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Holding his hand, I feel a mutual understanding at this moment. “I get it.”
A knock at the door draws our attention. “I’ll get it. It’s probably the food.”
I snag my wallet from my bag as I pull the door open. I offer the delivery guy a nod and tell him to keep the change. My mouth salivates with the smell of orange chicken, fried rice, and pork lo mein. I hand the food to Victor, who has found a place on the blankets. He grasps my hands and pulls me down between his legs. I shuffle around to get more comfortable, resting my back against his chest. His arms wrap around me, his head dips down and his lips rest next to my ear.
“I like the fact that you’re not a part of my world. You are a rare diamond and it could have ruined you.”
He likes me for me. I’m struggling to navigate this area.
“I can appreciate that.” Biting my lip, I know I shouldn’t ask this next question, but, “Do you have plans tomorrow?”
“No.” He takes the remote and searches Netflix. “What’s the plan?”
“There’s someone I want you to meet.”
“Can I have a hint?” He eyes me curiously.
“Nope.” I give him a warning eye.
“Okay, baby.” I sigh with relief that he’s not pushing. “Now, what’s on TV?”
“Oh, The Office. It’s my favorite.” I insist.
“I’ve never seen it.” He presses play and drops the remote.
We each take up a container of food and chopsticks, and promptly stuff our faces like we did at breakfast. Victor chuckles at the slapstick comedy. He wishes the office environment was more like that, but acknowledges that it’s not realistic.
It’s nice to be here at this moment. I am glad he didn’t push further about tomorrow because it will be a test of patience.
Chapter 13
Collins
Last night, he held me in his arms as we watched TV and snacked on takeout. As much as I tried to deny my feelings for this man, my heart was falling fast. So, I made the decision that if I’m going to let him in, there is one person he needs to meet.
After getting dressed, I drive us to the assisted living facility. Victor hasn’t asked about where we are going, and I am thankful for that. Having to explain this place and who we are meeting would start me on a path of talking myself out of this decision. Pulling into the parking lot, he sees the sign and turns his whole body to me.
“Are you sure?” He looks over with concern.
I shake my head. I really am not one hundred percent sure. But I can’t imagine pursuing anything further with Victor if he can’t understand that this is a significant part of my life. “No, but is this okay? You don’t have to come, I just thought…”
“Thank you, Collins. I’m sure this isn’t easy for you.” Victor reaches over, giving my hand a gentle squeeze.
I can’t find the strength to look at him. This confidence I have will dissolve at the slightest glance. One last sigh and I force myself out of my truck. Keeping my head down, I walk to the front doors of the building. My heart throbs in my chest at the fear he might not follow. Against my better judgment, I look back to find him catching up with me. I release a refreshing breath of relief. He takes my hand in his, giving it a hard squeeze. The tension I was holding was slowly leaving my body.
From the moment we walk through the front doors, I’m introducing him to several people that he’s already seen down at the shop. Every corner we turn and nurse’s station we pass, he’s winning the staff over. His bright smile has each person fawning over him. We get to the hallway to my mom’s room when he stops me.
“All these people that you introduced me to, I’ve seen them come to the shop.”
I nod. “We give them discounts or do work for free. They do a lot here, but they don’t make a lot of money. It’s part of our way to help take care of them because they take care of her.”
His eyes soften at my admission. The way he’s looking at me is breaking down the wall I so carefully built up. I push open the door to my mom’s room. She is sitting in her favorite chair by the window that overlooks the garden.
Her once honey-blonde hair is now a beautiful shade of silver, cropped into a bob just above her shoulders. I used to love brushing each long strand after one of her long days. After her accident, it was easier to maintain shorter.
I walk in and sit across from her. Victor sits next to me and patiently waits.
“Hey Mom, this is Victor. He’s a close friend of mine. I sent a fruit basket yesterday. Did you get it?” I attempt a conversation with her, knowing that it won’t go anywhere.
