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There was a three months gap between posts, then a brief “Dad broke my phone. Will be back when I get a new one.” And then we struck gold.
“He likes science fiction books.” Vera smiled at me. “What do you think, paper or ebooks?”
I tried to remember if I had seen any paper books in the piles of trash Dad had turned Glen’s belongings into. If there were paper books, he must’ve burned them with the drawing pads, but the pile of ashes wasn’t large enough for that.
“Ebooks,” I answered. “I don’t know why he hadn’t asked for an e-reader yet.”
Her smile uncharacteristically wide, Vera headed for the gadgets. Instead of stopping on just e-readers, though, Vera looked through drawing tablets and computers.
“Might be like rubbing salt on the fresh wound,” I said.
“Or it might be motivation. If he makes his art digital, it’s going to be harder to destroy it.”
I burned to say it would never get destroyed again, but I couldn’t guarantee it until I won custody.
“Let’s get him an e-reader and a gift card to buy all the books he wants. Then, we can get him a gaming PC and a drawing tablet. That way, it’s kinda like two sets of gifts. One from you and one from me.”
Vera nodded and took the smaller items, leaving me to haul the heavy computer to the register and then to my car parked down the street. The wanna-be PI trailed behind us. Eh, what the hell, might as well use it as an excuse for another kiss.
I put the computer into the trunk, then pulled Vera to me and gave her a kiss, taking my time to enjoy it properly.
“How about we go for a cup of coffee?” I offered.
Vera nodded to our left. “Coffee shop that way.”
I shouldn’t be this excited over a cup of coffee, especially not after last night, but as fun as sex was, I just enjoyed talking to my girl, seeing how often I could get her to smile, how many jokes she’d crack with a straight face.
“What?” she asked as we sat down at the table in the back of the coffee shop.
I grinned like a fool. "Just the usual. You know, can't keep my eyes off you and all that."
She blushed. "You're not so bad yourself. I’d even say meeting you was the best thing that ever happened to me."
The happy feeling in my chest died the moment I saw the PI sitting two tables down. We were still just faking it. I needed to remember that.
I leaned in and kissed her warm, soft lips.
“I think we’re supposed to order something,” Vera murmured. “Can you get me a latte?”
“Your wish is my command, darling.” Stealing one last kiss, I went to order our drinks.
The PI pretended to read the newspaper, occasionally looking up over the top of it. Someone needed to tell him that news reports were on the phone these days. All he did was draw more attention to himself. That and he gave me an opening to snap a picture of him, then text it to Mince, asking him to find information on the man.
As I returned with our drinks, I sat next to Vera and took her hand, feeling the warmth of her skin.
“So, did you pick out what dresses you wanted me to get you to replace the one I ruined?”
“Not all of them,” she answered. “Maybe we should forget about them. I just want to marry you already.”
"I'd marry you today if we could." I kissed the hand I was holding, right next to the engagement ring.
“Want to go to Vegas?” she asked, a corner of her mouth lifting in a smile.
“And rob you of your fairytale wedding? I can’t do that.” I pushed my phone to her. “Show me what dresses to buy you, darling.”
She showed me her wishlist with a few black and gray dresses, then a navy blue one. Biting her lip, she went to choose purses and shoes, going a little wilder there with a pair of taupe pumps.
I chuckled at her choice. “Get some jewelry, too.”
