Several weeks had gone by since his return to work. He is settling into his new way of life and attempting his best to achieve a perfect work/life balance, which as he was learning was easier said than done.

Pauline had contacted him a few times early on to speak to the girls. Each phone conversation was hard for them, they didn't understand what was happening, or when their mom would return. These calls resulted in many late night tears and nightmares causing them to race into his room at all hours, so he was glad the contact had been declining between them. With the lack of contact, tears and fears, The girls were the happiest he has seen them in a long time, it had been the happiest he had been in a long time.

It has still been taking Charles some times to come to terms with the whole situation, however, he found as time passed, he was becoming less angrier about Pauline leaving and more excited about the person he was becoming.

He was enjoying the extra time he was spending with his girls. They spend their weekends in Central Park, bird watching guide in hand, attending dance classes, watching movies and making cookies. They also enjoyed the occasional weekend getaway to their house in Pound Ridge.

Charles was rushing to make it to work on time, he pauses momentarily as when he heard his phone ring.

'Hello' he answers

'Hey Charles' His good friend and lawyer Bob was at the other end.

'Bob, how are you?' Charles asks nervously, This doesn't sound good, Bob has the hint of excitement in his voice, which can only mean one thing, an attempt at me to leave the house.

'Going well Charles, Tuesday is the night, we are launching our new venture, you have to be there.'

Ever since Pauline has left Bob had been adamant Charles join him at every outing. Until now he had been successful in avoiding the offers, however he thinks his luck has run out.

'Oh I don't know, the girls have this thing.' He stumbles in his response as he tries to think of a reasonable excuse.

'I will not take no for an answer.' Bob replies, Charles knows he was losing this argument. 'I will text you the address, I will see you at 8.'

The line goes dead, he shakes his head knowing Bob was trying to stop all his excuses of getting out of this one.

He sends a quick text to his babysitter hoping she will be unavailable at last moment.

He makes his way to the conference room for the weekly staff meeting. Charles felt his phone buzz, however the strict no phone policy meant he would have to wait until the meeting was over for the response. He nervously sat out the remainder before hurriedly flipping it over.

'Hi Charles, no problem. I will see you then.'

He exhales a deep breath, not the response he was hoping for. He really wasn't sure why he had text her in the first place to see if she was available, maybe this party wouldn't be as bad as he was expecting.

As remainder of the week and the weekend passed quickly, and the following Tuesday rolled around, Charles groaned as he left for the office remembering the party he had on tonight.

He couldn't think of a reasonable excuse and was now stuck heading out. It is exciting his friend has begun a new venture, it was still early days from Pauline leaving him, he had moments of doubt whether it was time for him to move on. He was sure if it was meant to be with someone else the right woman would come along.

Checking the time as he steps from the elevator , he makes his move for the conference room, he cannot be late for the marketing meeting for one of his companies biggest authors.

Anton is going to be a tough person to work with, Charles thinks as he is glancing around the conference room. This will be a great challenge for Kelsey to see how she conducts herself with her first big author.

Diana has the floor, pitching her marketing ideas for the book, with each idea she brings, the more awkward the meeting becomes. Diana is trying her hardest to impress Anton however he is not buying it. Her pitch was good but slightly missing the mark, plus these gummy fish she is having us try, stale, very stale, and highly offensive it seems.

He notices the presence of Diana's assistant beside him. She must be really good at her job, Diana changes her assistants nearly as often as she changes her gigantic necklaces. I must ask Diana more about her.

The remainder of the day flew past quickly, it was time to pick the girls up from school, he took them for ice cream before returning home and helping them get ready for bed before changing his outfit multiple times before settling on his current choice. He was very nervous, his first outing as a single man in nearly 15 years.

Not long after arriving he found himself alone in the middle of a crowded room at a happening club with people who were half his age. I really should have listened to Bob as he told me his plans. It is not a place Charles would normally be.

He felt extremely uncomfortable, Where is Bob? Charles wondered as he patted his hands on his legs. I have never felt more out of place,what am I doing here? I don't know anyone else.

His eyes desperately glancing around the room for a familiar face, anyone to make him feel more comfortable, he was unsuccessful.

I wonder how much longer until I can leave without Bob being too suspicious? he chuckles to himself. He wouldn't even know I am gone. Shaking his head, he continued the familiar tapping of his hand on his leg.

He spots a waiter, she looks oddly familiar, Diana's assistant, it registers with him, finally someone he knows.

'I know you.' He states. 'You work for Diana Trout' He had known exactly who she is, he was still amazed that she was employed by Diana.

'Well obviously I work in publishing for love and not money.' she quickly retorts, making him blush, he knows the assistant salary is low.

She offers him a drink. which he accepts, maybe a drink will make me feel a little more relaxed. He suddenly realized the destinct lack of clothing she was wearing, I'm sure she's embarrassed to be seen by her boss in such little, but wow, she has great legs!

'It's nice to meet a girl who is not living off her trust fund.' Great job Charles, what a stupid thing to say. he has been too focused on her long legs to think of anything with substance.

As she responded, he was glad she didn't take offence she to his comment. I better take a sip, ugh, yuck this drink is gross. What is it Bob is trying to sell here?

'Is marketing your passion?' steering the ship back towards common ground.

'It's very valuable learning from Diana.' She states.

He chuckles, 'you're quite the politician.'

'What brings you to this fabulous bash?' she asks, changing the subject.

'A friend of mine is an investor, also I am trying to get out there more, expand my comfort zones, since my divorce.' Wow, that's the most truthful he has been to someone else in a long time. She is so easy to talk to.

'Those first few months are tough I totally understand.' His ears prick, is she telling him what I think she is? She sounded confident before paused then continued about how she had read about the divorced characters in books. Why am I surprised? You know she has a vast interest in books.

Don't just stand there and be rude Charles, where are your manners, off their girl a drink. 'Fewer parties like this, for the both of us.' He stands with a glass in his hand offering it to her.

'Sorry I can't drink I on the job' of course not Charles how can you be so stupid?

'Unless you work in editorial' he spills out.

Lame Charles lame!

He could sense the conversation has come to an end, and waved her off.

Next thing he knows she had spun on her heels and slammed right into a guy in an expensive suit, drinks flying. He stood there stunned for a moment before he processed what had happened, He walks over to see if she is ok. However she quickly ducks away.

Charles takes this opportunity to make his exit fro the club. He heads home with a smile on his face, he surprisingly had a good evening.

The smile hadn't left his face in the morning when he ran into her in the office.

'I saw your spill last night, I think you better stick to publishing, just saying.' He says jokingly.

'As long as I still get to wear hot pants in the office' she replied, smiling in response. Oh shit, did she notice me checking out her legs last night?

'Only on casual fridays' he replies. Maybe we should implement casual fridays.

He smiles as he watches her face turn into a smile and her laughter takes over. Her laugh is so adorable, however he could sense the awkwardness in the air, her lingering laugh confirming his suspicions.

With a final glance in her direction he walks towards his office, slightly shaking his head, shame every day isn't casual Friday.