She grimaced at that. “I don’t even know what I’m gonna do next, so maybe it was irresponsible to quit before I have something else lined up, but I almost don’t care. I need to be… free. I need to live a life that I’m proud of, and I can’t do that while I’m there.”
Slowly, she turned to look at Markus. He studied her face, eyes flicking across her features.
“I understand completely,” he said.
“Really?” she said and laughed. “Because I have no clue what I’ll do next. It’s scary.”
“But it has to be thrilling as well, right? You’re taking your life into your own hands, screw the unknown.” He hadn’t touched his wine or a snap pea. In fact, all he’d really done since sitting down was look at her.
“Yeah.” She snapped a pea in half with a loud crack. “It is.”
“Well,” Tracey said. “What did you want to do when you were a kid?”
“Good question.” She frowned, thinking hard about it. “I always liked playing school and house. I love children.”
Tracey pressed her hand to her heart. “That’s sweet. I bet you’re good with them.”
“I can’t attest to that.” She laughed. “Though my sister does trust me with her kids.”
“And where do they live?” Tracey asked, finishing up the rest of the peas in the blink of an eye.
“Here. In Jacksonville. I don’t get to see them that much, though. Veronica is a stay-at-home mom, and I work so late. Her bedtime is super early compared to mine, because her toddler gets her up at, like, five.”
Having more opportunities to see Veronica and the kids would be the best part about quitting HW.
“And what about your parents?” Tracey asked.
She hesitated. “My mom retired to Mexico. She visits here at least twice a year, though.”
Tracey nodded. Thank God she didn’t ask about Viv’s dad. She’d managed to forget about the letter for a little bit. It would be great to keep that going.
“Markus, the grill should be ready for the skewers.” His mom wiped her hands on her apron.
“Got it.” He stood and looked down at Viv. “Wanna keep me company?”
“Sure.”
He pulled a plate of veggie skewers from the fridge, and together they went out back, leaving Tracey to start the snap peas on the stove.
“Wow,” Viv said as soon as she stepped onto the back patio.
Though the house itself was pretty modest, the pool and backyard were extremely sizable. Not only that, but there was also a great view of the ocean. As Markus opened up the grill, she sipped her wine and admired the view.
“It’s really nice here.”
His half-smile made her weak in the knees. “Yeah. It was always her dream to live at the ocean.”
“Where did you live when you were a kid?”
“This apartment. That apartment.” He finished putting the skewers on and closed the grill.
“She seems like a great mom.”
“She’s the best.” Folding his arms across his chest, he looked out across the yard. “I’m lucky to have her. Especially considering my dad was never around.”
Viv’s grip on the wine glass tightened. “I haven’t seen my dad in fifteen years.”
“Where is he?”
She couldn’t meet his eyes. “He’s as good as gone.”
A silence followed the statement.
“Viv…” The edge of his hand brushed hers. “I really meant what I said about wanting to stay with you the other morning.”
Her breathing sped up. “Is it really about your job? It’s not about something else?”
“Like what?”
“Any number of things. Say, you’re not looking to get involved with someone. I know we just met, but I want to put out there that one-night stands aren’t my thing. I was really hoping our night would turn into a morning, and, if things went well, another day.”
His throat rolled with a swallow. “I was, too. The only thing my leaving was about was me knowing I might not be good enough for you.”
She frowned. “Why don’t you let me be the judge of that?”
His lips twitched. She couldn’t tell if they were headed in the direction of a frown or a smile.
“I can tell you have high expectations for yourself,” she said. “That’s admirable, but lighten up a little, okay? I think you’re a good guy.”
“Even if I do magic?” His eyebrow lifted in question.
She threw her head back with laughter. “I like that you do magic.”
“It’s not weird?”
“It’s cute.” Since his hand was still only an inch away, it was easy for her fingers to find his.
“Thanks for coming tonight.”
“Thank you for having me.” She glanced over her shoulder. The sliding door was closed. It didn’t seem that Tracey could hear them. “I was pretty surprised when your mom invited me.”
“I’m glad you said yes.” Lacing their fingers tighter, he stepped closer. “Can I ask you to another something?”
“What’s that?” She tilted her head back to look at him.
“Dinner with me next weekend.”
She bit into a smile. “That sounds nice.”
“Saturday night?”
It felt forever away, but she nodded. “Saturday, it is.”
“Great.” With a smile on, he went back to the grill and turned the skewers.
Feeling the happiest she had in weeks, Viv closed her eyes and embraced the breeze and sun on her face. How crazy that she’d run into Markus again.
No, maybe not crazy.
Maybe perfect.
Chapter 7
Viv
The week dragged by, its lethargy probably exacerbated by the knowledge that soon HW Pharma would be in the rearview mirror. Except when Markus texted her a few times during the week, they didn’t talk much. By the time Saturday arrived, she felt like she might explode.
“And how many times did he apologize?” Veronica asked.
Cruz was home that night, watching the kids for a couple hours while the sisters went to have their nails done.
“Isn’t once enough?” Viv perused the salon’s shelves of nail colors and picked out a light pink. Perfect for both hands and feet.
“I dunno. I want to make sure he meant it.” Veronica grabbed a bright red and they made their way to their seats. “When can I meet him?”
“Veronica!” Viv laughed. “This is only our first date.” She frowned. “Second? Third? We haven’t known each other that long, is what I’m trying to say. It’s a little early to ask him to meet my family.”
“It’s never too early.”
They were quiet for a minute as the girls who worked at the salon started on their hands.
“Can I at least get a pic?” Veronica asked.
Viv groaned. “Oh my God.”
“You love it.”
“You didn’t tell Mom about my date, did you? Because she’s exactly like you. She’ll be calling and begging for every detail.”