Page 44 of Damien
But then it hits me.Was Julia’s dad ever in the picture?I mean—she’s never mentioned him. But if things ended poorly, why would she?
I don’t get the chance to voice my thoughts because Vanessa continues, “I’m not saying that we’re at that stage, but I’d been so certain that nobody would ever look twice at a single, teen mom.” She sucks in a deep breath, then continues, “But then again, my priorities were focused entirely on Julia, so I never even imagined the possibility could be a reality.”
“For the record, I’m glad you think better of that now. I most certainly think you’re worthy of looking at a lot more than twice. Why else do you think I visit the diner so frequently? I mean—don’t get me wrong. The food’s great… but something else holds my attention more than the cuisine.”
“Seriously?” she asks in wonder.
Does she not know the effect she has on me? Clearly, I’ve done a shit job of showing her. “As a heart attack.”
“Okay, then.” I’m unsure if she meant it for me or herself.
With her arm leaning against the console, I reach out and take her hand in mine to give it a squeeze of reassurance. “Vanessa, why wouldn’t I be interested? Not only are you sexy as fuck, but you’re an amazing woman. I’ve enjoyed my time with you, and I know without a doubt, having Julia in your life has shaped you into the person you are today. Anyone who thinks otherwise, frankly, is an idiot. My mom didn’t raise an idiot. So please trust that I’m telling the truth.”
“Okay,” she says on the most beautiful laugh, and I feel the tension release from her hand. “I believe you. I may question your sanity from time to time. But I do believe you.”
As I find a place to park at urgent care, I squeeze her hand once more. “Now that that’s settled, are you ready to go see for yourself if Julia’s okay?”
15
Vanessa
I’m still reelingover Damien’s words as I exit his truck. He takes my hand in his, and I’m so much calmer than I would’ve been without him in this moment. I have no idea how he has this effect on me in such a short amount of time, but since I’m not being a nervous nelly and completely freaking out, I’ll take what I can get.
As we walk through the sliding doors to urgent care, I’m startled when I hear, “Momma, you’re here.”
The next thing I know, Julia launches herself at me.
Instinctually, I drop Damien’s hand and catch her with ease as I bring her to my full height to hug the crap out of her. Obviously, things aren’t too serious if she’s able to fly into my arms—so maybe I’ve overreacted.
Trying to play off my concern, I tease, “What’s this I hear about a door?”
Julia winces as she brings a bandaged hand up to show me. “I hurt it pretty bad. It bled, and Unks thinks it might be broken. He made me wrap it in this white stuff and taped my two fingers together. He says I have ta see a doctor.” Then in a suddenly nervous voice, she asks, “Am I gonna be okay, Momma?”
God, her uncertainty breaks my heart. Not wanting to lie until I know for certain what’s the matter, I will the words to be true. “I’m sure you will be… eventually.”
When I look up, Vince and Sydney have joined us.
Vince’s expression clearly shows both annoyance and relief. “I thought I told you to stay and watch the game. I had this handled,” he reminds me the way only my brother can. I know without a doubt he won’t begrudge me for being here, but he also loves me enough to worry enough for the both of us. He also knows I am finally doing something for myself, so he won’t begrudge me for being away.
“I know…” I shrug. What else can I say?
“I’m glad you’re here, Momma,” Julia says as she squeezes me in a vise grip once more.
“There’s no place I’d rather be,” I whisper in her ear as I set her back to the floor. Then I turn to Vince, who’s looking with interest at Damien behind me. He then raises his eyebrows in question at me.
Shit. This isn’t exactly how I’d planned on Damien meeting my family.
Before I say anything, Damien steps to Vince, reaching out his hand. “Hi. I’m Damien. You must be Vince.”
On instinct, Vince returns the handshake. “I take it you’re thefriendwho scored tickets to the Portland game?”
That little shit. Why couldn’t he leave that part to himself? Of course, I’d said I was at the game with a friend. I just didn’t specify because I’d been keeping my dating Damien to myself.
Damien handles Vince like a pro. “Yep. I’d be the one. It’s nice to meet you.” Then he turns to Julia, who’s standing beside me and bends to her level. “You…” he points at her hand, “you must be Julia. I heard you had a run-in with a door. I’m sorry to hear you were hurt.”
“Dameinum?” Julia completely butchers his name. “Are you a friend of Momma’s?” She looks from him to me, but back to him.
Of course, Damien also handles her with ease. “Yes, I am. But you can call me Dame. That’s what my friends and family call me.”
