Page 72 of Damien
“I know you’re exhausted, but now that finals are over, maybe you can get some rest.”
“Yeah. I’m only taking one class this summer and will be done by the end of June. Things should be a lot lighter.”
“One class in less than six weeks? That oughta be intense.”
“It will be. But by doing this, I can start my clinicals next year and graduate in four years. Vince and I have been working our asses off to meet this goal. It’s so close, I can taste it.”
“I seriously don’t know how you do it. How will you do clinicals with Julia? She starts school next fall, right?”
“Yeah.” How is my baby old enough to be in kindergarten? “Some days, it feels like just yesterday she was born; then others, it feels like forever. Funny how time does that. Isn’t it?”
“I have something I’d like to throw out there, but I don’t need an answer right now—there’s no pressure. Promise.”
What the hell is he talking about? I pull away so I can sit up and look him in the eye.
“Relax, Van. It’s not that big of a deal. But I know Vince and Sydney are taking a trip over the Fourth of July, and I’m already off that week for a family thing. What would you say to coming with me? We could head out to Anderson Island for a few days, then maybe up to Seattle to get away.”
Uh… of all the things he could possibly say, I wasn’t expecting this.
The thought of getting away sounds amazing. Especially if I get to do it with Damien. God, it would be amazing to get away. I did already put in for the time off. So maybe it could work out.
“I…” I start then remember all the reasons I can’t. Well, one… “But Julia…” I start, but he cuts me off.
“Uh, you and Julia are a package deal. Of course she’s invited. I’m only asking now because I need to let my family know about lodging. I’d honestly blow off my family—but for some reason, Dani is insistent on everyone being on the island that week. You don’t know Dani—but this family reunion is a big deal for her, and I can’t let her down.”
“Are you sure you want Jules and me tagging along? You should be spending time with your family.”
Damien levels me with a hard stare in an instant. “Uh… I want to spend time with you and get to know Jules better. What better way than a mini vacation? We can go kayaking; she’ll experience a ferry ride, and we’ll have some fun in downtown Seattle.”
Millions of thoughts hit me at once, and I’m unsure of where to begin. I’m not even sure how I feel about taking Jules away with him for a week. So, I stick with the logistics.
“Isn’t Anderson Island small? Do they even have hotels there?”
“Most likely, I’ll just rent a cabin on the island for a few days, so we’ll each have our own room.”
“Where would you stay if we don’t go?” I hedge, knowing he wouldn’t spend the money on just himself.
“Um, I’ll likely stay at my grandparents’ cabin, or at Dani and Luke’s place. If It’s just me, all I need is a bed to sleep in, and I’m good.”
“That doesn’t make sense,” I argue.
“Look. You don’t have to give me an answer right now, but I’d like to spend the week with you… and Jules,” he tacks on at the end. “If you don’t come with me, I’ll likely just go for a day or two, then come back home. There’s no reason to stay an entire week away, when I know the entire time I’ll be wishing I were here.”
I open my mouth to say something, but he cuts me off.
“This is my choice. I love my family, but I only need to see them for a few days to catch up with them. I’d much rather spend my one and only vacation this year with you.”
“Well…” I huff. “When you put it that way… there’s no pressure at all.” I smirk at the end, knowing I’ve made my point.
Damien groans, and I can’t help but laugh. “That’s not what I’m saying… Like I said, nothing has to be decided tonight. I’m just throwing it out there, so youcouldplan on going if you want. Not to put pressure. Not to force you into a decision, and certainly not to make this weird for you. I like spending time with you—period. No hidden agenda.”
“Okay, okay. I’ll think about it,” I promise. Though let’s be honest, I doubt I’ll think of anything but until I make this decision.
“Good.” Damien smirks, and I want to kiss that smug expression right off his face.
Just as I lean in, I hear muffled cries from Julia’s bedroom.
“Momma?”
