Chapter 30

"What brings you here?" I was surprised by Yvonne's unexpected visit.

She hesitated. "Cole, there's something I need to tell you."

I set down my documents. "Go on."

"Xavier got into a fight at school. Some kids were saying he doesn't have a father."

"And?" I asked, feigning indifference.

Yvonne sighed heavily. "I tried to handle it, but... I don't know how to talk to him. Cole, I know I haven't been a good mother, but... could you help?"

For the first time, I saw confusion and helplessness on her face. I couldn't help but laugh. "If you knew this day would come, why did you do those things? Or did you mistake my kindness for weakness?"

She stammered, speechless.

"If you made mistakes, you face the consequences," I said coldly. "Besides, isn't there Mr. Lawson? Ask him for help." I stood. "I need to drop Jonas off. Take care."

Yvonne grabbed my sleeve, but I shook her off and left.

By 9:00 am, I was back at my desk. My secretary knocked. "Mr. Cole, Mr. Hayden is here."

"Send him in."

Hayden, the CEO, entered. Five years my senior, he was known for his calm head. "Cole, how's work?" he asked, genuinely concerned.

"Not bad, Hayden. What's up?"

He sat, hesitant. "Cole, I've been worried since your divorce. I have a friend, her sister is twenty-eight, works in advertising… beautiful, wonderful personality. I think you two might hit it off. Interested in meeting her?"

My heart sank. "Hayden, I don't have the headspace. I have Jonas, and work…"

"Cole, you need to think of yourself. You're young, you can't spend your life alone. It would be good for Jonas, too."

He had a point, but something inside resisted. Seeing my hesitation, he pressed, "Lunch today? If it doesn't work, we drop it. What do you say?"

"Alright," I conceded.

Relief flooded his face. "Great! The coffee shop near the office. Lunchtime."

After he left, I sighed, staring at my paperwork. I felt anxious.

At lunchtime, I followed Hayden. A young woman sat by the window, in a light blue dress, shoulder-length hair, delicate features.

"Cole, this is Ms. Sommerton. Lorraine, this is my brother, Cole," Hayden introduced us warmly.

Lorraine stood, smiling. "Hello, Mr. Cole. I'm Lorraine Sommerton."

We sat. Lorraine ordered a latte, Hayden and I, Americanos.

"You must be busy," Lorraine commented, breaking the silence.

"Yes, quite," I replied. "What about you? Advertising must be demanding?"

"It's not bad," she smiled. "Sometimes overtime, but interesting work."

We discussed our careers. Lorraine was well-spoken and intelligent. She was undeniably impressive. Our conversation flowed, moving to personal interests.

"Do you enjoy reading?" she asked.

"Yes," I nodded. "I'm reading a book on educational psychology."

Her eyes widened. "Wow, that sounds advanced. Work-related?"