Yes.

Ill be there in a moment.

My father and I waited until she opened the door. Wearing dark jeans that could have been sprayed on, and a pink blouse that showed the curves of her hips and her prominent breasts, she greeted us with a smile. She hard dark hair that was almost black, and olive colored skin. She was definitely a cougar.

Hello, she said. I apologize for my rudeness. But Im all alone in this big house and I dont take chances.

Completely understandable, Andrew said. We take no offense.

She turned to me, giving me a keen eye. And your name?

Mr. Preston, I answered.

Do you have a first name? she said with an attitude.

Normally, I would have made a smartass comeback, but I kept it back. Mike. I extended my hand and shook hers. I apologize for dropping by without any notice.

Then why did you do it? she asked.

My dad flashed me a smirk.

Time was of the essence.

She opened the door wider. Come inside and well discuss the house.

We walked into her large parlor then sat down on the large leather chairs.

Tea? she asked.

Yes and please, my father said.

Sure, I said.

She brought a tray to the table and poured green tea into our cups. The mansion she lived in was spotless and smelled like flowers. Athena was fit and small, indicating she exercised every day. Judging her attitude, she didnt have a problem being alone. She was self-sufficient and strong.

She sat across from us and crossed her legs. Her posture was perfect and she was refine. For an older woman, she seemed youthful and full of life. She didnt have any wrinkles and she had a perfect complexion.

Hows Diane? she asked politely.

Well, he answered vaguely.

I wondered if she heard about the divorce.

Twenty-five years is a long time to be with the same woman, she said as she sipped her tea.

My dad became a little uncomfortable. Were divorced.

Oh, she said. Im sorry.

He nodded. Well get through it. She and I are friendly.

My mom was nothing but a bitch to my dad. Im glad they were divorced. It was painful at the time, but when I remembered how horrible my mom was, I was glad my dad was free to be happy.

Thats good, she said. Especially since you have two kids.

Four, actually. I have a daughter-in-law, and soon Ill have another. He gave me a quick smile.

Very cute, she said. She turned to me. I assume thats why you want the house?

Im glad we were getting somewhere. Yes.

We can discuss it, she said vaguely.

Ill offer however much money you want. That house is mine. I knew I was being aggressive but she needed to understand how serious I was.

Determined, she said. She didnt seem impressed.

My girlfriend is in love with that place. I need to have it.

It is a magical place. She sipped her tea. My husband and I lived there and raised our kids. The memories we made there will last a lifetime. She sighed. But its just too painful to stay there. Its time for someone else to make their own memories there.

And it better be me.

Im sorry about your husband, I said seriously.

Thank you, she said. Two years have come and gone, and I still expect to see him outside working on the yard. But thats life.

She reminded me of my dad.

Im sorry as well, Andrew said.

Thank you, she said with a nod.

So, what can I offer you to give me the house? I asked.

Right to the point, she said with a smile.

Like you said, Im determined, I said.

Honestly, I have no need for money.

I can tell, I said. Then what can I offer you?

She eyed Andrew then looked back at me. Can I have a moment in private?

I looked at my dad and silently excused him.

Ill be outside, he said as he walked out.

Once the door was shut, I felt nervous. Shed been alone for two years and I suspected I knew what she wanted. She was lonely and missed being with someone. I wasnt conceited but I knew I was eye-catching. She probably wanted me to bed her. I really wanted that house but not that much.

Your father is a very handsome man. She stared at me like she asked me a question.

Did she want me to agree with her?

Is he over his wife?

UmI dont know. Whenever women hit on him, he says no.

Well, are these women attractive?

Actually, theyre pretty hot.

She touched her throat. And whats his reason for rejecting them?

I shrugged. He hasnt been divorced that long.

She rested her fingers on the hollow of her throat. I dont know Andrew personally, but all I hear are absolutely wonderful things. I know about his generosity, his kindness, and I certainly see how attractive he is.

Where was this going?

Id like a date with him. I need a new husband, and I would love to give him a try.

My dad isnt a piece of meat, I snapped.

Im not implying he is, she said calmly. I just want a respectable man that I can spend time with. Everyone my age is overweight, sick, or just crazy. Your father is a serious catch, and if hes single, Id like a chance to get to know him better.

Then ask him out, I said. Why are you telling me this?

She gave me a hard look. Get me a date with your father and the house is yours.

Her words resonated in my brain for a while. I wasnt loyal to my mother because I despised her, but I felt weird hooking my dad up with someone new. When it was young girls at the bars, I didnt care because I knew it would never go anywhere, but this woman was his age and rich. She was perfect for him. I cant make him do anything.

All Im asking for is dinner"not a marriage.

I still cant force him to do something he doesnt want to do. Thats not fair.

Make it happen or forget about the house, she said coldly.

Seriously? This is what I had to get the damn house? I wasnt a match-maker. Let me talk to him.

Good boy. She sipped her tea and leaned back.

I walked outside, feeling awkward about the impending conversation.

What did she say? he asked. How much?

Ummits not about the money. I rubbed the back of my neck awkwardly.

Then what does she want?

I felt weird just saying it. She wants a date with you.

Me? He looked at me like I was crazy. Im an old divorced guy.

I shrugged. Youre telling me. She said you were handsome, generous, and caring"some crap like that. Shes looking for someone to share her life with, and someone whos not an asshole.

My dad stepped back, looking uncomfortable. I just got divorced, Mike. Im not ready for that.

She just wants a date"nothing else.

He shook his head. I cant. Im sorry. Shes a very attractive woman and seems perfectly nice butI just cant.

I sighed, disappointed.

Just offer her more money.

She said she doesnt care about that. She said if this date doesnt happen, Im not getting the house. Theres no way to go around it.

My dad sighed, seeing the decision before him. So, this is all on me?

You dont have to do it, Dad. I cant make you do something youre that uncomfortable with.

He gave me a sad expression then ran his fingers through his hair. I know how much you want that house.

But its not worth it if I have to pimp you.

He chuckled then looked at me. Just one date?

I nodded. She just wants to have dinner.

He took a deep breath then placed his hands on his hips. I can do that.

Really? I asked, surprised.

I can give up one night and have some nice company so you can get your dream home. Its a reasonable sacrifice.

Hallelujah. Thanks, Dad. I was glad I didnt have to pressure him into it. I would have felt like an asshole.

Youre welcome. But Im doing it more for Cassandra and the little one on the way than for you.

Thats fine, I said with a laugh. Thats why Im doing it too. I headed back through the door. Ill tell her what you said.

Im a man. I can talk to her, he said simply.

Okay.

We walked inside then returned to the couches. She seemed calm, almost bored.