Page 34 of Damien
She didn’t just say that.
But when I look to Jack, his mouth opens and closes like a fish, and it’s all I can do not to laugh. Holy shit. She’s rendered him speechless and me as well. I’ve wondered if he ever went out on a date with Martha but haven’t had the nerve to ask—knowing it’s none of my business. Leave it to Vanessa to lay it on the table.
Vanessa fills his cup and smirks. “That’s what I thought.” Then she reminds him, “You’d better not back out on Martha. That poor woman went to great lengths to get your attention. You at least owe her dinner out of it.”
Jack sighs exasperatedly, “I’ll have you know… we’re goin’ out tomorrow evening, Miss Know-it-all. But that’s all the details you’re gonna get from this old man—ya got it? I don’t kiss and tell.”
Holy shit. I want to be him when I grow up.
Vanessa’s beautiful laughter fills the room. “You can keep whatever you want to yourself, Jack. Just promise you’ll give her a fair shake.”
“Same with you, Missy.” Jack laughs as he nods in my direction. “Same to you.”
The rest of my time with Vanessa goes quickly and while she waits on other customers, Jack and I make small talk as I finish my breakfast. After I pay my bill, I chat with Jack some more. When I’m forced to leave for work, I notice Vanessa’s still busy with other customers, so I text her instead of saying goodbye.
Me: Talk tonight. BTW—You look beautiful today.
Knowing she won’t be able to reply for a few hours, I make my way with a full belly and a smile on my face. I can’t wait until we can see one another again. As I walk away, once again, I wish I hadn’t made plans with my family tomorrow. I have no idea how I’ll make it until Sunday before I see her again.
The next afternoon,just as I pull into my brother’s apartment complex, I receive another text from Vanessa. Sure, we talked into the late hours of the night and a few times this morning, but my heart still races as a smile forms when the notification goes off.
Vanessa: Have fun with your family. I’m off to the park with Jules.
Me: Thanks. I just got here. Picking up Davis so we can meet Dani in a few.
Vanessa: I won’t keep you. Jules wants to ride bikes, so I’d better go.
I haven’t ridden a bike in years. Maybe I should get one so I can join them sometime. I almost text as much, but then think better of it.
What the hell, Dame? You just met this girl.
Slow your roll and see what happens next. You know what happens when you’re not on the same page.
A knock on my window startles me.
As my heart races out of my chest, I see my brother’s dopey grin waiting outside the passenger door. “Dude… you gonna let me in?” he says, muffled by the closed door.
Christ. Where’s my head?
Chuckling, I roll my eyes at his pathetically begging face.
Some things never change. “Geez,, Davis… have some patience,” I mumble as I click the locks. “I would’ve come to the door.”
“I know… but I heard your truck pull in and waited forever for you to turn it off. What the hell were you doing in here?”
“Just returning a text,” I admit. But then I don’t miss the chance to razz my little brother. “You know… that thing people do… in some circles, which is considered socially acceptable or expected?”
“Geez… you’re starting this shit already?”
“If the shoe fits…” I playfully tease as I pull out of the parking spot to head to the restaurant we’re meeting Dani and Luke at. They’ll all come to my place to check out my progress later, but Dani insisted we eat first.
When Davis remains quiet, I ask, “How’s school?”
He releases a heavy sigh. “Good, I guess. I’m in labs for hours on end, and I’m starting my clinical experience next month, which will make me have even less of a life. When I can finally practice… it will be worth it.”
“What you’re doing is amazing, Davey.” The use of his childhood name has him rolling his eyes. But I continue with the truth. “We’re all proud of you.”
“Speaking of social life—wanna go out tonight? I need to let off some steam and thought I might crash at your place if we get too wild.”
