Page 36 of Damien
“I can’t wait to see what you’ve done to the place. Dani showed me your before shots on the ferry ride this morning.”
“I’ve done quite a bit since I last sent pics, trust me. You can see for yourself, so I won’t bore you with the details. Tell me—have the two of you been staying out of trouble now that you’re in the off season? I know Dani’s working on her next book—as usual. But what have you been up to?”
Luke draws a hand down his face and sighs heavily. “I swear, I’m just as busy in the off season—doing things people don’t usually talk about. We’ve been spending more time at the Island, so Dani has less distractions, but sometimes it’s unavoidable, and we have to stay in town. Do either of you have plans the week of July fourth?” He looks to Davis and me, and Dani’s excitement gets the best of her.
When each of us shrugs, she practically jumps out of her seat. “Good! See what you can do to take the entire week off—we’re giving you plenty of notice. We’ll have a reunion at the end of the week, and we can celebrate the Fourth together as a family. The ‘Rents are on board, Grandma and Pops are coming into town, and Derek is free, too.”
“I… uh… don’t know if I’ll be able to take the whole week off,” I say hesitantly. I’m not sure how my bosses will feel with me taking time off around an already short week. But with just one glance at the pleading look in Dani’s eyes—I know without a doubt I’ll be asking for it off. This is important to her for some reason, and I won’t be the one to disappoint her.
“Will there be enough room? Or should I look into getting an Airbnb for us?” I offer, knowing I’m too damn old to be camping out, and my grandparents’ cabin is only a three-bedroom place with a pull-out couch as well. Technically, we can all sleep there, but I’d rather have some space.
Luke’s the one to offer. “Why don’t you give Derek and your parents the rooms at your grandparents’ cabin, and the two of you can stay in each of my guest rooms? If we need more space, I’ll see what I can do about accommodations.”
We don’t have much family besides what’s been mentioned. Who else would we need accommodations for? Maybe Luke’s family will join us? When Davis and I just stare at them, waiting for further explanation, we get nothing. Whatever they’re planning, I won’t push. Knowing my sister, sometimes it’s best not to ask.
By the time we finish our meal and make it to my place near the CRU campus, it’s only mid-afternoon. Knowing Dani and Luke have to still travel back to Anderson Island, I offer we forget about hanging the cabinets, but Luke is insistent.
True to my word, by the time the hour is up, we’re hanging the last of them. Everything is in place, and all that’s left to do is put my new appliances in when they arrive and have the countertops installed. Since I’m going with a marble slab, I’m leaving that to the professionals.
By the time Dani and Luke take off, Davis is ready to grab some dinner and head out to the bar to unwind for the evening. Being new to town, I’m not sure where to go, but then I remember the bar Vanessa told me about—the one her brother’s girlfriend works at. Apparently, there’s a live band most weekends, and a great crowd gathers. If Davis is in the mood to hook up with a girl, it’ll likely be the place for it to happen.
Just as we’re finishing dinner, a text comes through from Vanessa.
Vanessa: Hey, how was your day? Are you still with your family?
Me: Davis and I just grabbed a bite to eat. Later, we’ll grab drinks. I know you’re busy, but I won’t lie… Wish you could join us.
Vanessa takes a few minutes to respond. At first, I’m afraid I’ve upset her.
When her text finally comes through, I’m relieved.
Vanessa: Sorry. Jules woke up. I had to get her back to sleep. Are you having fun?
Smiling that she’d care enough to ask, I quickly tap out a reply.
Me: Yes. Finished installing my cabinets this afternoon, and we’re just hanging out now.
Vanessa: Well, don’t let me keep you.
As much as I love my brother, I’d rather talk to Vanessa on the phone than hang out in a bar.
Me: Davis just walked back into the room. I’ll check in with you in a bit.
Davis looks to me questioningly. “Everything okay?”
Stowing my phone in my pocket, I reply as casual as I can manage, “Yeah. Just texting a friend.”
“Is this that samefriendyou happen to have plans with tomorrow?”
“Yes,” I admit. I don’t have anything to hide. Maybe it’s because everything’s so new. But I think I’d rather see how things pan out than hang my hopes on something that might not be what I think it has the possibility of becoming.
“Just checkin’… Your goofy grin tells me she makes you happy, and if you’re happy, I’m happy. Are you ready to get out of here and be my wingman?”
Soon, we arrive at the bar where the band’s just started. We’re a little early, but if Davis and I want to grab a beer and just hang for a bit, this is the time to do it. The dance floor fills as the bass beats through the room.
When Davis spots a few women dancing together with just one guy, he nods in my direction to see if I’m interested.
“Naw… you go ahead. I just started my beer, and I’d rather drink it while it’s cold,” I offer. Besides. if he’s on the dance floor, I won’t catch a bunch of shit about checking in on Vanessa.
