Water Signs: A Story of Love and Renewal

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Mark took a program as well as his assigned seat after thanking the

usher for escorting him to the second row. He wasn't sure what to expect

from tonight's performance, but he was definitely intrigued. Though the

younger woman mystique had never really appealed to him, somehow

Maddy had captured his interest with her refreshing blend of

unpretentiousness, warmth and sincerity. Sure, it bothered him somewhat

that she was the same age as his youngest twin sisters, but he couldn't

seem to stay away; it didn't help that she excited him beyond distraction.

Not since the early days of his courtship with his ex had he experienced

such an energizing physical attraction.

He thought back to the other night with its endless kisses and

stimulating caresses. God, how he would have loved to have ended his dry

spell by making love to her; long distance relationships were tough for

more than one reason. It had been several months since he and Gina had

even been in the same room, let alone the same bed. Between fatherhood

and work responsibilities-not to mention the irrational demands of a

bipolar spouse-it sometimes felt as if all the joy had been sucked out of

his life. And yet, his two kids were a constant source of pride and reason

for gratitude.

During their weekly sleepovers and alternating weekends, Mark would

take them to the beach, rollerblade with them along A1A and talk to them

about everything from his stalwart love and concern to whatever recent

school issue happened to be unfolding. While acting as both mother and

father could be exhausting, it was also necessary. His self-centered and

oftentimes unstable ex left him no other choice. If it were up to him, his

children would live under his roof full-time. Unfortunately, in spite of a

glaring lack of maternal instincts, Tammy had been inexplicably awarded

primary custody.

And between paying the mortgages for his villa and his former home

in Hidden Valley, covering Catholic school tuition and fulfilling child

support obligations, he sometimes felt like nothing more than a clearing

house. During those moments, he'd remember his primary goal of

bringing two self-assured and well-adjusted children into adulthood.

Lately, he'd also taken to reading spiritual and motivational books, as well

as running-a hobby he hoped would improve his health emotionally,

mentally and physically. Still it would be a welcome relief to have an

accomplished, self-supporting and loving woman in his life, a woman who

could satisfy him on all levels, genuinely care for his children and skillfully

navigate the complexities of competing obligations.

Madeline was certainly beautiful, smart and kind; but when he

considered the long-term, he had to admit age was a critical factor. While

ten years wasn't exactly a lifetime apart, it was just enough to create

irresolvable issues, not the least of which was his decision not to sire any

more babies. The other night on the pier, Maddy had articulated her

dream of having as many as five children, like her mother before her. At

one point in his life, Mark had shared a similar goal; had his marriage been

sound, he would've enjoyed rearing a larger family. After all, he himself

was one of seven children. But thanks to his bad judgment in going

through with a wedding in spite of persistent doubts, he long ago

relinquished that fantasy.

So what was he doing here? If a long-term relationship with Maddy was

out of the question, it was definitely wrong to lead her on. He already felt

like a piece of dirt for having stood her up; why continue to give her false

hope? True, she turned him on in a way that recalled the happier times of

his adolescence. But he wasn't the kind of man who lived for the thrill of

the chase, unrepentant of the trail of broken hearts he left behind. That

was the profile of the typical Boca Raton male.

And though he certainly enjoyed living in this incredibly beautiful city,

he unequivocally rejected the bankrupt values of some of its citizens. That

was one of the things he loved most about his runners' club; nearly all of

its members were down-to-earth, nice people in spite of their impressive

resumes and palatial residences. While Mark was no lightweight when it

came to focused ambition and stellar accomplishment, he retained a basic

level of humility. Like Ken, he'd grown up in a modest home where

money was often tight.

Mark settled back in his seat, eager for the show to begin. Since his

arrival, the rest of the row had been filled by an assortment of patrons,

from neatly dressed elderly women to even a few young teenagers. And as

the lights went down, he felt real excitement at the prospect of watching

Maddy perform in a sexy costume that showed off her shapely legs and

irresistible curves.