More new words on Monday. I have one year before I retire. I definitely want to get back in the habit of writing regularly in preparation for post-retirement writing goals. They will be much easier to meet if I make sure I have the habit re-established now.

Does this work for you? (it picks up where Friday’s Snippet left off — first draft; I’m certain I have POV all hosed up):

“Come on into the kitchen. Cole’s been helping me with the spaghetti and garlic bread. I have some wine I think you’ll enjoy.”

Nikki followed Jeff into the kitchen with Cole trailing behind. Why did I ever agree to do this? What on earth do I say to the kid? Taking the glass from Jeff, she leaned against a section of counter that didn’t seem to be in the way. Cole busied herself checking the garlic bread in the oven. “Anything I can do to help?”

Jeff waved her off, “No, just relax and enjoy your wine.”

I’ll try a conversation with the kid. “What do you like to do, Cole?”

“I play church league basketball and softball, hang out with my friends, stuff like that.”

Her tone was barely conversational. She clamped up quickly after a sharp look from Jeff. Great. This isn’t going well at all. I never should have come. But I had to come. I know Jeff won’t keep seeing me on the sly. I accept the kid, or we’re a no-go. Why does this surprise me. He’s always been that way. Ga-ga for the kid. Everyone else be damned. But she never connected with anyone else. It’s Jeff and the kid or no one, and nobody wasn’t cutting the mustard anymore. The table was already set. Cole had pulled the garlic bread out of the oven, and Jeff was holding her chair for her. She smiled her thanks and sat down, setting her empty wine glass near her water glass on the table.

“Cole’s being modest,” Jeff began as he passed the spaghetti serving bowl to her. “Her schedule keeps me hopping with school and church activities. I think she knows and is friends with everyone in the school — she’s always going to or having a sleepover. She’s been on the honor role all through junior high.”

Nikki smiled, “I’d forgotten how much there is to do for kids these days. Do you ever get to just play?”

Cole scowled, “I’m thirteen. ‘Play’ is for little kids.”

Damn. Wrong thing to say. “I didn’t mean it like that.” She looked to Jeff for help.

“Cole played over at the schoolyard with the other neighborhood kids when she was younger. That’s one reason I bought this house. Play takes on a different meaning when you get to middle school — that’s what the sports and sleepovers are all about.”

“Oh. I see.” But I don’t see. Not really. How long has it been since I played — really played?

Cole shrugged her shoulders, “What do you like to do?”

This I can answer, “I have two dogs, Dakota and Sophie. Sophie’s a St. Bernard, and Dakota is a Yellow Lab. I spend time with them. I also like to sketch and paint in water color.”

“I like dogs. Dad won’t let me have one. How old are yours?”

Is that interest I see? “Both of them are three. Sophie’s a little older. I got her when her original family decided she was just too big. How come your dad won’t let you get a dog?” She glanced at Jeff. He looked away.

“He says I’m too busy to spend enough time with one.”

Nikki nodded, “I can see where he might get that idea. What do you think about that?”

Cole put down her glass, “He’s probably right.”

Nikki laughed, “You sound pretty mature for your age.”

“I try to be. Dad, may I be excused?”

“Don’t you want dessert?”

“Not tonight, thanks.”

“OK, then.”

“I’ll be in my room.” She paused, “Nice to meet you, Nikki.”

“Nice to meet you, too.” She watched Cole leave the kitchen and turned to Jeff, “She didn’t want me here tonight, did she?”

Jeff switched his attention from the now vacant kitchen doorway to Nikki, “You weren’t much better. It was an awkward time for both of you. We made it through. That’s about all we can ask. You willing to keep trying? This was probably the best you’re going to get for a long, long time.”

Oh, shit. “The best?” Why does my voice squeak like that?

“Yeah. The best. Do you know how hard it’s been for her all these years knowing you were out there and not thinking about her? Knowing her mother didn’t want her? She’s going to have a tough time adjusting to this.” Jeff reached for her hand, “But she’ll come around. It’ll be worth it. You’ll see.”

“I thought about her.”

“When? Between drunken parties?”

“Oh. I guess Cole isn’t the only one with issues. I better be going.” She pushed back from the table, “Thanks for having me over — even if it wasn’t a very good idea.”

Jeff caught her hand as she began to whirl toward the doorway, “Hey,” he kept his voice purposefully soft, “I didn’t say it wasn’t a good idea. Maybe those remarks weren’t the kindest, even if there was some truth to them. Yeah. I’m not happy about that, but that was then. You’re not the same person now. At least, I don’t think so. I’ve never gotten over you. Frankly, I don’t think you’ve gotten over me, either. You just had a different way of showing it.”

She laughed and relaxed just a little, “That’s for sure!”

Jeff smiled, “See? There’s the Nikki I knew. She’s still there. Cole will get to know that Nikki, and she might even learn to love her.” He looked up into her eyes and whispered, “God knows I do.”

Nikki tried to blink tears away and failed. As they rolled down her cheeks, she sank into Jeff’s lap and hugged him tight.

“Yuck! Gross!” Cole turned and ran to her room, slamming the door behind her.

Nikki jumped out of Jeff’s lap. He pulled her back. Looking into her eyes, he said with a straight face, “Teenagers. They’re always grossed out when their parents show affection to one another.”

Nikki could only manage a weak, “Oh.”

Reaching one hand to caress Nikki’s cheek, Jeff asked, “Now where were we?” He slid his hand behind her head and pulled her lips to join with his.