I could easily be a PI. It didn’t seem like that hard of a job. The army had given me the skills necessary for the part.
“I’ll think about it,” I answered. Then I chewed my lip, mulling his words over. “I need a few days to make a decision.”
“The offer stands.” Thomas reached into his pocket and pulled a business card out. “When you have a decision, call me or stop by the office.”
I took the card and read it.
Thomas Gallo
Owner
ALFA Private Investigation
Underneath was the contact information for the office and his cell phone number.
I flipped it in my fingers and nodded. “I’ll let you know as soon as I figure shit out. Don’t mention a word of it to Fran.”
The last thing I wanted was for her to go berserk before the wedding. Thomas and Mike both laughed.
“We got your back,” Thomas said.
Suzy and Joehad been gracious hosts. They had made sure I’d wanted for nothing while I’d stayed with them. Most likely out of fear that word would get back to Auntie Mar.
I’d always thought of my big cousin Joe as somewhat of a badass when we were kids. Spending a couple of days with him had me learning about the real man.
He was always kind to his wife, showing the utmost patience and care. He was over the top with his daughter and never became flustered. He was everything I looked up to in a man and nothing I’d grown up having.
I’d gained mad respect for him in the three days I’d spent with them waiting for the wedding. I’d tried to get lost during the day, not wanting to be the new babysitter. Every evening, Joe and I would enjoy a beer and chat before we both headed to bed.
“You know, if you stay,” he said as he tossed his beer can in the trash can while we sat on the stone patio of the guesthouse, “you can rent this until you find a place of your own.”
“Thanks, Joe. It’s kind of you to still want me around.” I grinned.
“I learned that you aren’t as big of an asshole as you make yourself out to be,” he teased.
“Joe,” I said as I stood, “don’t tell anyone that. I like for people to think I’m a giant prick.”
“I won’t let your secret out as long as you don’t tell people about me.”
“I know. I figured that out already.”
“I gotta hit the sack. Ma will have my head if I’m late to the wedding tomorrow.”
I nodded, knowing we’d all have hell to pay if we didn’t arrive on time. “Sleep well, cousin.”
He walked back toward the main house, giving me time alone. I’d built a small fire in the pit earlier, and I decided to watch it as it burned out.
The night sky in Florida was different than back home. The bright lights of the city drowned out the twinkle of the stars. Here, underneath the country sky, with the nearest city miles away, every small star seemed to sparkle.
There was a quiet here that I hadn’t experienced since I was a kid. The smallest rustle of a little animal moving through the woods was audible.
I closed my eyes and listened to the nothingness around me. I’d never thought I’d enjoy it, especially after growing up surrounded by the sounds of the city.
I knew in that moment that I didn’t want to leave. The serenity that surrounded me sucked me in, and I couldn’t imagine going back to the frigid city with no job in sight.
I pulled my phone out of my pocket and sent a message to Thomas.
Me: We’ll talk after the wedding, but I want to hear more about the business.
