that’s a different problem and one I can’t think about surrounded by retired individuals.
“You should apply another round of sunscreen.” Lancaster’s standing in the shade of the golf cart.
“Good idea.” I stand clear of the cart and reapply sunscreen to all exposed skin. “What’s there to do in Phoenix on Saturday afternoons that’s good for kids?”
Lancaster’s brow furrowed. “You brought your kids?” He doesn’t sound disapproving and that’s why I like Lancaster even though he’s a pain in the ass. His kids are grown, but he’s always talking about his grandkids and asking about Abby and Maddy. “Is Natalie here too?”
“Yes, they’re all here.” I slide the sunscreen canister back in my borrowed golf bag’s pouch. “I don’t know if I ever mentioned it, but Natalie and I got divorced.”
“Aw hell. I’m sorry to hear that. When she left the company, I just thought with the kids…” He waves to a group in front of us, his expression solemn. “But you brought her here? When did you get divorced?”
This might be crossing boundaries with a client, but I married young and worked all the time. My friends list is short. “Last fall.”
“Divorced that recently and she still flew with you here?” When I nod, his eyes shine with approval. “Good, I guess. My first wife made me pay for working too much. I almost made the same mistake with Peggy, but by then, I’d made enough money to slack off and hire more people. It’s tough when you’re just starting out.”
I feel more like a weathered veteran, but Lancaster has owned various companies for the last forty years. He’s continued to dabble in real estate and investments with Peggy. They’re actually Peggy’s holdings, but once Lancaster retired, she allowed him to partner with her.
“It’s not easy.” Now we’re stuck waiting for the other group to make it through the sixteenth hole, but I sense Lancaster wants the privacy.
“Why don’t you guys come out to my place?”
What would Natalie think? She enjoyed Lancaster and could talk him down much better than Helena, but I don’t want to decide for her. “I’d have to ask her.”
“You do that. Tell her that we have a pool the girls can play in and it’s even shaded. I’ll grill. It’ll be a blast. Peggy’s having grandkid withdrawals.” He snorts. “No one wants to visit us in the summer. Can you believe it?”
Since I’m about to disintegrate into a pile of ash, yes, my northern climate ass can believe it. “Since we have time, I’ll give her a call.”
To get a little privacy, I have to step out of the shade. I’m wearing a Lancaster Industries hat that was waiting for me when I arrived, but the sun beats down on me.
When Natalie answers, loud voices echo on the other end. “What’s up?”
“Lancaster invited us over for the afternoon. Do you have plans already?”
“Is it a business thing?” The phone gets muffled as she calls after one of the girls. “Quit putting your face against the glass. They don’t like that.”
My guess is they’re looking at snakes or frogs. There’s no animal that can repel the girls. My gut twists as I look around. I’d rather be at the zoo with them. I’m missing their awe over animals they’ve never seen before. “No. He said Peggy is going through grandkid withdrawal and would love to have us over.”
“I miss talking to Peggy,” she says wistfully. “Do they know we’re…”
Divorced. “Yes. He’s impressed that you can stand me.”
That gets a chuckle from her. “I always did like him. Oh, thank you for breakfast this morning.”
“Anytime.” Before I left, I arranged for room service with all their favorites for when I knew they’d be awake.
“They have a pool.” Everyone has a pool here, but I really want this visit with Natalie. It’s a trip I can give her and the girls. I won’t exactly be working.
“The hotel has a pool, but I’ve been informed that it looks boring. Sure. Let’s do it. I was going to head back to the hotel soon anyway. We’re all wilting.”
After I hang up, I let Lancaster know we’re on.
He grins. “I knew I liked you. I’m glad you came. Helena’s… she’s not the same as you and Natalie.”
Helena’s professional to the bone and probably doesn’t swap the best steak seasoning stories with the avid griller. “She’s focused.”
“Yeah. You both need to learn there’s more to life than work.” He shoots me a knowing look. “Learn before it’s too late.”
“I think that ship