2 // Lure
Liv and her mom meet Sean for The Nutcracker and dinner.
Note: This is Part 2 of a serialized short story called The Angler. In case you’ve just arrived, here’s where to start:
Introducing The Angler
Part 1: Cast
And now for Lure.
Sean piqued my curiosity in a way I couldn’t quite pin down. There was the faint familiarity of college—mutual acquaintances, a shared backdrop—but it wasn’t just that.
I wondered about the gaps between us, the life he’d lived versus mine. We were both Kansas kids, with upbringings that probably followed a similar script in the first couple decades. But then came the divergence: our 20s, 30s, and 40s had played out on completely different stages, and I wanted to know just how wide that gap really was.
Since setting our plan in motion to meet for The Nutcracker, Sean and I had gone from exchanging a message every few years to multiple times a day. We shared how our day was going, what we were working on, the shows we loved, the music we listened to, and often wished each other goodnight.
He had a soft spot for the Arkansas area where Mom was from, particularly because of The White River. A serious fisherman, he sent me photos of his boat and favorite catches. I responded with snapshots from my travels, a subtle exchange of worlds.
He seemed amused by the unruly nature of my hair and took to calling me “Curly.” I didn’t mind—it felt personal, endearing.
And then, in one message, he signed off in a way that caught me off guard.
“Night, sis. See you tomorrow.”
Sis.
Only one other person affectionately called me that—my cousin May, who lived just minutes from The White.
In the wake of my stepdad’s passing, one of the silver linings was the chance to reconnect with family. San Francisco had gifted me a chosen family—deep friendships and a community I adored—but it had also loosened some of the bonds I’d grown up with. I hadn’t realized just how starved I was for those connections until I had them back.
The weather turned cold on the morning of our date.
I bundled myself and loaded Koda into the back of the Jeep. Before pulling out of the driveway I checked Messenger.
“Did you ask your mama if she would prefer to eat before or after the performance?”
I responded. “Let’s eat after. You mentioned Stock Hill. I’ve never been—and haven’t re-familiarized myself with KC, so everything is new to me.”
I imagined the three of us at a dinner table. “Also, I just got nervous.”
I backed out of the driveway and headed toward Clinton Lake so Koda could stretch her legs.
I was a block from the house when my phone rang through the car speakers. I smiled and clicked accept.
“Why are you nervous?”
It was the first time hearing his voice. It was deep, bassy, and laced with a country accent that grounded me into my seat.
“It’s been awhile since I’ve been on a first date—and I don’t normally take my mom.”
“Can you visit for a bit? Sounds like you’re in the car.”
“I can and I am. I’m taking Koda out to Clinton to hike around. I can’t believe how cold it is!”
“Where exactly is your mom’s house?”
“It’s in Eudora.”
“That’s funny. I drove through there last night.”
“No way!” I was gobsmacked given the town’s tiny nature. “Why?”
“I met my buddy in Lawrence for a beer and then took the back roads to get to my hotel in KC.”
The route checked out.
He continued. “I saw the cute coffee shop on Main and the Mexican restaurant on the edge of town.”
“Yep. I walk there for coffee almost every morning, and I literally had dinner at Charritos last night.”
“I was hungry and thought about stopping but it was packed.”
“You should have! That would’ve been an unbelievable surprise.”
He chuckled. “Yeah, if I had walked in while you were having dinner?”
“Too much.”
His tone shifted. “I’m really sorry to hear about your stepdad. I lost my dad last year and it was really hard. We were close.”
“I’m sorry. Yeah, it’s been tough. I guess we’re at that age and stage. It’s hard to watch their health decline. I definitely wasn’t ready for this, but I’m thankful I can be here and help my mom through it. Is your mom around?”
“She is. And I have two younger brothers. All are in Pittsburg.”
I had been to that southeastern corner of Kansas many times to visit my college boyfriend’s family. That was the original connection—how I knew who Sean was. He had grown up in the same small town as Brett.
By the time I pulled into the lake’s parking lot, we had covered a few post-college milestones: him taking over his father’s construction company, growing the business, and eventually selling it, his foray into cattle-ranching, and his love of fishing.
“I’ve made it to my destination—and I can’t believe it—it’s snowing! Huge snowflakes.”
“It’s coming down here too. The first snow of the season and our first date. Do you feel like you’re in a Hallmark movie?”
I laughed. “Kind of.”
“Good. Go enjoy your walk. I'll see you and Mom this afternoon.”
We hung up. And just like that, my nervousness had disappeared.
Mom and I put our heads together and snapped a selfie before we started our drive to KC. She was dressed head-to-toe in all black.
“You look good, Mama.” I smiled from the driver’s seat.
“Thank you, sweetie. I like your sweater.” She rubbed my right arm. “Soft pink looks good on you.”
Her color reference triggered a Mother’s Day memory from 2019 when Mom, Anna, and I were in New York City walking to the theater to see Hamilton. Mom suddenly stopped in front of a store window, her face lighting up like she had just spotted an A-list celebrity.
“Look, girls!” She pointed to a lineup of mannequins with unbridled enthusiasm. “Living Coral!”
Anna and I peered into the window.
I considered the possibility that she could be having a stroke since we were clearly looking at plastic bodies dressed in clothing—not an underwater ecosystem.
“What?” I asked, cautiously.
“The color!” She beamed. “Living Coral is the Pantone® color of the year!”
It took me a minute to register this unexpected bit of trivia. “Oh.”
Anna leaned into my ear. “What’s Pantone®?”
“A company that sets color standards and trends,” I whispered back.
“Why does Grandma know that?”
I had no idea why Mom knew that, or even half the things she knew, but it became a running joke between the three of us.
I turned back to Mom and rubbed her arm. “Soft pink—Pantone® color of the year?”
She grinned. “No. Peach Fuzz.”
I parked in front of Stock Hill. We had agreed to meet there before switching to his car so he could drop us in front of the theater, avoiding the hassle of parking and walking in the weather.
“Okay, Mom, let’s play to our strengths. You ask all the questions.”
Mom looked around. “Where is he?”
I pointed to the restaurant doors. “He’s walking out right now.”
Sean emerged in a sports coat, collared shirt, jeans, and boots. Taller than I remembered. Much taller.
“Oh, he’s handsome.”
“But don’t be super embarrassing, okay?” I had already accepted my fate, but it didn’t hurt to hope out loud. I braced myself—Mom had a way of saying things no one else would think or dare to. “I’ll come around and let you out.”
I stepped out of the Jeep and met Sean on the sidewalk.
“Hey.” His voice matched exactly how it sounded on the phone. “You made it.”
“We did.” I hugged him, feeling small against his frame. “Ready to meet my mom?”
“Let’s do it.”
We walked to the passenger side. Sean opened the door and greeted her with an easy charm. “Delilah?”
Delilah was her name, but everyone outside of her family called her Lilah.
“Nice to meet you, Sean.” Mom extended her hand, placing it in his.
Sean helped her out of the Jeep and guided her to his black SUV parked one spot over.
“You’re such a gentleman.” Mom cooed.
Here we go.
We made our way to our theater seats. I sat between the two of them. There wasn’t much time to chat before the performance started.
Sean leaned toward me and tapped Mom’s knee with his program, directing his question to her. “Have you seen this before?”
“I have.”
“I grew up going with my family every year—it was a holiday tradition.”
“Oh.” Mom nodded. “How nice.”
“These seats are great,” I added.
Sean leaned back into his chair which was at the end of the row, stretching his long legs into the aisle. "Are you comfortable? Still nervous?"
I smiled. “I’m happy to be here.”
The lights dimmed, casting a hush over the audience. A murmur of last whispers and rustling programs settled into expectant silence. The theatre manager took the stage to welcome everyone and offer his housekeeping bits. Then the curtain lifted.
After the performance, we returned to Stock Hill. The hostess led us to our booth while Sean parked.
I glanced at Mom. “Should we sit on the same side or opposite?”
She considered it for a moment. “Let’s sit opposite—and then see who he chooses to sit next to.”
I grinned. “Good idea, Mom!”
As soon as we settled in, a bubbly brunette greeted us.
“Welcome to Stock Hill. I’m Jen. How are you ladies?”
“Fantastic, thank you!” I replied.
Mom chimed in. “We just came from The Nutcracker.”
“Fun! Over at the Spencer, right? How was it?”
“I loved it!” Mom said.
Jen put both hands on her hips. “Snow, The Nutcracker—you ladies are in the holiday spirit!”
She glanced around. “Did I hear a third is joining you?”
“Yes, he’s parking” I said.
Mom, ever helpful, added, “We’re on a first date, Jen.”
“Oh! Really?”
I nodded. “First date—and a first with Mom.”
Jen lowered her voice. “How’s it going so far?”
“Great! We didn’t have much time to talk before the show, but we’ll learn more over dinner.”
“Well,” she said, leaning in, “he’s certainly brought you to the right place.”
The steakhouse was gorgeous—fashionable, with dark wood and warm lighting. Fine dining, but not stuffy.
I spotted Sean making his way to our table. “Here he comes.”
Jen turned to greet him. “Hello. Welcome.”
“Thank you,” he said, sliding into the seat next to me.
Mom and I exchanged a glance.
“Well done,” Mom said. “That was your first test.”
Sean was unfazed. “Did I pass?”
She nodded. “You did.”
“Phew.”
Jen continued. “I was just hearing about the performance.”
Sean nodded. “Yes, we enjoyed it.”
“Well, let me get some drinks started for you.”
“I’ll take a Diet Coke,” Mom said.
“Sparkling water for me,” I added.
Sean ordered a high-end whiskey and soda, and with that, Jen disappeared.
Mom didn’t waste any time. “So, what do you remember about Liv from KU?”
Dang! Great first question, Mom.
He placed his napkin in his lap. “We weren’t really friends, but the times I was around her, I just thought she had such a natural way about her. Easy to be around and talk to—and I thought she was cute.”
I nudged his shoulder. “Aw. Thanks.”
“I did,” he continued. “I didn’t think you dated the nicest guy in the world, but that’s a different story.”
A story I seemed to repeat.
Mom raised an eyebrow. “You didn’t like Brett?”
Sean didn’t hesitate. “He was a little too intense—prone to fighting—like he had something to prove. Maybe it was his height.”
I shrugged. “I mean, he was a champion wrestler.”
“I liked him, don’t get me wrong. Brett is fun. I still keep in touch. I just thought you could’ve done better.”
Jen returned with our drinks, setting them down with ease before launching into the evening’s specials. We consulted our menus, each of us mulling over our choices. Mom went for the filet, which Jen thought was a great decision. I selected the ribeye, hoping for the perfect char. And Sean opted for the halibut.
As soon as Jen left, Mom leaned in. “Have you ever been married?”
I caught her eye and gave her a subtle nod.
Sean shook his head. “No, ma’am. I’ve come close a couple of times, but it just wasn’t the right fit.”
Mom was just warming up. “What’s been your longest relationship?”
I’d been wondering the same thing.
“Three, maybe four years,” he said, considering. “I lived with my girlfriend in college. And in my 30s, when I lived here, my girlfriend moved in with me.”
Mom pressed further. “And what happened there?”
Sean ran a finger along the condensation on his water glass. “I’ve never cheated on a woman—and I never will. But I came close.”
He told us how his girlfriend had been out of town, and one evening, he found himself out for drinks with colleagues. Among them was a woman who had been openly flirting with him for months. He admitted he was attracted to her, that the attention felt good. And then, somehow, the line blurred. He agreed to follow her back to her place. But once inside, reality set in. The weight of the moment crushed whatever temptation had led him there. He turned around and left.
The next morning, he broke up with his girlfriend.
“If we were meant to be together,” he said, “I wouldn’t have even entertained the thought. But I did. And that told me everything I needed to know.”
A part of me wanted to pick apart his story, search for the cracks, the omissions, the things left unsaid. Had he really left? Had he simply rebranded his regrets as integrity? But I chose to take him at his word. Sean seemed very direct in his communication, and I had no real reason to doubt him. My skepticism wasn’t because of him—it stemmed from my own failings and a history with men whose judgment had been far less steady.
Our food arrived, and it was flawless. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d had melt-in-your-mouth Black Angus. All three of us were delighted.
“What about you?” Sean turned to me. “What happened between you and Anna’s dad?”
“We met at KU. He was the older brother of one of my besties. We started dating in 2000, got married in ‘02. I was 26 at the time, which seemed old in Kansas but far too young in California. We had Anna in ‘05 and divorced a few years later.” I paused. “I think I realized I’d made a lifelong commitment before I even knew who I was or the kind of work I wanted to do. I hadn’t really formed my identity around anything other than ‘wife’ and ‘mom’. Becoming a mother brought a ton of angst and unanswered questions to the surface. As much as I truly loved Anna’s dad, I rebelled against the box of my own making.” I took a drink of water. “I made some very hurtful choices and paid for them—we all did. Luckily, Anna’s dad found a way to forgive me. Our relationship healed over time, and we both remained committed to developing a healthy co-parenting relationship. That, I’m proud of. Actually, it’s one of the things I’m most proud of.”
I took a bite of my steak, knowing what would come next.
“And then you got married again, but not legally?” Sean asked, genuinely curious.
Mom jumped in while I savored the flavor in my mouth. “I don’t even want to talk about him.”
“Mom,” I swallowed, “it’s okay.”
“I can’t help it—I can’t stand him. Such a disappointment.”
Sean looked at Mom. “What’s his deal?”
“He’s the biggest narcissist you’ll ever meet,” she said with restraint.
Sean tilted his head. “I think that term gets used more than it should.”
I held firm. “No, it’s accurate and appropriate.” I considered how much to share. “There’s a lot to this story, and it’s definitely not a nice story. The broad strokes are that I waited ten years to remarry. When I said ‘Yes’, I was ignoring a lot of red flags. I looked past all the reasons we shouldn’t get married and focused on potential—what was great about him, about us—and dismissed the rest, including my intuition. I got really good at that.” I felt myself starting to sweat. “We had a big, fancy wedding in 2018 and then split nine months later. It was devastating and humiliating. But I sure did learn who I am and what’s important to me. I’ll never compromise my values again.”
“Sounds pretty brutal.”
“It was.”
Jen returned to our booth and broke the heaviness with the suggestion of dessert, but none of us could even entertain the idea.
Sean ordered another drink then pulled out his phone. “Want to see plans for my house?”
“Sure!” We both answered.
He opened an email attachment and turned the phone so we could both see. “It cost about $35,000 to do these designs.” He scrolled through a series of renderings.
The style was clean and modern. Open floor plan, connecting indoor and outdoor living spaces. The house was sprawling but sleek with extended overhangs.
“It’s beautiful.”
“Have you started building it?” Mom asked.
“No, not yet. I don’t want to build it just for me.” He put his phone away.
“The king doesn’t want to build his castle until he’s found his queen.” I said, quoting some book I read in my 30s.
“Exactly. Otherwise, she’ll say, ‘I don’t like this’ or ‘I’d prefer to have our bedroom facing the other way.’ Better to just wait for her input.”
Sean touched my mom’s hand. “Speaking of kings, how are you holding up?”
“Are you talking about Ted?” Mom asked.
“Yeah, how are you doing with the loss?”
It was the invitation she needed.
I was surprised by how much Mom opened up about her grief and marriage. I was proud of her for sharing her feelings. It had been a while since we’d talked about how she was really feeling and what she’d been reflecting on when she laid awake at night. It was vulnerable and sweet.
And Sean was sweet. He shared details about his parents’ divorce and how hard that had been for him as a kid. He held his dad in the highest regard. It was obvious that his dad had a tremendous influence on him.
By the time the check came, it felt like we had known Sean for years.
Sean walked us to the Jeep, making sure Mom didn’t slip on the ice.
“Well, Delilah, it was great meeting you.”
“Likewise, Sean. I’ve always wanted to have a threesome!”
Sean’s jaw dropped.
“There she is!” I said, shaking my head. “She waited until the very end to say something entirely inappropriate. That’s progress. Good job, Mom!”
Mom steadied herself and climbed into the Jeep. “Bye, Sean.” She waved cheerfully.
I shut her door and turned to Sean. “I better get her home before she does any real damage.” I extended my arms for a hug. “Seriously though, this was a great day. Thank you.”
“My pleasure. Let me know when you make it home safe.”
“I will.”
I barely had the Jeep in drive before Mom blurted, “What do you think?”
“He’s great.”
“Oh, I think he’s wonderful.”
“Okay, well, he’s not someone I would normally date. It’s a great connection, but I’m not instantly attracted.”
“Liv, I think that’s a good thing.”
She had a point. Instant attraction clearly hadn’t led to happily ever after.
I sighed. “I’m just not looking for a relationship, you know? I think he is.”
“I think you should at least go on another date. Even if nothing romantic materializes, what a great friend.”
“You’re right. I’m open to that.”
Forty-five minutes later, I was in my pajamas and curled up in bed.
“Home!” I messaged Sean. “Thank you again. We both had the best time. It was great to see my mom enjoy herself. Thanks for making it happen.”
He responded instantly. “I enjoyed every second. Truth. I hope to see you again.”
“I’d like that.”
“I noticed you didn’t drink. If alcohol is an issue, that would evaporate.”
I forgot being alcohol-free makes people nervous or confuses them. “Oh, I don’t have any hangups about alcohol. It doesn’t bother me if you drink. I just don’t—don’t need it, don’t want it.”
“Did your mama tell you to run?”
I chuckled. “No, she told me to go on another date.”
“Then that’s what we’ll do. Night, Curly.”
I stared at my screen for a beat longer. Then I plugged in my phone, turned off the light, and let the moment linger before sleep took over.
Soooo good! I would love to see the selfie of you and your Mum and wondering who would play you both on the Hallmark special! Hanging on every crumb!