Page 51 of Skipping Stones
She’s even talked about us moving in with her, but that’s impossible. The house only has two bedrooms. And it’s way too small for all of us. We could renovate when I sell the apartment, but that would take time. So there’s that.
I bet Danny would fit you in. And maybe Jake could be your architect. But what about my place while you wait?
???
Seriously. My tenant has already told me he’s retiring and moving south. It could work for you for a few months—or longer if you need it to. And then your mum is right next door. Close but not on top of you.
Are you serious?
Yes, of course!
That’s incredibly generous. I don’t know what to say.
Derek’s brain was spinning. He drove up to Silver Lake to meet Mr. Graham in person and they talked at length about the business. Derek’s mother was excited about the chance of having her son and grandchildren closer. Linney had given him the perfect solution. Her house would give him his own space while they expanded his mother’s house next door.
Derek took the kayak out and spent an hour skimming across the lake and thinking, his broad shoulders powering even strokes that created a meditative rhythm. He could teach the children to enjoy the lake. He would be home for dinner every night. They could skip stones together and hike up to the waterfalls. By the time he pulled the kayak up onto the shore, he’d decided. For the first time in a very long time, something felt right.
“There’s something different about you,” Aiden said when they had lunch at the diner the next week. “And I can’t figure out what.”
Aiden ordered his usual burger and fries, but Derek surprised him, asking for a clubhouse sandwich.
“See, that’s what I mean,” said Aiden. “Something’s off.”
“I have news,” Derek said, leaning back in the booth.
Aiden sat up straight, with interest. “Don’t tell me you’ve found a woman.” Aiden had been bugging Derek about dating for a couple of months now.
“Afraid not. Something bigger. I’m leaving Legal Aid.”
“What? Did one of the big firms make you an offer? You know you’ll see even less of your kids if you get on that ladder.”
The waitress brought their plates, and the conversation stopped until she brought the ketchup and vinegar around.
“Seriously, Derek. There has to be a better way.” Aiden shoved some fries in his mouth.
“There is. I’m leaving the city. The lawyer in Silver Lake is retiring. It’s a great opportunity to be my own boss, set my own hours, and my mum is there to help with the kids.”
“Whoa. That’s a big change.” Aidan sat there with a fry halfway to his mouth, thinking. “I guess that probably makes sense for you right now. I’ll miss you though. When do you leave?”
“Soon. Within a couple of months. I’ll have a house—you can come up and visit if you like.”
“Maybe. It’s always hard to get away. You know.”
Derek nodded. He did know, and it was part of why he had to make the move. “Well, if you can.”
Derek handed in his resignation and put the temporary nanny on notice. As if to punctuate the end of this chapter, divorce papers showed up the week before he left Toronto. Derek signed the papers with sadness and sent them back along with a note about the move. Olivia should know where her children were, but he knew now that she was never coming back. And after what she’d put him through, Derek wouldn’t have taken her back anyway. He would build a whole new life for his family in Silver Lake.
They threw him a great going away party at the office, and Aiden took him out for one last drink.
“To new beginnings.” The two friends lifted their frosted beer mugs.
“It’s not going to be the same without you down the hall,” Derek admitted. “I’m starting to feel a bit nervous about all of this.”
“You’re doing the right thing for your family.” Aiden’s gruff voice betrayed his emotions. “But, yeah, I’m going to miss you too.” He munched on some bar nuts to compose himself.
“I hope you will come up to the lake from time to time,” Derek said. “Check out the slow life, make sure I haven’t become a hermit!” He laughed. “Seriously though. There’s room at Linney’s place. Consider it an open invitation.”
“I’ll do my best,” Aiden assured him, and the men turned their attention to the game on the TV behind the bar. For once, Toronto was winning.