Not now, and maybe not after Vic goes home either.
“You about ready?” Vic’s got his coat and boots on, and I’m still stood here having a revelation. Pushing all that aside for now, I nod. “Give me two minutes.”
On the wayto the pub, we’re both uncharacteristically quiet. I wonder if Vic’s thinking the same thing that I am.
I want to see him again.
Soon.
I open my mouth to ask him, but he beats me to it.
“Can I see you tomorrow?” He glances over at me, and fuck, I want to say yes, but I’m working.
“I can meet you after work?”
He runs a hand through his hair and sighs. “I can’t. I’m helping out behind the bar tomorrow night. They’re short-staffed and I promised.”
“I’m working all week so I can be off for when my sister arrives.” I tap the steering wheel. We’re almost at the pub—the drive always seems shorter on the way back.
“Yeah, same.” Vic sighs. “I need to get everything finished this week before my holiday starts. And I promised Joe another boy’s night, and there are a few things left to finish in the guest rooms.” He sighs, sounding as frustrated as I feel. “Char’s not back yet and I don’t want Hailey to start worrying that it won’t get done.”
“Yeah, of course.” I pull into the car park and find a space at the back. It’s busy and probably will be from now until the new year.
Vic reaches for my hand. “I don’t want to go a week without seeing you.” He’s not looking at me, focusing on our joined fingers instead. “I know a week isn’t a long time, and we’ve only just started this, but...” He sucks in a breath. “The last time we did this, it was snatched away from me, and I guess a part of me is worried about the same thing happening again.” His cheeks flush and he turns to stare out the window.
Embarrassed.
I squeeze his hand. “I’m not going anywhere this time, Vic. This is my home.”
He groans. “I know that. I do.Shit, I don’t know what’s wrong with me.” Finally, he looks up at me, beautiful eyes conflicted. “I’m a grown man, for fuck’s sake. I shouldn’t be this insecure.”
I don’t know why everything feels more intense with Vic, especially after such a short time, but I tell him what my sister always tells me. “We can’t help how we feel, Vic. No matter how old we are. It’s okay.”
His lips quirk, that familiar soft smile appearing. “Is that so?”
“Mhmm. So...” I say, pulling his hand towards me and kissing the back of it. “This is what we’re going to do.”
VIC
“So areyou two still casual or...?” Hailey sits on a stool at the end of the bar while I struggle to remember everything I learnt tending bar too many fucking years ago to count. I’m not on my own tonight, thank God, but it’s busy enough that it’s a good few minutes before I can answer her.
I lean on the bar and meet her curious gaze. “To be honest, I have no idea what we are anymore.” I shrug because it’s the truth. “And that’s okay. I’m happy to just go with it and see what happens.”
“Fair enough. I’m happy for you.” She smiles, then grimaces as she changes positions. “Was I this big with Joe?” She rubs her belly, and I say nothing because it feels like a trap to me.
Is there a right answer to that question?
In the end, I hedge my bets. “You’re not big, Hails, just pregnant.”
She rolls her eyes and scoffs. “How very diplomatic of you. It’s not a trick question, just tell me the truth.”
Okay.
I scan her from head to toe. “Honestly?” She nods. “You might be a bit bigger this time round.”
Her eyes narrow until she’s scowling at me. “So you think I look fatter?”
Knew it. Should’ve kept my damn mouth shut. “That’s not what I said.”
