Page 25 of Damien
“Well, you might be used to dating women who can go out at the drop of a hat. I need you to know that won’t likely be the case with me.”
“Okay…” I draw out again, this time trying to formulate words to show I get what she’s saying. “So… I’ll need to give you advance warning if I want to see you… got it.”
She pulls a face as if she didn’t hear me correctly. “You… you want to give me advance warning… I mean, you… you still want to go out with me?”
“Uh, I’ve enjoyed my time with you so far and last I heard… single moms still need to eat,” I offer, hoping she’ll see she’s making it a bigger deal than it is. It’s dinner—not a wedding proposal or anything.
Sure, I don’t know a lot about kids but why would being a mom make her less interesting to me? If anything, I’m more intrigued. How has she managed to go to school, work, and raise a kid? I’ve always known Vanessa’s different. I’ve felt something for her since the day we met. I’d be a fool to walk away just because she comes with a package deal.
Cocking her head to the side, her eyes roam my face as if she’s trying to find what I’m holding out on her. Instantly, I’m reminded of trying to slip something past my mom in high school. Yeah… Vanessa’s most definitely a mom, and that thought alone brings a smile to my face. She’s freaking adorable.
“What’s so funny?” she asks speculatively.
Shaking my head, I school my features then admit, “You.”
Well, this appears to shock her as her mouth drops wide, and her hand comes to her chest as, “Me?” escapes.
“For the record, I asked you out because I’m interested in getting to knowyoubetter. I like that you’re witty, kind, and make me smile. But let’s be real, Vanessa. This is only our first date. I understand you have a kid and need to take her into consideration, but don’t you think you ought to give us a shot before you’re marrying us off in your head or completely shutting us down? But going on a date would help clue me in if you’re still interested… that is.”
Rolling her eyes, I’m rewarded with the most beautiful grin. “I’m being ridiculous… I see that.”
“Not ridiculous,” I instantly correct her. “You have every right to be nervous, but please know I’m interested in you—not just the side of you thatyou thinkI want to know. Being a mom is a part of you and has made you who you’ve become today. So far, I happen to like that part… but after going out with me, for all I know, you could think I’m an ass and drop me to the curb. So, don’t stress out too much. I can still find a way to annoy the crap out of you and all this worry will be for nothing. All I’m asking is that you at least give me a shot before you shoot me down.”
Vanessa full-on belly laughs at my unusual antics.
Mission accomplished—I’ve eased the tension.
Holding out the flowers I’ve been carrying like a fool, I offer, “These are for you—whether or not you choose to come with me tonight. I didn’t know your favorite but if I make the grade and earn a second date—maybe you’ll consider telling me.”
With that, Vanessa visibly relaxes and opens the door further. “Come on in. Let me put these in water, and I’ll grab my purse.”
Following her inside, my eyes are immediately drawn to a framed photo on the wall in the foyer. Vanessa and a girl that could pass as her mini-me smile brightly as they build sandcastles at the beach. Happiness radiates from both of them, and I feel it flow through me. When Vanessa stops to see why I’m not following her, I offer, “I’ll just wait here, unless you’ll be awhile.”
“I’ll just be a minute,” she says as she turns and walks through the open living room into what must be a kitchen on the other side.
I’m drawn to more pictures as I wait. There’s one of Vanessa and a man who looks too similar not to be her brother. His hair is darker, but they share the same features. There are a few pictures of Vanessa and her daughter as well scattered in the collage frames further in the living room.
Before I can inspect their similarities any further, my thoughts are interrupted with, “I’m ready,” from Vanessa.
“You just have one final thing to decide before we leave.” My tone comes across more serious than I intend, stopping her in her tracks.
“What’s that?” she asks hesitantly.
“You haven’t told me what you like to eat. I have a few options in mind, but I’d like your input, if that’s all right with you?” I offer, stepping toward her as I reach for her hand to give it a squeeze. A live wire shoots through me the moment we touch, which I quickly force myself to ignore it.
A wide grin splits Vanessa’s playful face in two. “I think I can handle that. But fair warning… I’ve been a ball of nerves all day wondering how you’d react to the news of Julia—and now I’m starving.”
Chuckling, I pull her toward the door. “I think we’ll manage.”
9
Damien
We endup at a Korean restaurant on the other side of town. Neither of us have tried it, but according to Mal, the place is to die for. We both order bulgogi, a beef dish that has my mouth watering when it arrives. When I finally take a bite, my taste buds explode with so many flavors at once. Soy sauce, sesame oils, brown sugar, Asian pear, and a mixture of spices practically make me moan in pleasure. I’ll definitely be returning.
Vanessa and I have kept up a casual conversation since we’ve arrived. I’m quickly learning I enjoy seeing the side of Vanessa when she’s no longer in work mode. She’s much more talkative and animated.
I love that she talks with her hands when she gets excited. For instance, when she tells me about an absurd customer I missed this morning, I almost die. “So… this woman comes in just after you leave. She’s probably in her mid-seventies, barely five feet tall, and that’s being generous. She comes up to barely here…” she says, pointing to the part of her arm just below her shoulder. “She and Jack start up a conversation, and she’s indecisive about her order. Jack being Jack suggests she just get it all… and it was all I could do not to let my jaw drop when she does. She orders the biggest stack of pancakes, bacon, and a cinnamon roll from the menu. She also ordered orange juice and coffee. Mind you—she barely weighs a hundred pounds if she’s soaking wet.”
