Page 54 of The Bro Date
“Thank you. I had a blast.”
“No, thank you, son. You made this old man’s day in more ways than one,” he chuckles, picking up his violin case and laughing at all the money inside.
“You deserve it, Jules. Have a wonderful day.”
As soon as we walk away, Toby explodes with creative energy.
“That was so much fun! I could?—”
“No,” I answer his question before he even asks it.
“Huh?” His nose scrunches up in confusion, and it’s so cute that I boop it.
“You’re not playing violin on the street for money. Don’t even get any ideas about it,” I warn him before he wastes any time.
Toby gets a mischievous look in his eyes. “Why not? I bet I could make a lot of money.Like tons,” he teases, trying to egg me on.
“Because you’re too pretty, and I don’t wanna have to fight every guy that looks at you wrong.”
Toby giggles, “But you’re my bodyguard. It’s your job.”
“Exactly. That’s why I can’t go to jail. Who’d be around to catch you when you trip and fall?”
“Ha. Ha. Very funny,” Toby deadpans with a hint of a smile. “I’ve actually had a pretty goodsafe streakrecently.” Just as Toby says it, the toe of his shoe gets caught on an uneven cobblestone, and he lurches forward.
My arm whips out lightning fast, grabbing hold of his bicep and stopping him from face-planting into two-hundred-year-old stones.
We’re not having any skinned knees tonight.
Nothing is ruining our first date.
Toby quickly rights himself, brushing the invisible dirt off the front of his shirt. “You completely freaking jinxed me, Shane!” he whines, glancing around to see if anyone saw that and turning beet red when he makes eye contact with a pretty girl across the street. “Oh God.How embarrassing,” he mumbles, ducking his head in shame. “Let’s go.”
I chuckle, looping Toby’s arm through mine and escorting him the rest of the way back to the truck. My phone vibrates in my pocket on the walk back, but I wait until we’re buckled in to check it.
It’s my mom.
I haven’t heard from her in a couple months. She usually only reaches out when she’s going through a breakup or needs money. Wonder which one I’ll get today?
Hey Shaney. I hate to ask, but can you send me some money? Buck and I broke up last night, and he took off with all my cash.
Sighing loudly, I pinch the bridge of my nose.
Looks like I got both this time.
You okay? He didn’t hurt you?
My mom doesn’t have the best track record with picking guys, including my father and her latest boyfriend, Buck.
I’m fine, honey. Don’t worry.
I take a deep breath.
You didn’t answer the question.
It’s just a small sprain, Shaney. I’m the one who tripped and fell. Can you send me some money or not? Electric’s due.
With an over-the-top sigh, I open my bank app, sending her a hundred bucks for now. I glance over at Toby, seeing the concern written all over his face.
