Page 24 of Collars & Kittens
I’m stewing about my feelings and wondering if they’re wrong when an older guy brings his dog in and asks me how the date went with the young, pretty thing. The way he stresses the word ‘young’ and waggles his eyebrows makes me realize I need some advice...from my parents.
Since the contest went viral, there was no hiding it from my parents. They know all about it and who I chose. They even listened to our broadcast interviews.
There’s a lull in the afternoon, and I close my office door and call them. My mom answers, and I can tell she’s on speakerphone, so I assume my dad is close by like usual.
“Mom, Dad, how are you guys?”
“Doing well, son,” Dad responds, confirming I was right. “Are you taking good care of the patients?”
“Always,” I say with a smile. Dad’s the same as ever. He’s gruff with a crusty exterior but a softie inside. I come by my soft parts naturally, but I’m lacking his gruffness.
Mom’s the opposite. She’s soft on the outside, with a rod of steel inside when it’s needed. She gushes, “Oh, tell us how the date went with that lovely girl! Are you two going out again?”
Mom’s sweet, and it’s her opinion about the age difference that I’m worried about. I want to know how she feels about it because she has a better handle on what other women might think.
“Well, actually, I want to see her, but she’s younger than me, and I’m concerned it makes a difference. She’s 24.”
“Yeah,” Mom says. “That’s quite the difference, but we knew her age from the interviews.”
“Oh, right,” I reply, trying not to cringe while I wait for her to tell me I need to date someone my own age.
Instead, she surprises me. “Did you have fun?”
Huh, that was a different reaction from what I expected, and it makes me want to tell them more. “Actually, yes. She’s really special. I think I’m falling for her.”
Dad laughs. “That’s great, Son.”
I can’t contain my curiosity and have to ask. “You’re not concerned?”
There’s a brief pause before Dad speaks, and when he does, he sounds sincere. “As long as you’re happy, I’m not worried—and your mom is nodding her head.”
“Dalton,” my mom speaks up. “We don’t choose the ones we love. As long as she’s not pressured or overwhelmed, don’t let age stop you from seeing where it goes.”
“Thanks Mom. I’ll be careful with her.”
Little does my mom know, it’s been Olivia taking the steps forward in our relationship, so I know it’s something we both want. My mom’s easy acceptance wipes out any final concerns I had about being older than Olivia. If my parents are fine with it, I can weather anything other people say.
We talk for a few more minutes, and the last thing my mom says before we hang up is, “Bring her to Colorado on your next trip so we can meet her.”
I can’t stop smiling the rest of the day. The undertone of the call was clear: my parents are excited and happy that I’ve found a new love interest.
The other person I need to tell is Travis. My phone call to him is quicker than the one to my parents, and it’s a funny conversation. His reaction to me telling him I’m going to date Olivia is simple.
With a snort, he says, “Just fuck her and have fun.”
That’s the plan, but I want him to realize this is more. “No, Trav. I’m falling for her.”
“Wow.” There’s a brief pause and Travis chuckles. “You’ve got it bad, huh?”
It’s true, and now that I’m past the first hurdle, I want everyone to know, including the entire town. But first, I need to tell her.
Travis and I only talk for another minute. After we hang up, I send Sue home early and take a quick shower before going over to Olivia’s house. I’m determined that Olivia and I are actually going to eat dinner tonight. We can’t always fall into bed together. And if the moment feels right, I’m going to tell her I have deeper feelings for her, but I won’t scare her off with the L-word.
Chapter 12
OLIVIA
I’m on cloud nine through my yoga class, and the other students can tell. They give me some ribbing and ask the expected questions, but it’s not that bad. Everyone likes Dalton, and a couple of the single women are envious but nice about it. How come everyone in this town is so lovely? Even if people had been pissy about my date, I don’t think anything can mar my happiness today, but it’s great that people are rooting for us.
