He was as nice as nice could be. But he knew a lot of people. She remember what happened to Octavious after the trial was over and all the problems he had. It sent shivers down her spine.

"It is a big deal Mom. This is your first date in a long time. I'm so happy for you." Madison felt she was going to cry. This is what she worked for and it really happened.

"Like I said baby, its just one date, we'll see how it goes." Secretly hoping it went well.

OLIIVA - DATE NIGHT

The rest of the week went as normal. I was coming home and cooking dinner or picking something up. The kids were going to their fathers this weekend. Maurice had texted me a couple times to finalize the plans and chat. We planned on meeting at Casa Tequila in Rock Hill at 6pm Saturday. Since it was our first date we didn't plan for anything after dinner and would play it by ear.

I picked out a green dress that stopped at the knee with strapless slide with 3 inch heels. I wasn't a big makeup person but put on some red lipstick because men love red lipstick and some blush to give me some color. I was very nervous. It was my first date since the divorce. I kept telling myself it was only a first date and not to worry.

It was a 20 minute drive but so I left a little early. You learn the hard way its either 20 minute drive or an hour. An accident adds 20 minutes to the drive. Rush hour adds 40 to 60 minutes depending where you have to go. Once I got caught in a traffic jam for an hour 100 yards from my exit. I was looking forward to the new job. Not just for a fresh start but the commute was only 10 minutes and no highways.

I got to the restaurant at 5:45. I didn't want to appear to eager so I sat in the car. I texted Page that I made it was waiting until 6 to go in. She instructed me to keep her up to date. 6pm I got out of my car and looked to my left and see Maurice getting out of his. We looked at each other and laughed.

"I've been here since 5:45 but didn't want to appear eager." he says with a laugh. "Me too, I've been sitting in my car the whole time" I tell him and we both laugh as we enter the restaurant.

Once we're seated, "have you been here before?' I ask.

"I bring all my first dates here." He says with a sly smile

"That's good to know. Now I'm going to order three entrees and four desserts to take home." I look at him deadpan

"If that's the price I have to pay for your company than so be it. But seriously. I have been here a couple of times by myself or with friends. You're my first date in a while. When I do go out they usually get McDonald's or Wendy's if I really like them."

"Let me guess, drive-thru only and no supersize meals? Now I really feel special. I get to sit down and tell someone what I want."

"Well I think you are special Olivia, and I would even let you supersize if you wanted." he says with a gleeful smile.

"Why sir, you make a lady blush." I say in my best Scarlet O'Hara voice. The waiter came over and we ordered drinks. I got a peach mango margarita and he got a Jack and Coke. We chatted some more until we ordered. I didn't order three entrees. We shared Chicken Flautes for a starter. He ordered 4 tacos with Birrea, lengua, pollo y carne

(tongue, chicken and steak), I never had tongue before so I got the same thing.

"How long have you been at the school?" I thought that was a safe question to ask. "Since it opened. I was one of the first teachers they hired. Like I said at the BBQ, I was ready for a change and this offered me a steady income and schedule. I was almost at the point of changing careers when this opportunity came up. It was serendipity."

"That's a good word, serendipity. The occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way. Kind of like us meeting. Funny how life works. We chatted until they bought our food. He was very easy to talk too. There was never a lull in the conversation. We talked about music, He liked jazz and classical and I was more Pop and 80's British bands. What we liked about the city and surrounding area. He like to go hiking and camping in the mountains. He was shocked I had never been camping. "We'll have to go some time. I'm sure you'll love it."

"Is that a threat or a promise? I'm not much of an outdoors person."

"You never know until you try it. You can start with Glamping, where you rent a nice cabin on the campgrounds with electric and running water and work your way up.... or down. Depending on how you look at it." He said with a laugh.

The food was delicious. "I didn't think I would like tongue but it was good. I might buy the kids some and have them try it without telling them what it is."

"That's cruel but funny. Its one way to get them to try new things." We talked about our kids for quite a while. His oldest son has started playing drums in school. His daughter plays flute. The youngest has shown no interest in music but likes to build stuff. "He keeps me broke buying Lego's and stuff."

I told him about my kids. Sean is a Daddy's boy and probably be an architect like his father. Madison likes hanging around her sisters. I explained how they are called the Three Musketeers. And which lead me to explaining our family dynamic.

"I have to confess something, My daughter and her sisters have been trying to fix me up with one of your fellow teachers, Seth Gregg for some time. Except you put a wrench in the works. They been working on me for a while."

"I'm not going to say I'm sorry. I'm glad I met you. You said they been working you for a while. What did they do?"

I guess was truth and tell time. How much do I tell him? They whole ugly truth? Work my way into it. If this was going to grow into a relationship it couldn't be based on falsehoods and half truths. "Since my divorce I've been pretty much a shut in. I go to work and come home. I lost all of my friends after the divorce so I didn't socialize at all.' He gave a look, not judging but curious. 'I'm going to be totally honest with you. I was the reason we got divorced. I cheated on my husband. I'm not going to make any excuses because there aren't any. Not that I don't have regrets, I do. I regret it every single day. I had the perfect marriage and ruined it because I got stupid. After it happened I suffered from depression for months. I had lost my husband, my son hated me, my parents were so disappointed in me and my best friend stopped talking to me.' I almost started crying from the memories but held it together.

'A year ago my mom made me realize how it was effecting the kids. Sean was doing poorly in school. If it wasn't for Madison's sister helping her through it I don't know where she would be. Her father met and married Kim one year after the divorce, which didn't help my depression. I started going to a therapist which helped a lot. But I still didn't go out socially. We don't socialize outside of work at my job. We spend so much time together on the floor we're ready to go home. My husbands job was very social. He works for Lynn's husband as an architect. Someone is always having some type of party every weekend and everyone is invited.

I found out Lynn was part of The Plan to get me together with Seth. Until I saw you. The girls were always at the house. Usually Madison went to her fathers on the weekends. But her and her sisters started hanging at my house more and more. They dragged me to the mall. Had sleep overs and included me in activities. All to get me out of my shell. And for that I will always be grateful to them. I even made amends with my best friend. I'm not my old self, thank God. I'll never be her again. I cherish what I have now and will never take it for granted."

I completely understand if you never want to see me again. Its easy to say I'm a better person and will never do it again. The old adage, Burnt once twice shy. Its not about the pain I suffered. Its about not causing that same pain to others.' I stop talking and looked at Maurice. He's just looking at me, like he's trying to gauge what I just laid out to him. "Say something, walk out on me, tell me its okay, anything except stare at me."

He motions to the waiter and orders another Jack and Coke. He looks towards me asking with his eyes if I want something. I order a Tequila sunrise. A stronger drink was needed since that margarita was more flavor than alcohol.

Taking a sip of his new drink, "You dumped a lot of stuff on me Olivia. Quite a bit to take in. I like you Olivia, I can't deny that. You're beautiful, intelligent and funny. I feel comfortable with you. From the moment I saw you at the party. I felt a spark when we shook hands and I think you felt it also.' I nod in agreement. 'After everything you told me do I have reservations. What person wouldn't? You have to give me some time to digest all of this."

"I understand. I won't push you for a decision. This is something I bought on myself and I'll always live with the consequences. I want you to know I had a great time. This was the bes...." he held up his hand interrupted me. "I made my decision. Everyone deserves a second chance. I have kids in my class were the parent got out of jail and is doing good now because they got a second chance. Or they are recovering from drug addiction and now leading productive lives. I know not everyone recovers and takes advantage of their second chance but you have to give people an opportunity to prove themselves. I'll give you a chance if you are always honest and open with me."

I sat there open mouthed. Did he say what I thought he said? "If you don't close your mouth something will fly in it. Do you want to order dessert?' He says calmly and motioned the waiter over again and ordered the Strawberry Tres Lesche cake and Flan. I still hadn't said anything. "Where would you like to go next week. I have classes Saturday during the day but I'm off all day Sunday. I usually play in the church band but I can get someone to fill in."

"Um, sure Saturday night or Sunday works for me. The kids don't get home until 6.' I didn't expect this reaction. I figured he or any man would go running when they heard my story. 'I have to say I'm shocked at your reaction. I figured you would go running."

"Like I said Olivia, everyone deserves a second chance. I see it everyday. But its not up to me how this goes. Its up to you. I don't want you to be someone you're not when you're around me. I want to learn who the real Olivia Bowen is. I want to find out if your as beautiful on the inside as you are on the outside."

The waiter bought our desserts and we shared them. "This Tres Leche is delicious. This is one of the best dates I've been on in a while."

"Olivia you haven't been on a date in two years so I know the bar is kind of low right now." With a smile and a laugh.

"Well I'm enjoying myself. The only thing better than the food is the company." As I said that my phone started to beep with text messages. Out of habit I looked at it. One was from Page and two from Madison, both asking the same thing. Excuse me Maurice, I better return this text before they send out state and city police." I sent out the text saying I'm okay and having a great time. I'll call them tomorrow. Madison responded that its to soon to be staying overnight. I told her I wasn't staying over and neither was he.

"Sorry about that, daughter and best friend making sure I'm safe. I'm not looking forward to the interrogation tomorrow. Can you imagine four teenage girls and a best friend."

"Well you can tell them I was a gentleman the whole night."

"That would please the girls but disappoint Page." Then I realized what I said and started blushing.

Maurice laughed "I promise to be ungentlemanly on our third date okay?"

"Third date, huh."

"Sure we already scheduled the second date we might as well schedule the third."

"If we're going to schedule the third we might as well set a wedding date" I look at him with a challenging smile.

"Before we do that we have to meet each others kids. If yours like me and mine like you we'll set a date, deal?"

"I can work with that." We talked a little more. He paid the bill and walked me to my car. I didn't know if we should just hug, kiss, shake hands. I knew I really liked him. He solved the problem by pulling me into a hug. This was the first physical contact I've had in two years. It felt glorious. We parted promising to keep in touch and finalize plans for next Sunday.

MADISON

I was so nervous the whole weekend. Mom was on her first date in two years. I made sure she sent me a picture before she left. She looked great. Kira said she picked the perfect outfit, sexy but not slutty. She told me where they were going and M2 said it was a nice Mexican restaurant. I was so tempted to call Tio Jose to see if could have someone check them out but Lita talked me out of it.

I text her a couple of times to see how its going. She says she will call me tomorrow. I let her know its to early for her to stay over his house. She says not but she is having a great time. She text me back that she's having a great time, not nice or good but great! I'm so happy right now.

Dad and M2 are taking everyone to Golden Corral for breakfast. We have the usual family talk. Whats going on at school. We talked about Lita and Kira dating or at least having a boyfriend. He looked at me but I told him I'm not interested in boys. He looked at me funny, so I told him girls either. It was a good weekend but I couldn't wait to get home and talk to mom.

Sean and I got home at 6pm like usual. I ran into the house and mom was sitting in the living room. Sean said his usual hello and headed to his room to play more video games. I sat next to mom. We both didn't say anything for a while. She knew I was dying to find out how the date went.

"So, you gonna tell me how the date went or do I have to call Tio Jose?"

"No need to call Jose, It was nice. We had tacos for dinner. And a strawberry tres leche cake for dessert. We talked a little and then left."

"Really Mom, this is what we're doing? What did you talk about? Was he nice? Do you like him? Are you going out again?"

She was blushing, "He's a very nice man. We talked about a lot of different things. He likes teaching the kids. He has 3 children who live with his ex-wife. 2 boys 8 and 10 and a daughter 9. They live in Winston-Salem with their mother. He graduated from Duke but I don't hold that against him. We have another date for Sunday."

I grab her in a big hug. "I'm so happy for you mom. I really am!"

"You're not mad I'm not dating Mr. Gregg?"

"At first I was. When I saw you two talking at the BBQ I was mad. I thought he was messing up the plan but Lita said the plan but its all about you being happy. Lita had to explain that to me and that's all I care about. So you have another date huh? Were are you going?"

"We haven't decided yet. I think I'll surprise him and plan the date. He likes to go camping and hiking. I was thinking going to McDowell Nature Preserve for a hike than a picnic. What do you think?"

"That sounds like fun. Something different. Do you have clothes and shoes for hiking. I might be worried because you're getting older and hiking might be hard on you." I couldn't say it and keep a straight face and burst out laughing.

"Ha Ha very funny young lady. I'm sure I can keep up." Its not like we're hiking the Oregon Trial. Just a nice stroll in a park."

We talked some more than I went to get ready for bed. I was so happy that everything worked or was working out. I text my sisters to let them know how everything went. I was so happy it was hard to sleep. But when I did I went to sleep with a smile on my face.

POST SCRIPT

Olivia and Maurice continue to date. This is a story that could go on for some time and maybe I will tell the romance of these two in the future. Or the aftermath of a break up.

This story is not about if Olivia finds love, but what happens on the other side of the divorce and how it effects others besides the husband, especially the kids. And yes, Sean appears only in mentions. He's a boy and if your a man you know we don't express our emotions very well or if at all. So I left his experience out. Madison only wanted her mother to be happy. As any child should. This is the story I tried to tell.