Page 37 of Damien
“It’s your loss, Dame.” He shrugs as he makes his way to the dance floor.
Pulling out my phone, I quickly tap out a text.
Me: How is your night going? Did Julia get back to sleep okay?
Vanessa: Yeah. I’m working on a paper, so I can go to the game with you.
Damn. Does this woman ever take a break? Hands down, she accomplishes so much more than me, and I typically put in at least ten-hour days before starting on any projects at home.
Me: What’s the topic?
Vanessa: Ethics and patient rights.
Yeah. I have no input to give there. But I’m still interested in what she has to say.
Me: How close are you to finishing?
Vanessa: I’m on page four of seven but should finish soon. Research is done, just getting the words on the page.
I certainly don’t miss those days. I can write a great paper, but it doesn’t mean I enjoy it. I’d much rather put my plan into action than write about it.
Me: Better you than me. I’ll be around if you need a break.
Vanessa: Aren’t you out with your brother?
Me: He’s on the dance floor. I’m enjoying my beer and chatting with you.
Her reply is instant.
Vanessa: You’re supposed to be having fun with your brother—not texting me.
I can’t help but laugh as I tap out my reply.
Me: There’s only one woman I want to dance with at the moment, and she’s writing a paper. I can watch from afar and hang with him when he returns. Besides, knowing Davis, it’s only a matter of time before I’m ditched for a better offer.
As I reread what I’ve written, panic hits.
God, I hope she doesn’t think the two of us came out to hook up. Davis rarely does this, and I’m well past finding a one-night stand. Been there, done that. Over it.
Vanessa: Don’t let me stop you from having fun tonight.
Shit. Please don’t think I have any interest in anyone here tonight.
Me: It’s not my scene tonight. I’d much rather be home talking with a beautiful girl about her paper than be sitting in this bar. But Davis doesn’t let his hair down often. If he’s out looking for a good time, I won’t stop him. Med school takes its toll on him, and I can’t begrudge him a night of fun.
Vanessa’s reply is faster than I could’ve imagined.
Vanessa: I didn’t mean anything by it. Time with family is precious. Just enjoy it while you can. You said he could end up anywhere in the world if he does the Doctors Without Borders program. Relax, Damien. I just want you to have fun and not feel the need to text me all night.
Me: I happen to like texting you.
Vanessa: Hahaha! You know what I mean. Don’t be the creeper that hangs out in a public place on his phone all night. It’s rude. Enjoy your night with your brother. I’ll be up until I finish this freaking paper that never seems to end.
Realizing she has a point, I look over to Davis, who seems to have hit it off with a particular brunette from the group of women dancing. They’re dancing to the slow song that just started. As the words from the song drift in my direction, I tap out one last reply to Vanessa.
Me: For the record, I like talking with you.
Vanessa: Noted. Now go have fun. Even if I’m sleeping—will you text me to let me know you’ve made it home? If you need a ride, I can come and get you. Please—Just don’t drink and drive.
