Page 19 of Damien
“I thought you were the boss of things and didn’t get your hands dirty?” Jack teases.
“Well, I’m renovating the house I live in and don’t mind getting my hands dirty from time to time. Besides, handling doors are much easier as a two-person job.”
Realizing I’m right, he slips my card into his shirt pocket. “I think I might just take you up on the offer, son. That sucker’s solid and bound to be heavy.”
All the more reason to ask for helpwants to slip off my tongue. But I hold back. Guys like Jack live on pride, and I’d never want him to think he isn’t capable of completing the job himself. That man can likely still run circles around me.
Before I can say any more, Vanessa returns with my plate of food. “Here you go, Damien. Enjoy.”
Why does it feel so good when she says my name?
“Thanks,” I offer as I pick up my fork. “I appreciate it.”
“No problem.” Vanessa’s smile shines bright. “Need anything else?”
This clearly isn’t the time to tell her I want to ask her out—with no misinterpretations. So, I just shake my head. “I’m good. Thanks.”
Vanessa leaves to wait on a few more people around the diner, and my eyes can’t help but follow her. Though I’m brought back to awareness when Jack grunts beside me. He doesn’t say anything but shakes his head and continues with his meal.
Yeah, I was caught staring. But I’m not ashamed. Without saying anything to Jack, I focus my attention on my food and wonder what’s the right approach with her.
A few minutes later, Vanessa’s back to check in with us. She chats up the crowd at the counter, but eventually, the couple next to me leaves, and it’s just Jack and me.
Recalling our previous conversation, I probe about her weekend. “So… did you have a good time with your family this weekend?”
This seems to catch her off guard for a beat, but then she nods. “Yeah… I hosted a family gathering,” she starts out slowly, but then her enthusiasm shows up. “My best friend from high school was in town, and we spent the weekend catching up.” By the end, happiness radiates from her.
“Good for you,” Jack says. “You need time for you, too, kiddo.”
“Absolutely,” Vanessa agrees. “I got to see her on my birthday in early March, but I’ll never complain about my time with Margo—she’s been there through everything and is the sister I’ve never had.”
“I’m happy you have that.” Jack nods. “Good friends are hard to come by.”
Wanting to know more, I ask, “What did you end up doing?”
“Oh, we just hung out at home and chatted until the wee hours of the morning. I swear, every time she comes around, I forget I have to get up the next day.”
“Ha.” I chuckle. “I’m that way anytime I get around my siblings, now that we no longer live together.”
“I lead a pretty simple life. I don’t mind going out, but I’m just as happy being home and having great conversation.”
Taking this opening, I force myself to confront our last conversation. “Speaking of going out…” I say, trying to switch the focus of our conversation.
This has her attention. Her eyes narrow on mine, and nerves creep up my spine. Knowing I won’t be satisfied until I know, I meet that fear head on. “Would you be interested in having dinner with me sometime?”
Her long lashes rapidly blink, and her mouth drops open to form a perfect ‘O.’ “You… you want to go to dinner… with me?”
“Yes,” I answer honestly, holding her attention with my eyes.
“Is this just because I brought your card to you?” she asks for clarification.
Shaking my head, I clarify, “No. I’d like the chance to get to know you better when you’re not waiting on me. If you’re interested, I’d love to take you out sometime.”
Her mouth drops again and if I weren’t hanging on by a thread for her answer, I might think it’s comical. She’s freaking adorable. She opens her mouth to speak but snaps it shut before words come out.
I swear this moment lasts a lifetime as I wait for her to find the words for me. I barely hear dishes clanking, customers chatting, or Jack cough near me as the blood gushes through my ears, thundering with each beat.
It’s not like I haven’t been rejected before, but I hope this isn’t the case. Maybe I should’ve asked more privately. But this is all I’ve been thinking about since last week.
