Sleight of Hand - Sanders Sides

Chapter Twelve

Roman rushed out of Remy's with a somber feeling resting in his stomach. He hated the idea of leaving Patton in the coffee bar, especially when he admitted he didn't like it. But Patton felt comfortable with Remy being there. And Remy agreed to give him a ride home, so hopefully Roman could rest easier. And he would, knowing Patton felt safe and secure.

Roman ran quickly down the street, trying to map out the best way to get to his destination. While Roman could've taken the bus, he knew there was almost no point. His destination was right between two different stops so walking, or in his case, running was the best way. Roman rounded the corner and slowed his pace to a walk. He wanted to seem like he didn't just sprint to his dinner date with his younger cousin and that he had planned on actually showing up.

Eventually, the magician came face to face with an illuminated restaurant sign barely attached to a rickety old building. Family Feast House the sign read. Roman's lip curled up to a smile, memories of a similar time rushing through his mind.

The magician opened the door to the joint and walked inside. He took one breath of the classic family diner smell that roamed around the place like a spirit. Everything looked the same since 15 years ago. The Sparx family was always very busy. Both, Virgil's mom and Roman's parents were always working or asleep after a long day of work. But, whenever they got a break, it was a family treat to go out and enjoy dinner and, sometimes, a movie. Virgil and Roman always wanted to go here. Not necessarily because the food was great, but because the atmosphere was always perfect for a calm family night.

The paint covered walls were the same color and the floor was still covered in the classic chessboard pattern. His eyes landed on his anxious cousin sitting at a table by himself. Roman's heart fell a little bit, he hoped he had been awaiting his arrival for too long.

The young man walked over to the table. Virgil's face lit up as Roman took his seat. "Glad you made it," Virgil greeted.

"Yeah. Sorry, I hope you weren't waiting too long for me. I was just...somewhere nearby." Roman said, his cheeks hitting up. He rubbed the back of his neck, turning his bright red face away from the pale man.

"Oooooh. Were you on a date with Patton?" Virgil jokingly gushed, tapping his fingers on the table. Roman just chuckled in response but that was enough to confirm Virgil's thoughts.

The waiter came around, taking their orders. Roman and Virgil decided to share a pizza. Something they always used to do as kids whenever their parents brought them here. "So then...you are dating him, right?" Virgil clarified.

"Yes, Virge." Roman nodded.

"Well, I'm happy for you. He seems like a good match for you." Virgil smirked, taking a sip of his water.

"Yeah. He's great." Roman agreed. "Hey, how's Logan? I haven't seen him since the last show." Virgil nearly choked on his water. He removed the glass from his lips and began coughing. Roman's mind filled with panic but his body was paralyzed. The younger man stopped his coughing fit, clearing his throat, "I'm okay. S-Sorry about that." He subsided. "Uh...about Logan..."

"Oh no, did you two break up?!" Roman blurted. Virgil shook his head, giving Roman wide eyes.

"No no. Far from that. He's uh...actually mad at you." Virgil nervously squeaked out. Roman's face read confusion. Logan? Mad at him? He was mad at him for being late to that one show, but that felt like ages ago.

"Do you know why?" Roman asked.

"Well...I guess someone told him that you only hired him as your stage manager for the tour out of pity. That you hired him because he was family. And that you never appreciated his hard work." Roman's eyes widened with shock. "I know, that's what I thought. I told Logan that he must've heard the person wrong but he swears by what he hears. And you know how stubborn Lo is." Virgil mumbled, messing with the napkin in his lap. Roman was in awe. Who had told this to him?

The waiter brought out the pizza, breaking the two from the awkward silence that was resting heavily between them. Virgil quickly grabbed a piece and shoved it in his mouth. He quickly removed the hot pizza slice and started fanning his tongue to cool it off. Roman just blankly watched him. Roman could tell that was just an attempt to cheer Roman up. "Come on! Don't make me suffer without a LITTLE giggle!" Virgil pleaded. This made Roman laugh.

The magician straightened his back and grabbed a slice as well. "I'm sorry I told you that." Virgil finally said. "I shouldn't have. At least, not right before dinner."

"It's okay. I needed to know. Maybe I can find him and apologize. Do you know who told him this?"

"Logan said, he was some odd fellow with a yellow iris on his left side." Virgil shrugged. It was Roman's turn to choke on his meal. He grabbed his water and washed down his pizza, clearing his throat. "That was a little dramatic," Virgil added.

"Well now you know how it feels." Roman retorted. The magician continued to eat like nothing was wrong. He laughed at his cousin's stories and genuinely had a good time. He pushed away the new information about Logan, even though he could feel it weigh heavily upon him.

He paid the bill for his cousin. As soon as Virgil's Uber arrived and drove him back to his apartment, Roman pulled out his phone and texted Patton. Hey, get to the competition early tomorrow. I have something I need to tell you!