I woke to a quiet house, which wasn’t unusual to me, Cassidy’s a quiet girl. I rolled out of bed and headed to the bathroom for a hot shower. I turned on the water and waited until it heated up before stripping and stepping under the hot spray. I moaned, the water felt so good on my sore body. Sometimes I wished I had a large bathtub so I could soak in the hot water instead of standing in the shower, but beggars can’t be choosers. I stayed in the shower for a long time before getting out, and I think the only reason I got out was because I used up all of the hot water. I pulled my wet hair into a messy bun on top of my head and threw on a baggy sweater and yoga pants before heading to the kitchen in my bare feet. The cool tile felt good on my warm skin. I opened the fridge hoping that some of the chicken noodle soup Cassidy had made was still in there.

“What are you doing out of bed?” Startled by the deep voice I jumped, hit my head on the fridge and fell on my butt. Once my head stopped hurting I looked up to find Luc standing in my kitchen.

“What are you doing here?” He put his hand out to help me up.

“It’s nice to see you too.” He said as he helped me off the floor. I let go of his hand quickly and backed away from him.

“I repeat why are you here?” Luc straightened his shoulders.

“Keven called and told me you were sick and that I should come take care of you.”

“I don’t need you here. Leave now.” Luc shook his head.

“I can’t do that. You’re sick and you need me.”

“I do not. Cassidy’s here and it’s only a little cold, I can take care of myself.” Luc tried to get close to me but every time he stepped towards me I took a step away.

“You can’t rely on Cassidy forever, she’s going to be going off to college in another year. I want to be with you. I want to see Cassidy off to school.”

“Stop. I can’t do this.” I turned and ran to my room, locking the door behind me. I didn’t hear anyone behind me, so I guess he didn’t follow. Picking up my phone I speed dialed Cassidy’s cell.

“Why is Luc in my house and where are you?” I said as soon as she picked up the phone.

“Hold on mom. I told you I was spending the week at Sasha’s house to help Jessica with the Halloween party." I shook my head like Cassidy could see it.

“No, No, No, that’s next week.”

“No mom, next week is food prep and stuff. This week is getting the restraint decorated and the DJ booth set up and stuff. Mom relax, Luc is a doctor and I figured it would be okay to let him take care of you; and yes I know you’re having your problems right now so that makes this the perfect time to fix all that. I like him mom and he loves you. I think you should give him a second chance. I love you mom, feel better soon. Bye.” With that, she hung up. I just looked at my phone. Great, he turned my daughter against me. My next call is to Keven who answered right away but wouldn’t let me talk at all.

“Hey honey, Luc is going to take care of you for the week. I don’t want you to come into work, you need to rest so you can get better. Luc is a great guy and I know he was stupid but I think you should give him a second chance. Love you, Danny.” And he hung up. I can’t believe this how they can expect me to forgive someone who kept a whole other life a secret from me. I curled up on my bed and pressed play on my movie.