not trying to weasel a free lunch out of you.”
Roman laughed. “Even if you were, I’d have gladly paid for it.”
After getting extra ketchup for their fries, they took their trays with their burgers, drinks and fries on them and walked over to a small gathering of tiny tables set back in an alcove next to the snack bar. As they placed their food on a table and sat down, a dangerous looking male with tattoos covering his arms and snaking out of the neck of his teeshirt walked past. He made brief eye contact with Roman, Roman paused in arranging his food on his tray and met the man’s eyes, then the man continued on his way.
Patrick noticed and raised an eyebrow at Roman. “Friend of yours?”
Roman met Patrick’s gaze and schooled his face into no expression at all. He thought about not answering and then finally offered him a tight smile. “Who?”
“The guy with the tattoos,” Patrick said.
“Didn’t see a guy with tattoos,” Roman answered.
Slowly Patrick’s mouth turned up at the corners until he was full on smiling. “I guess I didn’t either.”
Patrick intentionally kept Roman’s mind occupied, asking about what he did for a living, and about Basilio, and eventually Darcie and how she was acclimating to her new life. Before Roman realized it, almost two hours had passed, and Patrick was smiling at him like he knew a secret Roman didn’t know.
“What?” Roman asked.
“Welcome to the rest of your life, Roman,” Patrick said.
“Huh?” Roman asked.
Patrick lifted his chin to indicate that Roman should turn and look behind himself.
Roman’s stomach dropped with nervousness as he decided maybe he shouldn’t have eaten that burger after all. He turned and looked behind him, and there she was, holding a box in her hands as she stood with Ms. Goodman and Sheryl, waiting for him to turn and see her.
Talie was dressed in the clothes Roman had bought for her, and he’d been right; the pale green of her sweater offset her dark, rich, red hair beautifully. The sweater was over-sized and fit her just right with the black jeggings she had on.
“Talie,” he said, standing and starting toward her.
Talie dropped her box to the floor and started toward him. It seemed like time stood still as he lifted her off her feet and held her close.
Talie was crying, but happily, and she buried her face in Roman’s neck as he simply stood where he was holding her tight, letting her scent and the warmth of her body seep into him.
Patrick shared a smile with Ms. Goodman, then walked over to Roman and Talie.
Ms. Goodman picked up Talie’s box and met him there with Sheryl at her side.
“You did very well today, counselor,” Ms. Goodman said, watching Roman and Talie being reunited.
“That’s what I said,” Patrick answered.
Talie was trying to hold onto Roman as tightly as she could, and he was holding onto her, too.
“Hi,” Roman finally said, leaning back enough to see her face.
“Hi,” she answered.
“Ready to go home?” he asked.
“Soooo ready!” she answered.
“Don’t forget your box!” Ms. Goodman said.
“I’ll take that,” Sheryl offered.
“Your papers are inside it, two copies. I suggest you place them in two separate places for safe keeping. If you need anything, my card is in there, too,” Ms. Goodman said, handing the box to Sheryl.
“Thank you,” Talie answered.
“You’re very welcome, honey. Good luck,” Ms. Goodman said before heading back to her office.
“And you know how to get a hold of me,” Patrick said.
“I certainly do. I’ll be in touch just to say hello,” Roman said.
“Excellent! I want to know you’re both happy and well. But for now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go catch Ms. Autry before she leaves the building,” Patrick said.
“You asking her out?” Roman teased.
“No, but I thought I might offer her a position with my firm,” Patrick said. “You two enjoy your drive home. I wish you every happiness,” Patrick said.
Roman placed Talie back on her feet but kept one arm around her. “If you ever, ever need anything at all. Don’t hesitate to contact me.”
“You know I will,” Patrick said, giving Talie a quick hug and shaking Roman’s hand. “Drive safe,” Patrick said before walking away.
“I told you it wouldn’t be long,” Sheryl said, smiling at Talie.
“You did,” Talie said.
“I’m happy for you, girl,” Sheryl said. Then she looked at Roman. “And I’m happy for you,” she said.
“Thank you,” Roman said, his nostrils flaring as he scented the air, realizing what Sheryl was. “Thank you for everything