Page 21 of Wild Card
Except when I pull the box up and unwrap it, it’s a box of candy—rosé gummy bears. Him being his charming self and taking me by surprise again that he went to the trouble. I stare at the number.
I could text him. It wouldn’t harm anything just to text him and thank him, right? That doesn’t mean anything other than I’m being polite. I could do that much.
Rosé gummy bears? Thank you.
TOBIAS:
Didn’t think your work would appreciate sending alcohol in the middle of the day.
Or that you’d want the attention. You know… in case Harper shows up.
Good plan.
Is it?
The truce I mean.
I stare at the message. My head is telling me no. But every single other bit of me is telling me to do it. To say yes. For a million reasons, some of them being as vain as the fact that Westfield wants a repeat, and others being more grounded. The worst part is, I think I like him. When he’s like this, at least. Sweet, thoughtful, with a sense of humor about the things that shouldn’t make sense. Like the two of us somehow having the best sex of my life.
Will there be actual rosé if another truce is called?
TOBIAS:
You can write your requirements into the negotiations for the cessation of hostilities.
That’s a lot of big words. Where’d you learn those?
Getting my degree, Spitfire. You’d be shocked by how many words I know. Some I already know you’re going to like.
I’d consider a truce if I get to find out what they are.
Tonight?
Can’t. Have a thing.
After?
No car and ride costs are eating me alive while I wait for my car to get out of the shop. Plus I’m less excited to use them when they break down in the middle of the night.
Well, can’t argue with you there. I could pick you up, but why don’t you have a rental?
Rentals are more expensive than rides.
I’ll loan you a car.
You’re funny.
I have five. I can spare one. I’m going out of town to play anyway. You can give it back when you get yours out of the shop.
Are you bribing me into a truce?
This is separate from that, but if it helps my truce chances I won’t complain.
Are you sure?
Yeah. I can have my assistant drop it off at the museum in a bit.
I don’t know how to handle all this villain being the hero stuff.
