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“Axel’s having a hell of a season.”
“Yeah, he is.” My son followed in my footsteps and was drafted into the NFL. He played for New Orleans and was leading the league in rushing.
The server set our beers on the table, and Bill raised his in salute. “A chip off the old block.”
“Thanks, man.” I took a pull of my beer. “How about you? How’s everything?”
“Johana’s great. We’re celebrating our anniversary this month.”
“Congratulations. And the kids?”
“Will is in his final year of law school at the University of Texas, and Amber has one more semester at SMU, majoring in finance.”
“They grow up fast, don’t they?” I hadn’t seen Bill’s children in a long time, probably since Will’s high school graduation seven years ago. He was the oldest among our kids.
“Yes, they do. I can’t believe I’m a grandfather.”
“Damn. It seems like yesterday we were in our twenties and tearing it up on the football field.” He dipped his chin, peering at me. “How are you doing, man? Really doing? You dating?”
Why was everyone so concerned about my love life? Regardless, I shook my head. “No.”
“It’s been years since the accident…” His words trailed off. Ten years. Ten years since my wife was killed in a car accident. When she died, she took a part of me with her. The part of me that could ever love a person in that way again.
Will had been there for me, too, talking me off the proverbial ledge. I had to be strong for my son because he was a sophomore in high school when it happened, and it took him a long time to heal. It took me even longer. It took time, but I got my life back in order and threw myself into my work.
“I’m fine, Bill.” My mouth twisted wryly. “Are you trying to set me up, too? Axel already created a profile for me on a dating app.”
I expected my friend to laugh, but instead, he eyed me seriously. “Maybe you should give it a shot.”
“Not you, too,” I groaned.
“Just consider it, man.”
I wasn’t going to argue, so I said, “Yeah. Sure, I’ll consider it.” I sipped my beer. “Anyway, thanks for donating to this event. I’m so glad for your support. You’ve always been there for me. I look forward to seeing Johana at the gala.”
“About that. We won’t be able to make it.”
I tilted my head. “That’s too bad.”
“Johana and I will be celebrating our anniversary in Tuscany. I rented a villa, and we will be there for three weeks, through New Year’s.”
“That’s great. I’m happy for you.”
“We’re excited, but don’t worry. Amber will be there to represent us at your event.”
“Already prepping her for the family business, huh?” I teased.
“She’s been working in the business during the summers throughout college. As soon as she gets her degree, she will be my chief financial officer.”
I drew up memories of Bill’s youngest, Amber. She always seemed quiet and reserved and usually kept to herself whenever our families were together. She was tall and lanky, with her dark hair in braids. She wore braces and always carried aHarry Potterbook around.
I couldn’t imagine her as the future CFO of a company. However, if she was anything like Bill, then she must have the business acumen. How old would she be now? Twenty-one?
“CFO, huh?” I downed my remaining drink. “She must be a smart businesswoman.”
“Oh, she is. I assure you.”
My footsteps echoed in the stark silence when I moved through my spacious house. I flipped on a light and aimlessly glanced around the room, loosening my tie. To a stranger, anyone would be envious of this place—there was enough square footage to be considered a mansion. And I’d already paid people to come in and decorate it for Christmas. It was both elegant and festive, luxurious, yet cozy. But all I could focus on was the silence.
