Page 5 of Damien
“Another time then.” He shrugs.
Is he just being polite or is he saddened by my response?
I’m sure he’s just being polite, right? Why would he be sad? That makes no sense.
“Well, then…” I rock forward again, trying to rid myself of the awkwardness I’m suddenly feeling. Obviously, there’s no reason to stay, and I have class soon. “I’ll let you get back to work.”
Damien’s eyes lock onto mine, and I swear he tethers me in the spot. I can’t walk away from him, yet standing here staring at him like a lost schoolgirl isn’t an option either.
“Can I walk you to your car?” he suggests with the most beautiful lopsided smile. As if on instinct, my lips turn to mirror his. Before I can make an even bigger fool of myself, thankfully, someone walks toward us and stops me.
“Oh,” I play off my craziness. “There’s no need. I’m just parked there on the street.” I point to my SUV and will myself to move away from him.
A playful smile teases at his lips as if he can see through my antics. “Well, then, I guess I’ll see you in the morning. Be sure to save me a seat at the counter.”
“You got it,” I say as I turn in the direction of my car.
But I stop when he says, “Thanks again, Vanessa. I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”
My hand moves as if it has a mind of its own to wave at him as I say, “See ya then.” Realizing how silly I must look, I force myself to remain calm as I walk to my vehicle, get in, and drive away without looking back. God, did I want to look back, but what good would come of it?
Later that eveningas I put Julia to bed, that look on his face before I walked away replays on a loop. Was Damien asking me out? No. That’s crazy. I’m sure he’s just being friendly since I brought his card.
“Can you read me another bedtime story, Momma?” Julia asks in the sweetest voice, trying to get a third story for the night out of me. I’ll admit my nearly five-year-old has some game, but I’m a pro at reading her—so her cuteness won’t work on me—tonight anyway.
God, I still can’t believe she’ll be five in just a little over a week.
“Jules, I’ve already read two. I think that’s plenty. Before long, you’re going to be reading to me.” She stifles a big yawn, and I know I’m right. “I’ll tell you what. You sleep now, and if you’re up for it tomorrow, I’ll read the next story to you.”
“Okay, Momma. Goodnight,” she yawns heavily. But of course, if I call her on it, she’ll claim she isn’t tired until she’s blue in the face. As much as I hate to admit it, she’s so much like me, it’s crazy.
As I exit her room, I leave her door open a crack, so she can see the light on from the hall. I honestly doubt she’ll last another two minutes, but I’ve learned by keeping it open, she’s less likely to get out of bed.
When I make it to the living room, I find my twin Vince, sprawled across the couch.
“You get her down?” he asks as I settle into my cozy chair and prop my feet on the leather ottoman in front of me.
“She tried her best to go for three stories tonight. I swear when she starts reading herself, she’ll be sneaking books late into the night with a flashlight if we don’t watch out.”
Vince cocks his head in my direction, and I already know what he’s thinking, but of course, the brat that he is, he feels the need to mention it aloud. “Uh, wasn’t that your MO as a kid? If I recall… Mom and Dad actually took your flashlight a time or two to get you to sleep at a decent time. Thank God, we never had to share a room because your light would’ve annoyed the hell out of me.”
Instead of dignifying a response, I change the subject and ask about his girlfriend as I look around the room. She should be here for dinner but is nowhere to be seen at the moment. “Where’s Syd?”
“I’m right here,” she answers for him as she brings two plates with cinnamon rolls. “If you want one, I’ll go back and grab another,” she says as she offers a plate to me. Her bright hazel eyes dance, knowing hardly anyone refuses her baked goods.
“You know I can’t turn these down,” I tease, reaching for the plate she offers. Then she hands the other to Vince before disappearing into the kitchen.
Sydney and Vince started dating a few months ago but knowing my brother doesn’t do things halfway, I’m fairly certain these two will be in it for the long haul like my parents were.
God, I miss them, but I’m sure as they look down at us, they’d be proud of what we’ve become.
Just as I get my first mouthful, Vince asks, “Syd’s been keyed up about your girls’ night tonight. I’m still kinda shocked she talked you into joining them.”
“I won’t be staying out too late, trust me. I still have to work in the morning, but as I don’t have class after my shift for a change, I think I can manage a little less sleep for one night.” I can’t say I’ve ever been more thankful for a professor to cancel class for their daughter’s wedding than I am tonight. “Are you sure you don’t mind staying with Jules?”
“Vanny, you deserve a life. I’m glad you’re finally taking Syd up on the offer to hang with her roommates. Abby’s only going to be here for another month, and I know you and Chloe will hit it off.”
I look to the kitchen to see where Sydney is before asking, “Has Syd mentioned anything about finding another place to live?”
