Page 107 of Damien
“Tomorrow is good.” I pretend to nod casually. Now, if only I can wait that long.
“Let’s stop at that Thai restaurant, Vin. You know… the one we went to on our first date?”
“Sounds good to me,” Vanessa quickly adds.
“Show me the way.” I laugh. “Thai it is.”
Vinceand I are heading out for drinks after dinner, and I have to say, I love this family. Hell, I want to make them mine, but they takeforeverto finish a meal. Especially when they have no clue I have important things to do tonight.
By the time Vince and I make it to the bar, I’m strung so tight, I need the beer to help me relax. We took an Uber since Syd’s working, and Vanessa works in the morning. I do, too, but not nearly as early as her.
I would’ve preferred somewhere out of the way, but when Vince suggested the place where Syd works, I couldn’t tell him no without raising some red flags at the dinner table.
When we get to the bar, I suggest sitting at a booth. I’m a nervous ball of energy, though I’m doing everything in my power not to let it show. I have no idea what he’ll say, but knowing how important he is to Vanessa, his opinion certainly matters.
When I stare at my bottle of beer instead of taking a long pull, he asks, “Hey, man, is something going on?”
Shit. It’s time to speak now or forever hold my peace.
Squaring my shoulders, I meet his gaze and nod. “Yeah.”
This gets his full attention. Setting down his beer, he asks, “What is it?”
Swallowing one more time, I say, “I love your sister and Jules.”
Chuckling, he says, “Well, thanks, captain obvious. I wouldn’t know by the way you’re over for dinner almost every night these days, or the fact the three of you went away for the week.”
Just like his sister, he knows how to put me at ease, so I laugh right along with him. “I know, right? Anyway…” I draw out. “I can’t imagine my life without either of them in it. Traditionally, I should be having this conversation with your dad, but since he’s not here, you’re the lucky one.”
Vince nods knowingly and waits for me to continue.
“Jules and I had a conversation the other day, and I want to start my forever with them as soon as possible.”
“Really? How did that go?” Vince chuckles. “I’m sure she was far more intimidating than me.”
“I guess weddings are in the air because Dani and Luke pulled off one hell of a surprise wedding,” I start, then get to the point. “Jules asked what a fiancée was. I simply said it’s someone who you want to marry. Of course, I neglected the part about the other person has to agree for it to become official. She got upset and thought I didn’t want to marry your sister. But after I explained that crucial bit of information, she asked if I could be her daddy when I married Vanessa.”
By the time I finish, Vince’s brows are at his hairline, and his jaw dropped. “Man, she didn’t pull any punches, did she?”
“Nope. But this is Julia we’re talking about.” I grin. “When has she ever not spoken her mind?”
Vince shakes his head. “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree—you’ve met my sister. Hell—all the women in my life speak their mind. Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t have it any other way, but you’ve been warned, and you know what you’re in for.”
“I take it you’re okay with my plan then?”
“I’ve never seen my sister happier, Dame. Of course, I’m okay with it. Do you know when this might happen?”
“I bought a ring while we were in Seattle, and she doesn’t have a clue,” I admit. “She and Jules thought I’d stopped by a buddy’s place who still lives near the U-District, while they had a girl date and saw a movie—but nope. I had another mission in mind.”
“God, I’d love to see the look on her face when you ask, but I understand if you want to keep things private. I’m certainly not one to talk. I whisked Syd away and didn’t think twice about it—Hell, I was supposed to wait until after graduation, but that didn’t happen either. So, I can’t blame you if you’d rather be alone.”
I’d only thought far enough ahead to have this conversation with Vince. But as I look at Vince’s eager expression, inspiration hits.
God, I just hope I can pull it off.
“I think I might need your help,” I admit. Then I fill him in on my plan.
After a while, Syd stops by and to my surprise, Vince keeps everything I’ve just revealed between us. We finish off our beers and decide to call it an early night. As we share an Uber back to his place, my plan solidifies even further.
