Page 56 of Tony

“But carefully,” Mr. Marks called as she was walking out of the office.

“I will,” she agreed. “No more dark street investigations for me. You never know who you’ll meet!”

Back in her office, she pulled her notes out as she began to type them into a semblance of a report that would eventually go to the judge.Betina, I know there is something going on. I can just feel it.Maybe a surprise visit is what is needed.She knew the grocery wasn’t open on Sunday so she hoped that would provide the perfect time to see how Betina was with both her mom and Mr. Valesquez around.

The vibrating of her cell phone pulled her out of her musings and with a smile on her face she answered, “Hey, sweetie.”

“You got plans for dinner tonight?” Tony asked.

“Not really. I think there is some leftover meatloaf from the other night.”

“Then let’s go out. I’ve got some news, and I thought we’d hit that new steak house downtown.”

“Oohh, you know the way to my heart,” she laughed.

“Sweetheart, you’re already in mine,” he replied. “I’ll pick you up in about twenty minutes.”

Hanging up, she headed to the restroom to freshen up. Looking into the mirror over the sink, she patted her hair in place then re-applied her lipstick. Staring at her reflection, she could not help but smile.Girl, you’ve come a long way since cocktail waitressing in a strip joint to keep an eye on Charisse. A good job. A good man…who is drop-dead gorgeous.For a second, a flash of doubt crossed her face.Can it stay this good?Sucking in a huge breath before letting it out slowly, she squared her shoulders and held her head up.Just because everything always went to shit before doesn’t mean it still will. Things have changed. My life has changed.

Her pep talk over, she headed out to wait for Tony.

17

The restaurant was dimly lit, the candlelight flickering on the table between them giving off a romantic air, as Tony and Sherrie finished their meal. Her pale blue, figure-hugging jersey dress with a scooped neck had captured his attention all night. Her dress offered him a hint of the luscious cleavage he planned on partaking of tonight, as soon as he could get her home. Her blonde hair floated around her shoulders, and the thought of running his hands through the silken tresses as he took her had him shifting in his chair.

Sherrie was equally perusing from her side of the table. His muscular arms and chest stretched the material of his navy shirt and the plan of popping one button at a time until she could peel it off revealing the prize underneath, had her core clenching. He had just shared his news about collaborating with an old Special Forces buddy and she could see the excitement in his eyes.

“I never ask about your time in the Army,” she confessed, trying to think of something besides the ache deep inside her core. “I suppose I just assume that if you want to talk about it, you will. But it seems that you are very close to those you served with.”

He nodded as he looked at her eyes, seeing in their depths an interest in him. Not his war stories. Not tales of glory. But interest in him.

“When you spend that much time together as a team, you have to know each other’s movement, thoughts, actions…anything less could mean at best a failed mission or at the worst, death.”

Her eyes shined with tears as she whispered, “I hate that you had to face that, but so glad you had men at your back that have become your brothers.”

He looked down at his plate, realizing that for so long the memories of his days in the Army were tainted by his grief, but those men stood by him when he fell apart. And put him back together again. Raising his eyes, he stared at the beautiful woman across from him. Life had not been easy on her either, but here they were—stronger together than they had been apart.

I want this woman in my life forever.He had not bought a ring, although the idea of asking her to marry him had been on his mind lately.Fuck it, who needs a ring right now anyway. At least I can tell her what I want.

“Sherrie?” he said softly, reaching across the table grasping her hand. “You know I love you. Will you?—”

“Tony? I thought that was you!” came an excited voice from the right.

Jerking his head around, he saw Marla’s parents walking toward their table.Shit timing. He had always had a good relationship with her parents but they’d lost contact over the past couple of years. Their grief was as profound as his, but in their case shared grief did not seem to give him comfort.

He stood quickly, reaching out his hand in greeting. “Ted, Vivian. Nice to see you again.”

Vivian bypassed his outstretched hand and came in for a hug instead. He returned the embrace, but felt ill at ease when she would not let go. Glancing behind her at Ted, his eyes must have given a pleading look because Ted moved in to gently pull his wife from Tony’s arms.

Shaking Tony’s hand, Ted said, “Now, now, Viv. Let the man breathe.”

Sherrie looked on in curiosity at the tall, handsome man in front of their table. His gray hair was neatly trimmed and his suit appeared expensive. The woman at his side was also tall, reed-thin, and elegantly dressed as well. She saw their eyes dart toward her and she shot a glance at Tony.

Tony introduced the couple to Sherrie. Vivian as she smiled down at Sherrie and said, “I see you’re just ready for dessert. We won’t keep you.” She stood awkwardly, as though she wanted to stay, but knew she should not.

Ted quickly placed his hand on his wife’s shoulder and said, “My dear, let’s move on. I’m sure they’d rather be alone?—”

Vivian’s eyes frosted over, but as Sherrie realized…not with anger, but with grief.This woman buried her daughter and her granddaughter. I’m sure seeing Tony brings painful memories to the forefront.

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