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Tate

T he smell of coffee and bacon fills the kitchen, and I sniff appreciatively. This is the way to start the day. Eggs, bacon, and a strong brew.

I sit at my kitchen table with my legs outstretched, looking out the French doors and into my backyard.

I’ve been meaning to clear some of the trees, but I haven’t bothered calling anyone.

I’m not even sure how many trees to clear.

The green leafy canopy went into my decision to buy this house.

The thick foliage offers privacy. I’d hoped to build a treehouse someday, but that prospect grows bleaker by the day.

I’ve been back in the States for three years now, and there’s still no wife and no mini-me to build a treehouse for. My niece and youngest nephew might enjoy one for a few years yet, but—.

I glance at the marble table and floor. Probably a good thing I don’t have a kid, as this house isn’t suitable for babies.

The table is too porous, the floor too hard, and the steps leading to the bedrooms are far too dangerous.

They have no backs, and a kid could fall through and break a leg or, worse, their neck.

It’s a house built for seduction, not family.

Maybe that’s why the only real company I have are the nameless women who come and go like a revolving door.

Not that I mind spending my nights with women so beautiful they could snag the part of leading lady in any movie (if they had an iota of talent, that is).

But after two decades of one-night stands and short-lived flings, I’m ready for something more.

What that looks like, I’m not sure, but a real relationship might be nice. I’m at a point where I want to commit. If only people didn’t piss me off so easily. If only a woman could hold my attention for more than a week or two.

“Woof. Woof. Woof.”

My phone rings and vibrates on the table.

I welcome the interruption. I don’t need to sit and dwell any longer on what’s missing in my life and leaving me feeling empty.

I have money, looks, and, once upon a time, the magnificent responsibility of leading my international rugby team to a world championship.

“Hey, Lu, what’s up?”

“I hate to ask, but I could really use your help. Maddie’s sick, and Teddy’s playing today. You know I always go to his games; I don’t want him to look in the stands and not see anyone.”

“No problem. I planned to go anyway.”

“Thank you, Tate. You don’t know how much this means to me. ”

“Of course. You had me worried. I thought you were going to ask me to go out with one of your friends who desperately needed a date to a wedding or a family function. Or worse, take mom to the doctor’s.”

“Just when I thought you were turning the corner and becoming a decent human being.”

“Easy, Sis. Or I’ll tell Teddy you’re not there because you think he sucks and you’re bored of his childish antics on the field after watching a master like me for years.”

“Goodbye, Tate.”