Page 19 (1/2)

Hilary rang the bell a h as the next uys that sat across fro to write ho but ca problelued to an on the other hand appeared to be having a , and …atthe hell out of an took a seat at the table next tomy direction The woe I’d never seen her around town before, but sitting so close to her all night I quickly learned she was both flirty and touchy with most the men that sat with her

"Hi, I’m Vanessa," the woman told him, her smile all teeth as she looked him over I tried to not pay attention, but Mr Gifford the town barber was now seated across froan replied and I suddenly felt aard eavesdropping Mr Gifford cleared his throat pulling my attention back to hi" The oldave a painful tight smile "Thanks, Mr Gifford," I said politely Why was he even here? He was old enough to be randfather for Christ’s sake

"Please, callin to place his hand overhim an assertive scowl

"So tell er for infor to hear his answer as well "Ruan sat quietly for a briefin his hand before tilting his head and catching htened into not notice "I’d rather talk about you, Vanessa, what do you do for a living?" Logan’s reply ca I’d never heard before

He didn’t seem to want to talk about Oliver, and I found an spouting out about how she was a chef at restaurant a fens over left h to sht back at him He chuckled atDa? It wasn’t likeback at Mr Gifford, I didn’t listen for his reply Sal was drinking a bottle of i picture I’d forever have engraved into ered around the tip Das you out so late?" I asked deciding to make the most of the final few minutes with him

"I may be a bit older than you, honey, but that doesn’t mean I don’t kno to have fun," he slurred, his eyes dark and clouded as they traveled toto spew fro tohard to s it against the pressure of revulsion For the first tian was in front of et over to this table, you know," Sal said, grinning like a Cheshire cat

I made a face, not sure how to take his comment "Hmm, really That’s…" I had no clue how I felt about his confession I gave an unco drink hoping to dull his io on back toarita spat across the table "What!"

I struggled to control lass and reached for the napkin in front of me to wipe my mouth

Did he really just say that? His wife died not even a year ago not to ive me a quarter when I was a kid

Sal seemed unfazed yet the sounds frori up and down, laughing hysterically I shot hi to cousted by themy table

"Come on, baby, let me show you how a real man treats a lady," Sal said, oblivious to my apparent revulsion and the liquid in front of hi it on my knee I froze, my body painfully still and eyes wide as his wrinkled, calloused hand slipped quickly up an was out of his chair, standing behind Sal with his hands on the old h fun with Cassandra tonight"