Page 18 of Damien
Vanessa nods in agreement. “Bacon is always good.” But then she turns her attention back to me. “Want anything else?”
Your phone number? Possibly a date with you?
Of course, I keep that part to myself.
“I’m good. Thanks,” I say as I pull the mug of coffee to my lips.
She turns to walk away but hesitates, and I’m left staring at her to see what she’s forgotten.
“I didn’t see you in here Friday. Did something happen at work again?”
Why does my heart race at the realization she’s noticed my absence?
But I stick to answering her question, “Oh, no. I was running late and wasn’t able to stop in.”
“Oh.” Her expression morphs from concern to relaxed. “I’m glad to hear nothing was wrong.”
“Nothing other than my alarm didn’t go off,” I admit. “Did you miss me?”
Jack mumbles something, but I swear he says, “Subtle.”
Vanessa’s eyes dance with delight as she punches her hip and rolls her eyes. “I had a senior menu picked out and ready for you. Of course, I missed you.”
God, I love that sass.
“Back with the old-man jokes, I see.”
“Ha… you’re a spring chick compared to the likes of me, son,” Jack interjects.
Vanessa’s attention turns from me. “Oh, you’re not old, Jack. You’ve still got plenty of good years left in you.”
“From your lips to God’s ears,” the feisty man beside me states, earning him a laugh from both of us. “I’ve got lots left to do on my bucket list. I’m not ready to meet my maker just yet.”
“Good to know, I agree. Anything particular you’ve got in mind?”
“I want to see my grandkids graduate from school, so I’ve got a few years left in me,” he assures us.
“What? No sky diving or getting another tattoo?” Vanessa teases.
“Oh, I’ve had my share of jumping out of planes. I’ll leave that to the hotshots. As for tattoos, I think I’ve got plenty already.” He rolls up his sleeve, and I find a Navy trident staring back at me.
“What about you, Damien? Do you have any tattoos I don’t know about?” Vanessa shocks me by asking something so personal.
With the way she’s looking, she’s making me wish I had one, but of course I admit the truth. “Nope. Haven’t found anything I’d want to permanently have on me just yet, though I haven’t ruled it out.”
“You?” I can’t help myself now that she’s got my mind spinning about where a tattoo could be placed—I need to know.
“Uh…” she draws out as she looks to the floor momentarily, making me wonder if she’s suddenly nervous. “Just one.”
“Order’s up, Van,” someone calls from the kitchen, and she shrugs an apology for leaving as she tends to the food on the counter.
“Looks like you’re the odd one out, kid,” Jack says, patting me on the back.
“No kidding,” I chortle. The man sure knows how to make me laugh daily. “Seriously, Jack, how are you doing today?”
“I’m good.” He nods in assurance. “I’ve got an external door that’s sticking in my garage. I’m gonna spend some time on that this week.”
I have no doubt he can do it but knowing how heavy doors can be, I pull out a business card from my pocket and offer, “I’d be happy to help if you need some assistance. I’m off most evenings by six, and I’d be happy to see what I can do.”
