She was headed to a holiday party, looking like that, in a place that was probably full of college douchebags gaping at her like the guys in the garage just did. They’d have large bank accounts, bright unblemished futures, and could serve the world to her on a silver platter. My stomach rolled with a wave of nausea as I wondered how not to go nuts thinking about it later.
I couldn’t give her anything but myself, and after the way I’d treated her yesterday, maybe she didn’t want me anymore.
Losing her because I was an ex-felon I expected, but not because I was a cowardly asshole.
“Anthony!” Lou called out, breaking me out of my Victoria trance. “Gary is here to see you.”
I’d forgotten my parole officer was stopping by to have lunch. He had to make routine checks on me, but it was always like more of a social visit from an uncle. He usually came to my apartment, but he’d suggested lunch this time so he could pay Josh a visit.
I stood, washing the grease off of my hands before I strode to the office to greet him. I found him laughing in Josh’s office before he noticed my approach.
“Hey Anthony, just catching up on old times with Falco.”
I shook his hand and I looked between them.
“Josh said you were a family friend.”
Gary nodded. “He’s my little cousin’s best friend. When they dipped their G.I. Joes in rubbing alcohol when they were nine to see if they’d really catch fire, I never thought Reid would grow up to be a school principal and he’d be a successful business owner.” He pointed toward Josh with his thumb. “Life is a funny thing.”
I laughed at Josh’s grimace.
“Josh said the diner is decent, and I could use a burger. Let’s go.” He motioned across the street with his chin.
“Sounds good to me.” I glanced back at Victoria and noticed the coffee cup still on her desk. Her smoky-rimmed eyes met mine, and my chest tightened. She was a goddess, and I was the idiot mortal who’d let her slip through his damn fingers.
“Oh, thanks for the latte. I had to heat it up when I got in.” She raised the cup, her lips curved into a devious smile.
“You’re welcome.” I followed Gary outside, not sure what to make of her new attitude. Was she still mad? Was she done? I rubbed the back of my neck, unsure what to make of any of it.
“So, Josh gushed for about fifteen minutes about all the great work you’re doing. He said you have amazing technical skill and a creative eye unlike he’s ever seen.” Gary opened his briefcase when we sat down and sifted through a pile of papers.
“That’s great to hear.” I sipped a glass of water hoping to relieve my parched mouth. Gary never made me nervous, but I kept waiting to hear abutafter all the compliments from Josh he passed along.
“Why do you look surprised? I knew this would be a great fit for you. Josh is a good kid. Well, he’s a man but I’ll always think of him and Reid as kids.” He laughed as he filled out a couple of forms.
“He’s been great. I owe him a lot.”
“You know, the fact that you have a record doesn’t close every single door in the world. Granted, it’s an obstacle, but not one you can’t overcome with some hard work. And you’re doing just that.” He pointed his pen at me. “Are you at least getting out and enjoying life a little?”
“Not you, too,” I grumbled. “I have this same weekly conversation with my mother.”
“Well, she’s right. Any dates lately?”
“Yes. Well, no, it’s complicated.”
The corners of his mouth twitched. “Complicated, you say. Why?”
“I…work with her.”
He stopped scribbling and lifted his head from the paper with widened eyes. “It’s Victoria.”
“Itwas. She’s not speaking to me because I was afraid to tell Josh about us, even though she says he already knows something.”
“I’d bet he does. Josh knows everything that goes on at Falco’s.” He leaned back on the soft vinyl of the booth. “What’s the problem if he knows?”
I rolled my eyes. “That he probably doesn’t want his only daughter with an ex-convict.”
He shook his head. “Josh isn’t like that. Is it messy to date her while you work there, yes. But he wouldn’t fire you for it.”
