She set her phone down and picked up a card. She turned it over in her hands a few times, and then flicked it to me.
"No. You've done everything right, that's the problem."
Huh?
"Thanks for showing up. It means a lot to them," she said. "To me too. I'm just surprised to see you, is all. I'm trying to figure out what you want, Angel."
"What I want? I thought I was clear about that when I kissed you. I want to get to know you. I also want your number," I said.
"Yeah, Myles told me you cheated to get it."
"Icheated? Youhavemet him, right? He's a pint-sized thug."
She laughed. "That's a surprisingly accurate description."
"You know what he gave me? The number to the goddamn paintball place he wants me to take him to."
This only earned more laughter. "Do you really think I'd give Myles my number?"
"Nope. I figured he lifted it."
She tilted her head to the side. "Okay, that I can see. The boys are going to be busy for a while. What are you two up to today?" she asked, changing the subject.
"I'm hungry. Can we go get something to eat now?" Bones asked from the doorway.
"He's always hungry. You want to join us for lunch?" I asked.
She nodded. "Sure, I could eat."
We headed to a local diner and engaged in some light conversation before Markie asked what we did for a living.
I didn't want to lie to her, but I sure as hell couldn't tell her the truth. "I spend most my time in a computer lab." Technically true.
"Doing--?" She gestured for me to continue.
Bones piped up. "Being a geek and shit."
I would have flipped him the bird if Markie wasn't sitting with us. "I manipulate computer programs, write some code, install security devices, stuff like that. I handle some sales, too. That's why the suits are necessary. Gotta look professional." All technically true.
That seemed to sate her curiosity. The conversation then drifted from Matt (who still hadn't shown up) to local shows and which casinos had the best food. After a while, we reluctantly headed back to the orphanage. Bones and I had errands to run, so we couldn't stay. We idled in front of the door to drop Markie off, but I could tell she was struggling with something.
"Bones, will you give us a minute?" I asked.
Grumbling, he stepped out of the Hummer stood on the sidewalk.
Markie pulled out her phone and played with it. "Look, I want to give you my number, but I need you to understand something first. I enjoy hanging out with you. Seriously, I've had more fun with you than I've had in a long time. There's something between us, Angel, and I get that, but I'm not staying in Vegas. I'll be leaving eventually, and... I need you to be okay with that."
Okay with her leaving? No fucking way. She wasn't going anywhere. "Okay," I lied.
She handed me her phone. "Text yourself."
I did as she asked, and then handed her back her phone.
She opened her door, and then turned to say good-bye. "Call me."
Without a doubt.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
