Victor's mysterious Fangs

23

•Aria•

"Just promise you won't freak out, okay?"

My dad's eyebrows furrowed as he sat down next to me, concern etched on his face. "What happened?" he asked, his voice laced with worry.

I began to explain to my dad about my injured ankle then somehow it took a turn when I told him about Vic's house fire.

"But don't worry," Vic gave him a glance. He was still standing by the door with his back against the wall. "I'm going to stay a hotel for a few days until it's fixed."

The wheels turned in my head as I processed this information. I knew he was probably thinking about the financial burden of staying in a hotel for a few days. But before he could say anything, I jumped in, "Nonsense," I felt my face wrinkling. I gave dad my best puppy eyes, "Dad, he can stay with us right? He was the one to bring me here," I pleaded.

Jack sighed, "Fine."

"Yay," I squealed, "Now we'll have help around the house. We both need it," I squeezed my fathers hand.

Victor chimed in, "The nurses said you're going home tomorrow."
My dad smiled, "I'm just glad I'm getting one new neighbor instead of two."

"What?" I asked.
"You know Gladys works here," my dad explained, "she told me they finally sold the first house on the block."

"Oh? That's nice. So it's just one person in such a big house?"

"I guess so honey. Gladys didn't really say," my dad reclined the bed. "I'm tired, Aria."

"Okay dad. We'll be back tomorrow to bring you home," I squeezed his hand again.
"Be careful clutz," my dad said with his eyes closed. "And thanks again Victor."

"No problem," Vic held the door open for me. Once we were at the exit, I turned to Vic, "What are we going to do now? Should we go house shopping and buy the stuff you need to fix your home?"

"Worrywart," he said.
"Whatever," I rolled my eyes.
"Food?" He asked. I perked up at the mention of the word.
"Yes!"

"How about we go to Rucci's?" He suggested. My jaw dropped, "You're not serious. Rucci's expensive."

"But I am. And money is no issue. Just like the house is no issue."

"You love that house," I retorted. I pulled the passenger door open to his truck and got inside.

"How would you know?" He asked.
"If you didn't love it here, you would have moved a long time ago. And that's saying a lot for a old vampire."

"You know too much," he gave me a side eye. The ride to Rucci's was quick and the valet parking was just the kicker.

"There is no way you're taking me Rucci's right now," I pinched myself.

"Stop that. Make yourself look crazy then I look crazy," he ushered me along through the tall, glass doors. The hot, heavy scent of heavenly food filled the spacious venue; the chatter and clatter of silverware complimented the subtle music playing in the background.

"Vic," I whispered in a panic.
He couldn't help but laugh at me and I think that was the first time his smile ever reached his eyes. I whipped my head away, embarrassed at my rosy cheeks. "It's fine," his deep, melodic voice calmed me. "It's just fine dining," he pulled me along as we followed behind our waitress. She led us upstairs to a golden room, with golden tables, occupied by only a few people. We followed her to our table in the corner. "My name is Rachel. Could I start you off with today's special, giant lobster with jumbo shrimp and potatoes?"

"Yes," I said immediately. Rachel smiled as she jotted down what I wanted into her notepad.

"And for you sir?" She turned to Victor. I watched Rachel swallow and push her hair behind her ear. She brought the pen up to the notepad, giving him her entire attention. She waited for Victor to finish flipping through the menu. When he finally spoke, he was still looking down.