"I love you, David."

“I love you, too, Dani." “No hard feelings?" “None at all."

Once Danielle and I got our mutual issues resolved and out of the way, Cherys was delighted and enticed us into a torrid threesome the very next morning. She made good on her promise: the girls wore me out so much that I passed out on the bed and slept until two in the afternoon.

The next time we went out, Danielle and Cherys were the ones holding hands and lovingly rubbing Cherys' belly while I watched approvingly from across the table.

They got a few more awkward stares and a few less well-wishers than Cherys and I would have, but there was still a lot of love surrounding the happy couple.

That left only one major issue still unresolved for me.

SUMMER (June 2006)

It was another long Friday, but at least the week was over. I was just shutting down my system when a familiar voice said my name behind me. It was Stan, the Executive Vice President who'd been shadowing me for my entire career.

“David! You're still here. We're not working you too hard, are we?"

“No, sir."

“Stan, remember?" "Yes, Stan." “Can you swing by my office for a minute?"

“Uh, sure." I hurriedly gathered my things and then followed after. When we got to his office, there was another gentlemen in a wing chair, sleeves rolled up and an open snifter of brandy between them.

Stan gestured to the gentlemen, who was just now turning around. believe you already know Robert."

It was Amber's father. I stood up straight in shock but quickly recovered and held out my hand.

"Good to see you again... Robert."

He shook it and gestured to the available wing chair. I nervously took my seat.

“Anyways, Stan began, “Robert here and I were going out for golf tomorrow afternoon. As it is, we need a fourth. I was just asking Robert if he had any ideas for someone to round out our group and he mentioned you. He said the two of you have played before."

My jaw half-dropped. I'd played golf exactly once in my life, back when I was dating Robert's daughter.

“So, are you available?" My Executive VP asked.

“Uh, certainly... Stan. I'd love to join." I turned and nodded my head to Robert, “Although, I haven't played in some time

“No worries," Robert waved me off.

“Just like riding a bike.” He stood, placing his empty brandy tumbler on the desk.

“So, tomorrow at noon? See you then." He reached out to shake my hand.

“Goodbye Robert." I stood as well, shouldering my bag and nodding to Stan.

"See you tomorrow."