The Road to Rebirth Her Fresh Start and His Late Sorrow by Helena R. Bates

Chapter 9

Nancy's heart raced as Cyrus moved closer again, ready to resist when his phone buzzed. Grabbing it like a lifeline, she quickly put some distance between herself and Cyrus. "Your phone's ringing!"

As Cyrus noticed Nancy's rejection, his desire ebbed away, replaced by a bitter feeling he couldn't quite identify. With a stern expression, he answered the call.

"What?"

There was a brief pause before the other end burst into laughter. "Jeez, Cyrus, you sound tense. Are you and Nancy having a spat? Why don't you come out with us? We're all at the Old Oak waiting for you." It was Norton Patel's voice on the other end.

Norton was Cyrus' childhood buddy. Nancy's lips twitched into a smile, feeling a wave of relief.

"Not tonight." Cyrus glanced at Nancy intentionally. "I've upset Nancy. She won't want to go out with me. If she's not going, neither am I."

Norton got the message loud and clear.

"Come on, Nancy! We haven't had a drink with Cyrus in ages. Show your face, will you?"

"It's just a few drinks. It won't keep you from, you know, baby-making."

"Yeah, Nancy, it's just us. Plus, Baldrick Robertson's back in town. It's been ages since he and Cyrus caught up."

agreement, Cyrus turned

pity, his expression hinted otherwise,

her expression unreadable, and

he? Usually, Cyrus

-

hour later, they walked into a private room at the bar, greeted by a thick haze of cigarette smoke and the smell of alcohol. The room was all men, each flanked by young, attractive women. Only Baldrick, sitting in a corner, remained aloof, sipping his drink and

you finally made it!" Norton exclaimed, standing up

was protective, standing

said you could smoke in here? Snuff out those cigarettes. Don't you know my wife hates the smell?" "And get rid of these girls. I don't want them spoiling my wife's

snapped his fingers, ushering the girls away. "You heard the man.

room was theirs

the mighty Cyrus of Sunhaven

hardest. "If being married to Cyrus means getting treated like

raised an eyebrow, a half-smile on his face as he looked at Nancy. "Don't mind Norton. If he were

suppressed a smirk, managing a nod

to Baldrick. "Am I

If Cyrus

shifting his focus to Nancy.