Page 69 of Damien
Bless Jules’ heart when she adds to the conversation, “My momma and Unks cook the best, Grey. You can take cooking lessons with me. We can learn together.”
Can my daughter have a bigger heart?
Instead of brushing her off, Grey bends his knees to get to her level and handles her like a pro. “I’ll tell you what. If you’re willing to give lessons, I’ll be there.”
“First, you gotta play cornhole with me,” Jules says as if she’s a professional con artist.
“You drive a hard bargain, missy. But I think I can manage,” Grey says as they walk away.
When I turn to Damien, he remains silent, and his expression is unreadable.
24
Damien
WatchingVanessa put these two D-1 athletes who tower over her in their place is something else. The fact her heart is so big, and she won’t let the poor guy go without a decent meal, just makes me fall for her even more.
Then Jules offering to help—damn, her heart is just as big as her mother’s. The more I get to know each of them, the more I can’t imagine my life without them. Vince and Vanessa don’t have much family but each other, but they’ve definitely made up with that by their group of friends.
Sure, when I first got here, I’d felt old as hell with the people around me. I mean—I have a good five years on them, and I’m in an entirely different stage in my life, but then I got to know them. None of the people here today are your typical college student just looking for a good time or a way to unwind before finals next week. Yes—that’s what they’re essentially doing, but they each seem to have a strong head on their shoulders and are more mature than I expected.
I’ll admit I hung with a different crowd in college, and I acted much younger and carefree. I didn’t spend much time with the athletes, but in my short time here, I see they like to have fun—but there’s a lot more to them than being able to handle a ball.
Hours later,Vanessa’s putting Julia down, and Ryan, Vince, Syd, and I are cleaning up from the party. Ryan and I move the lawn furniture to the garage, while Syd and Vince finish the dishes in the kitchen. Ryan seems like an easy-going guy, until he corners me in the garage.
“So… what’s the deal with you and Vanessa?”
Okay. That’s unexpected.
“Well, not that it’s any of your business, but we’re seeing each other.” I take this moment to stand to my full height to look him in the eye. Sure, Ryan towers over most everyone, but I’ve got about forty pounds of muscle on him, and I’m not intimidated by him in the slightest.
“I’ve come to love Vince like a brother—which in turn makes Vanessa like family.”
But the look in his eye tells me he doesn’t think of her as a sister. No, if I had to guess—he very much likes Vanessa. So, I do what any man in my situation would do—I poke the bear he’s becoming further. “And your point is?”
“Vince and Vanessa have been through so much shit. Vanessa, in particular. She needs a man in her life that will put her first above all else and not just be poking around for a good time. She deserves better than that.”
“Yes, she does,” I agree. But I drive my point home. “And for the record, I do put her first—not that it’s any of your business. But I know neither of them have many people in their corner. The fact that you feel the need to play the role of protective brother means that you care about them, too. So, I respect that. But if you think for one minute I’m taking advantage of her—that’s where you’re wrong. Vanessa and Jules are a package deal, and I’m not dumb enough to walk away from them anytime soon.”
Ryan’s face morphs from stern to friendly in an instant. “Good. I thought Vince had been too easy on you, but you’re the right person for her, dude. We good?” He reaches out for a fist bump.
I’d rather punch him in the face for pulling this shit with me, but the fact Vanessa has a friend who’d care tells me just what type of person she is. She’s a true friend. Loving and most of all—Loyal.
Returning his fist bump, I say, “Yeah, man, we’re good. Let’s get these chairs put away, so we can get back inside. Rumor has it Sydney’s dishing up her famous cinnamon rolls.”
By the time we return inside, everyone who’s left is gathered in the living room. Vanessa pulls me to her over-sized chair, and I sit. She starts to sit on the arm of the chair, but not wanting to make her uncomfortable, I pull her onto my lap instead.
Sydney, Vince, and Ryan take the couch, and Sydney asks the room, “So, are you all ready for finals?”
Ryan groans, but Vince and Vanessa shrug as if they’d practiced their response to be in unison. It must be a twin thing. Sydney notices and laughs as she points in their directions. “God, you are so much in tune with each other.”
Ryan practically whines. “I’ve been studying for weeks. I just want next week to freakin’ be over.”
“You and me both,” Vanessa agrees, and Vince nods.
“Hey, Vin? I know we’re leaving for New York in July. But what would you say to a weekend getaway once finals are over? Traditionally, Chloe, Abby, and I take a girls’ weekend after finals each year, but that isn’t in the cards. Abby’s going to Baltimore that weekend, and Chloe bailed. I need to get away. I can go alone—but would you want to join me?”
Rolling his eyes, Vince laughs. “Gee… a weekend alone with you… It’ll be such a sacrifice… but one I’m willing to make.”
