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."

the chorus of agreement, Cyrus

Although his voice carried a note of pity, his expression hinted otherwise, clearly indicating he

up, her expression unreadable,

didn't he? Usually, Cyrus would have hung up on Norton

-

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

finally made it!" Norton

standing in front of Nancy to shield her

hates the smell?" "And get rid of

his fingers, ushering the

theirs alone, and

knew the mighty Cyrus of

"If being married to Cyrus means getting treated

eyebrow, a half-smile on his face as he looked at Nancy. "Don't

a smirk, managing a nod in

turning to Baldrick. "Am I that

ever, Baldrick replied, "Pretty much. If

quickly shifting his focus to