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"I spent so long in a haze. It felt good to be finally free. Sorry, Sera, you didn't ask for a history lesson."
"But I wanted one. You just saved me the awkwardness of figuring out how to ask."
"I wanted to share it with you, because, well…" Victor sighs. "I doubted you because of your connection to TechGuard. When Luke told me what happened, I felt like an old ass."
"That's half right," I say.
Victor laughs ruefully. "But look at him. I mean – you've brought something out in him. You haven't smiled like this since you were a kid, Luke."
Sera's cheeks flush as she looks at me. "Did you tell him to say that?"
"Actually, he's being far more talkative than I expected."
"He's right. Let's get some food in me to shut me up."
"No, please," Sera says. "I want to know howmiserablehe was before he met me."
"You say that as a joke," Victor replies. "But sometimes, I genuinely feared for his happiness. He had all the trappings of a billionaire's life… but none of the indulgences. He didn't take extravagant trips or pursue relationships. He worked, and that was mostly it."
"The fact is, Sera," I say, nodding in agreement, "before Vegas, work was all I wanted to do. I'd often tell myself, well, if I don't get to live, at least my employees do. And they rely on me. Plus, there's joy in the simple act of work itself."
"But now he's found somebody that brings him more joy. Isn't that right?"
"Yes, Victor, my suddenly very sentimental old friend, it is. Let's get some food in you. Breakfast tacos?"
"That sounds perfect," Sera says.
I gesture for the waiter, and we order breakfast tacos, coffee, and some iced tea.
"So, Sera, do you plan on introducing this starry-eyed young man toyourpare… What, why are you looking at me like that?"
In fact, I'm shaking my head at Victor.
"It's fine," Sera tells me, then turns to Victor. "I haven't spoken to my parents in two years. They've been addicts since I can remember. The last time I saw them, I told them that when they got sober, they could reach out. And yeah, that was two years ago, so…" She shrugs. "Since we're sharing… sometimes I think about contacting them. But if they can't make the effort, and they never have, why should I? That's why I want a family."
My heart races, emotion surging through me when she says this.
"You want to do better," Victor says.
"Exactly," Sera replies, her eyes lighting up.
Victor gives me a knowing look. "You've often said the same."
"I would do everything in my power to be the man my children deserve," I say. "I'd be better than my parents were."
"We're not very good at small talk, are we?" Sera grins.
"That's my fault," Victor says, holding his hand up in surrender. "Let me think… um, the weather is pleasant today, isn't it?"
"Oh, yes," Sera says, with exaggerated enthusiasm. "Very… West Coast."
They both erupt into laughter. Warmth spreads through me. My father figure and my woman bonding so quickly surely means something. Soon, the waiter brings our food and drinks.
"How long do you plan on staying in this small-talk-worthy climate, Sera?" Victor asks after savoring a bite of his taco.
"I'm not sure."
"As long as she wants," I say, gazing at her meaningfully, hopefully.