I’d had dinner with his family before, but my relationship with Damien hadn’t been as concrete then as it was now. I didn’t even have my own bedroom anymore because I slept with him instead. I was his girlfriend now, so being around his family was a whole different dynamic. I knew I shouldn’t be nervous since Catalina and I got along anyway, and his father seemed to enjoy my company, but I was nervous all the same.
Dinner was quiet and uneventful. Catalina talked about rehearsals that week, and Richard hung on every word she said. Both men seem to be fascinated by her, teasing her but so proud at the same time. It made me wonder what Damien’s mother had been like, since her absence was constantly felt.
Damien was quiet, staying mute while the conversation continued. He enjoyed his wine and his dinner and stayed away from the bread basket in the center, not that there was anything in it since Catalina and I had demolished it.
After dinner, Damien and his father went to the other side of the room to play a game of chess. Richard stared at the board so intently as he thought about every move before he made it. Damien didn’t even try, which was impressive because he actually played pretty well. They left Catalina and me alone at the dinner table, enjoying the tiramisu because Damien didn’t want any and Richard wasn’t allowed to have sugar anymore.
“How’s it going with that guy?” I knew she’d gotten the man’s number at the restaurant and called him, but I didn’t know what had happened after that.
“Good. He’s good in bed, but he’s a dull conversationalist. But I guess it doesn’t matter. I don’t like to talk much either.”
I raised an eyebrow. “You talk more than anyone I know.”
“Well, I talk a lot to my friends. But guys I’m seeing? Not so much. I go out with guys for the D. Gossiping, shopping, dancing is reserved for only friends.” She took a small bite of tiramisu but left most of it untouched, probably because she couldn’t weigh more than a certain amount. Otherwise, her job would be in jeopardy. “I mean, are you really with Damien because of those long conversations over dinner? No. My brother is as dull as they come.”
I appreciated her friendship and I wanted us to remain close, but I didn’t want to bash Damien, especially when I didn’t agree with her insults, even if they were jokes. “He’s not dull.”
She rolled her eyes. “Sure…”
“He’s not. He’s the smartest, most loyal, most interesting man I’ve ever met. He’s my best friend.”
“That’s sweet. But I still think he’s dull. And I also don’t think there’s anything wrong with a woman only wanting a man for physical reasons. That’s exactly how men are, wanting a woman for the weekend as a lover and nothing more. It’s how I feel about most men. They’re fun for a while…but then I get bored.”
I never got bored of Damien. And, even after a lifetime, I suspected I never would.
“So, have you heard from your douchebag ex-husband?”
I didn’t argue with her insult that time. Liam deserved it. “Not for a while. I hope that last interaction will make him cool off. He pretty much got his ass handed to him by a chick.”
“If he ever wants to go again, tell him he can call me.” She took another bite of her dessert. “So how are things going with Damien? I don’t want any details…if you catch my meaning.”
“Really good.” It was hard not to smile and think about the way I slept beside him every night, the way he kissed me goodbye in the morning before he left for work, the way we’d demolished that pizza together in front of the TV. I felt so right that I wondered how being with Liam had ever felt right.
Catalina studied me for a while, her brown hair pinned back into a pretty updo. “That smile on your face says it’s more than good.” She reached her hand out to my arm and gave it a gentle pat. “And I’m happy for you. I’m happy for my brother too because he’s been alone for so long, and the older he gets, the grouchier he gets, like an old man. He needed to find a good woman before it was too late.”
Damien was such a catch, and he could have any woman he wanted, regardless of his age. He was seeing a supermodel before I left Liam, and every guy wanted Charlotte to be the woman in their arms. I considered myself a major step down from her, but Damien wanted me instead.
“So, when are you going to be able to go outside? Because we should go get a drink sometime. I know you’re tied down now, but you can always help me pick up a sexy guy.”