”“At least dogs are loyal,” Anne quips.“Speaking of which,” Carrie says as she sees Cameron stepping into the lunchroom. Then her eyes go ro...und. “Well, hello...”Anne whips her head around to see her boyfriend and ... the new boy. “Whoa, he looks delicious.”Carrie blinks a couple times and turns her head toward Anne. “Did you just say delicious?”Anne grins wickedly and looks at her friend. “You don’t agree?”They hold each other’s stare for a moment before Carrie nods her head enthusiastically.. "I am going out of town with my k**s, but how about Monday after work? And where?" We'll talk about this Monday." And with that, I gave her a long lingering peck and licked her lips, looked her up and down to take a mental picture and left the cafeteria.That was a really long weekend -- the breakup was my easiest, especially since she annoyed my mother and my c***dhood friends to the point that I started openly flirting with other women -- but seeing Melissa on Monday would open a fresh chapter. "I am sorry that I ran out. I was shocked and confused. Mom told me all about how you two were in love in high school and how everything happened." She took a deep breath. "Would it be alright if I called you Daddy?"With tears in my own eyes I told her, "I would love that. I am very proud to be 'Daddy' to such a wonderful girl as you."She then did something that completely melted my heart. She bent down and gave me a hug and a kiss on the cheek. I returned her hug and then squeezed her even. Mom didn't let up with the stare. Finally, Maxine said, "Mom, I'll be there. I promise. It's at five in the high school gym."Mom said, "Okay, you may go off. Don't screw this up, Maxine."Iola and I kept quiet and listened. Maxine and Ursula left. Mom said, "Let's go into the living room and talk." We went. I didn't know what she was going to say but I planned to keep my mouth shut.Mom sat in the easy chair and pointed us to the sofa. She said, "I bet you two are worried." We looked at each.