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9
Robert
“The meeting with the insurance company didn’t go as easy as I thought,” I said to Richard while driving to Danielle’s house. “Seems that they have questions regarding how the fire was started.”
“I thought the police determined it was sent intentionally,” he said.
“They did. I guess the insurance company is not going to pay until I am ruled out as a suspect,” I stated.
“You’re not serious, are you?”
“Richard, you have no idea what bullshit I have gone through today. And when I called the detectives in charge of the investigation, they said they could not provide me with the details of what the insurance company is looking for. What the hell does that mean? Do you think they believe I hired that woman to torch my place?”
He was calm when he responded, and it only made it worse. “Unfortunately, I believe they do.”
“How the fuck am I going to prove that I’m not?” I asked. And before he could say anything I snapped, “And don’t tell me to pray. That’s your job.”
“Robert, why don’t you come to the rectory and have dinner with me. We can calmly discuss your options.”
“I can’t,” I replied.
“Why not?”
“Not that it’s any of your business, but I have a date,” I replied.
“That’s nothing new. But this is more important than a date,” he said.
He wasn’t wrong. Yet after the day I had, I needed to see Danielle. For some reason I felt more relaxed when I was with her. Also felt sexually frustrated, but that was my own doing. She’d been willing and I shut it down. I really am fucking stressed when a gorgeous woman is willing to have sex with me and I stop it.
“It’s too late. She’s already expecting me.”
“I’m sure it’s not the first time you cancelled at the last minute. I’m sure whoever it is, will understand,” Richard stated.
“Danielle probably would, but I’m not cancelling,” I said.
“You mean Danielle Clarkson?”
“Yes. I took your advice and we talked,” I stated.
“And now you’re dating? Wow, maybe I should give you advice more often. I just never thought you’d ever listen to any of it,” he said. Even on the phone, I swear I could hear him smiling.
“You got lucky once, don’t push it,” I warned.
“You could always bring her with you to dinner,” he suggested.
I burst out laughing. “I can’t think of a less romantic time than having dinner at a church rectory with your twin brother, who is a priest.”
“Yet you’re dating her only because I nudged you along,” he said in a serious tone.
I couldn’t believe he was taking credit for it. At least I didn’t have to worry about him being my competition. “I’m pulling up to her house now, so I have to let you go.”
“Robert, I know you don’t want to hear this right now, but you need to focus on the restaurant. I might have only met Danielle briefly, but she struck me as a person who would support you doing so and be there for you when it is over.”
“Thanks, Richard. I’ll call you tomorrow and give you any new information that I learn.”
I ended the call and grabbed my phone off the dashboard. Then picked up the assorted bouquet I had grabbed at the florist on my way and headed to her door. I couldn’t recall the last time I purchased flowers for a woman that wasn’t due to a special occasion like a birthday or holiday. I hadn’t planned on doing that today, but I had been stopped at a redlight, and when I looked over and saw the flowers, they made me think of her.
God, what is going on with me? I don’t have time for this type of distraction right now. Hell, I never want this in my life.
