Page 25 of Vince
Thankfully, Chloe has the sense to not make a scene. But before I can process anything further, Vince makes his appearance.
He walks right up to Julia and her mother and greets our waitress with a huge smile. “How’s it going, Van? You’d better not pick up an extra shift tomorrow because I promised Jules we’d take off her training wheels. You’re not gonna want to miss it.”
Van’s eyes widen in surprise, but she ruffles her daughter’s hair. “Seriously? Where’s the pause button when you need it?” Then she tickles her daughter who is still in her arms. “You need to stop growing up so quick, little miss.”
This causes Julia to giggle. “Silly, Momma. I’m a big girl now. I need to ride without baby wheels.”
“Yeah, Van. She’s a big girl now,” Vince singsongs. “We’ve gotta let her grow up sometime.”
Watching their family’s interaction rips me to shreds.
A thousand emotions flood my senses all at once, and it’s all I can do not to bolt from the room. Chloe captures my attention by placing a hand on mine to hold me in place.
“Things aren’t always what they seem,” she whispers.
“I… I gotta get out of here. They clearlyarea family, and I feel like shit for getting involved with him in the first place. But what’s worse is he’s just the typical ass who’s also a cheater. God, I think I’m gonna be sick.”
“Syd,” Chloe calls after me as I bolt from the booth. Rushing past Vince and his family to the door, I burst through it gasping for fresh air. I haven’t even eaten yet, but I feel like I’m about to lose whatever is left in my stomach.
Running across the parking lot, I spot bushes that could hide my evidence. I may be having a shit day, but no need to ruin someone else’s evening.
Thankfully, by the time I get to said bushes, all I need to do is catch my breath. Placing my hands on my knees, I bend over and gulp in air as fast as my body will let me.
When I hear footsteps behind me, I swat my hand in the air to let Chloe know I’m okay and just need space. “I’m fine, Clo. Just go and enjoy your meal. I’ll come back in a minute. Or better yet, I’ll just walk home. I need some time to think.”
“What do you need time to think about?” comes from the sexy voice I’ve thought about all day—but didn’t do him justice at all. Even from those few words, I can tell they’re laced with concern.
Why the fuck is he concerned about me?
Turning on my heels, I glare at the culprit for all my mixed-up emotions.
“What are you doing here?” I seethe.
