Page 108 of Damien
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Damien
Saturday morning at the diner,Jack is in great spirits. Martha sits beside him, and they’re a riot to watch. They didn’t arrive together—as she showed up after me, but I’m fairly certain they’re spending time outside the diner.
“How’s that house of yours coming along?” Jack asks as he chews on a piece of bacon.
“I’m pretty close to finishing. You should come by some time and see what I’ve done to the place. I’ve still got some landscaping to do, but we could barbeque or something.” Since Martha is here, I invite her to come along, too. “You’re both welcome.”
“I’d love to see the place,” Jack says. “You’ve been talkin’ all this time about it. I’ve got to see for myself if it’s worth all the hype.”
“It’s beautiful, Jack,” Vanessa interjects. “If I didn’t have a place of my own, I’d buy his.” Then she turns to Martha. “I’ve never seen a bigger tub. I could get lost in there for days. Don’t even get me started on his customized closet.
“I never knew how much those mattered until you find yourself sharing half of nothing.”
“What are you doing for dinner tonight?” I offer the group. “I’ll pick up some steaks, and we can grill.”
She just shrugs with an easy smile. “If I’m not cooking—I’m not complaining.”
“What shall I bring?” Martha chimes in.
“Just yourself and this guy.” I bump Jack with my shoulder.
“Gee… I’m so honored,” Jack grumbles, then turns his attention to Vanessa. “I guess I’ll come… as long as I get to see that beautiful girl of yours.”
Rolling her eyes with the kind of smile that makes my heart constrict, Vanessa laughs. “I think that can be arranged. Do you mind if we invite my brother and his fiancée? I’d hate leaving them out.”
“The more the merrier,” I encourage, then turn to Jack and Martha. “You don’t mind hanging out with a few of our friends, do you?”
“Only if you’ll let me bring something…” Martha hedges. “I’ve been told I make a mean potato salad.”
Jack deadpans, “Son, just let her bring somethin’. She’s gonna do it anyway, so you may as well just accept it and get over it.”
“Potato salad sounds great,” I say a bit too enthusiastic, and Martha smirks.
“I’m so glad we both agree.”
All of a sudden, Vanessa pulls out her phone from her back pocket with a panicked expression. Clearly, no one texts her at this hour unless there’s an emergency. My stomach drops as she quickly reads it with a puzzled expression.
When I can no longer take the suspense, I ask, “Something wrong?”
As soon as she quickly taps out a reply, she refocuses her attention on me. “Uh… apparently Margo’s in town today and wants to visit. I just invited her to the barbeque… Hope you don’t mind.”
“I’m looking forward to meeting her,” I admit. “Of course she’s welcome.”
“I haven’t been to a shindig in years. Are you sure you want two old birds crashing your party?” Jack clarifies.
“Watch who you’re calling an old bird,” Martha warns.
“Seriously, Jack. I’d like to show you my place. Besides, if you don’t consider me a friend by now, you need to find another seat at the counter each day.”
Jack harrumphs.
Vanessa interjects before either of us can say any more. “Jack—if you don’t stop trying to get out of this, I might have to slip something into your coffee to make you more agreeable.”
Holding his hands up as a defense, he surrenders, “Okay… Okay… I won’t say another word—And I’ll be there with bells on.”
“Why don’t you text Davis and invite him, too?” Vanessa says as she grabs another order to deliver.
