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."

chorus of agreement, Cyrus

a note of pity, his expression hinted otherwise, clearly indicating he was bound for the

up, her expression unreadable, and said,

didn't he? Usually, Cyrus would have hung up on Norton without a

-

and the smell of alcohol. The room was all men, each flanked by young, attractive women. Only Baldrick, sitting in a corner, remained aloof,

you finally made it!" Norton exclaimed, standing

them with smiles, but Cyrus was protective, standing in front of

said you could smoke in here? Snuff out those cigarettes. Don't you know my wife hates the smell?" "And get

his

the room was theirs alone,

Cyrus of Sunhaven would

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

as he looked at Nancy. "Don't mind Norton. If he were a woman, he'd not be

barely suppressed a smirk, managing a nod

feigned outrage, turning to Baldrick. "Am I

Baldrick replied, "Pretty much. If Cyrus won't have you,

then stood, approaching Cyrus but quickly shifting his focus to Nancy.