long line, but he’d helped her. He’d opened up a till, been nice to her, only to close it once they had finished.
The next time, she’d gone to the bank with Nathan. He’d given her the same treatment, but he’d been more polite, constantly looking down at her finger.
She was still married.
Simon hadn’t divorced her ass yet.
Maybe now she should file the papers. The thought shot a pain through her body, but why not?
Simon was out fighting, getting over killing a man by killing other men. She’d gotten Daisy to show her the footage. It had taken a couple of bribes and the bonds of sisterhood and friendship, but it had been worth it. She’d stood with her best friend and watched Simon.
He was bigger, harder, more muscular, but there was no mistaking who that was or what he was doing. He was a fighter. He’d found some kind of peace in fucking killing people. All this time she’d been waiting for him to return, taking each day at a time, waiting, wondering when he’d come back, and this was her payment. So much for waiting for the love of her life.
They were supposed to be together forever and always. That was their thing.
“You are going to love this Italian place. Their Bolognese is just the best.”
She glanced over at him. This date was going to be a disaster. He’d picked an Italian place, just like Simon had for their date. She didn’t want to make comparisons, but she couldn’t seem to help it.
“So Tiny tells me you like gardening.”
Her father had seen her in the garden once, and that was to try to organize her on this date. She didn’t like gardening at all. It was a necessary evil. “Yep. Don’t like weeds growing in my yard.”
“Is that what you want to do as a professional?”
“No. I like to keep my yard tidy and it keeps my son happy.” She didn’t want to talk about her son. Unless it got him off her case. If he told Tiny the date was awful, her father would back off. It would be a win-win for her.
Folding her arms, she released a sigh. “Are we there yet? I’m starving. I forgot to eat earlier. I made Nathan some pasta. I’m not big on the whole Italian. Nathan farted in—”
Niles started to laugh, which she didn’t like. As she stared at him, he didn’t stop. “Want to tell me what is so funny?”
“Your father. He told me that you’re not the easiest woman to get along with. He also advised me that you might try to be a bit of a pain.”
“And you still wanted to go on a date with me?” she asked.
“I doubt it escaped your notice that I’m always on the main floor when you enter.”
She had seen him. “You’re a stalker.”
“No. I’m not a stalker. I like you, Tabitha. I just didn’t know how to approach you.”
“Look, I want to be straight with you. I didn’t want this date.”
“I know. You don’t have to make it bad for either of us.”
“I don’t want to give you the wrong impression. Believe me. There’s no chance here.”
“Is this because of Nathan’s father?”
She didn’t know who Nathan’s father was. Simon or Ryan. Both were the same problem. “You could say that.”
“I’m not a bad guy. Yes, I am a pompous ass. I make a good living and I’m a workaholic. My life has been in that bank, but when I look at you, Tabitha, I see a great deal and I just, let me at least take you on this date as friends. Can you give me that?” he asked.
She wanted to tell him no. “You’re not … you’re not going to assume that if I say yes that it will mean we’re going to be dating all the time?”
Niles laughed. “You certainly know how to make a guy feel special.”
She thought of Luke. “I don’t want you to get the wrong idea. I don’t see this going anywhere. I have a son. A whole lot of issues with his father. To be frank, if I get my hands on him, there’s a chance I’m going to beat the crap out of him.” Tabitha nibbled on her lip. “You and I, we don’t mesh well.”
“Then let’s have a nice meal between friends. I won’t expect a second date and you can be assured I will enjoy the food and the company, but not expect anything else.”
“Okay, Niles. You surprise me.”
“I have that