“Think about it,” Superior Jackie says with a smile before she turns and walks away.
Victor looks at the business card. He then senses other eyes are looking at him. He looks up and notices the others at the table are giving him a judgmental look.
“Hey!” Leo snaps. “Finish your dessert.”
“Whatever,” one of the warlocks says under his breath as he rolls his eyes.
Leo leans over to him. “Did you say something? Because I couldn’t hear you.”
He turns sheepish. “Nothing, Leo.”
“Come on, Victor. Let’s go for a walk.” Leo stands up and throws his napkin on the table as he walks away. Victor wipes his face and follows. Victor looks over his shoulder and sees Superior Charles look at him a few seconds before returning to the conversation with the elders at his table.
Victor and Leo walk along the shore of the lake. Victor takes out his phone when he receives a text message. “Shit,” Victor emphasizes softly as he reads the message.
“Something wrong?” Leo asks as they stop.
“Amber’s birthday dinner is tomorrow night. And I promised Lupe months ago that I would be there.”
Leo sighs deeply. “What did I tell you about keeping mundane friends?”
“About that.” Victor stops and turns to Leo. “I should be upset with you because you responded to their texts, but I understand why you did it. I was passed out for an undetermined amount of time, and you didn’t want them to worry if I didn’t respond immediately. You had every opportunity to tell them I can’t be their friend anymore, but you didn’t.”
“It should come directly from you, not me,” Leo remarks.
“I can’t do that right now. And I knew about this dinner before I met you,” Victor says.
Leo scratches his chin and then lets out another deep sigh. “Fine,” he says, aggravated. “But I’m coming with you.”
“No, they’ll start asking more questions and might think we’re dating,” Victor protests.
“What? You don’t want to date me?” Leo gives Victor a cheesy, teeth-filled grin.
“No, I mean, yes. I mean . . . UGH! I don’t want to undergo a long interrogation, especially overshadowing the birthday girl.” Victor sighs, “I’ll be okay. I promise.”
Leo puckers his lips, deep in thought. “No, I’m coming with you. But I’ll keep my distance. They won’t know that I’m there.”
Victor looks up at the sky and moans, “Why can’t I have a night with my friends alone?”
“You know why. But don’t worry, I have an illusion charm I can wear. And I want you to wear your suit,” Leo says.
“Seriously? Do I also have to be home by 10 p.m. Dad?” Victor asks, sarcastically.
Leo leans over and whispers into Victor’s ear, “I’ll tell you when to call me daddy.” A chill goes down Victor’s spine, andhis heart beats faster. Leo pulls away. “Ready to go back to your apartment?”
Victor looks at the time. “Yeah, I should, especially if I’m going to fly back to Dallas tonight.”
Leo takes a step back. “Hello! You’re already in Dallas. Well, north of Dallas. Why would you need to fly back? You could walk through the mirror.”
“Frank and Elliott are flying with me. It wouldn’t be right. And our flight is in a few hours, so I need to hurry back,” Victor proclaims.
Leo crosses his arms. “Fine, but you better let me know where you’re eating and staying.”
Victor rolls his eyes. “Okay . . .” He smirks as he looks into Leo’s eyes, “. . . Daddy.”
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Victor rushes through the airport, struggling to keep his luggage on his shoulder. When he arrives, Frank and Elliott sit near the podium next to their gate.
