Page 11
Story: Mass Sins
BENNIE
Sin
How was it???
Did you have a good time?
Did you go home with him???
Me
I didn’t go home with him, but I kinda wish I did…
It was amazing, honestly. I had a really good time with him.
Sin
I’m so glad to hear! Where did he take you?
Me
To this amazing Italian restaurant called L’Osteria. The place was incredible and the food was SO good.
Sin
Oh! I know that restaurant.
So you got along nicely? What did you guys talk about?
Me
We talked about many things, and he’s such a good listener. Honestly, I don’t know what Tabor’s problem is with his brother, but Joska is such a nice guy.
Sin
Ugh, Tabor’s just being Tabor. I’m glad you didn’t let his words influence your decision on going out with Joska.
Me
Me too! I had the best time, and if I’m honest…I already miss being around him. I usually try not to get too excited about things like this, but I just can’t help but be excited about seeing him again. We already planned our second date on Wednesday.
Sin
Aaah! I’m so happy for you, Bennie. I KNEW you two would get along.
Did you talk about religion at all?
Me
No, not one word, which I thought was fine because I wanted to focus on getting to know him.
Sin
Understandable. So what will you do on Wednesday?
Me
We’ll cook dinner at his place. We found out that we both love to cook, and I figured that would be a fun thing to do.
Sin
Oh, definitely. Sounds great!
Me
I’m excited :)
Oh, I almost forgot to tell you the most exciting thing that happened tonight…
Sin
DID YOU KISS???
Me
LOL
Yes, and it was PERFECT!
Sin
You kissed a hot priest.
Kinda jealous, not gonna lie.
How was it???
Me
SO good! He kisses like a God.
And, honestly, all night long I didn’t think about the fact that he’s twenty years older than me. Dating an older man never even crossed my mind, but it definitely has its benefits.
Sin
Sure does ;)
Hey, let’s talk tomorrow! I’ll come by at lunch.
Me
Okay. Goodnight!
Sin
Sweet (hot priest) dreams!
I laughed and set my phone down to go brush my teeth and put my pajamas on. I couldn’t stop thinking about the date we had, and how intense that kiss had been. Even with the things Tabor had said about him, Joska had proven to me that he was a true gentleman. There were things he was hiding for sure, but the thing was, those things were intriguing to me, and not one bit unappealing.
I wanted to know more about him and find out what he hid on his mysterious side.
Of course, during all this, I did have some doubts.
What if he was just acting this nice to get me to bed?
What if he wanted to use me?
Those thoughts bothered me quite a bit. but like I said, I had good intuition, and deep down, I had a good feeling about this.
It was my mind wanting to hold me back, but my heart was already in. Maybe a bit too far in already, but I had it all under control.
And if he did end up hurting me, I knew Sin and all four of her men would make sure he got what he deserved.
I went back to my bedroom and got under the covers when my phone buzzed on my nightstand.
Father Joska
Still awake?
Me
Yes, but I’m tired. Just got into bed.
Father Joska
I won’t keep you up. Just wanted to tell you that I had a great time tonight. And I can’t wait to see you again.
I smiled at his text.
Was it normal to feel this good about something so soon? Was it okay?
It definitely felt okay.
Me
Me too. Thank you.
Father Joska
No need to thank me, sweetheart.
Sleep tight.
Me
Good night :)
***
The next day, Sin came to the back of the shop to join Dad and me for lunch. She had brought her own food this time, and Dad and I were having Chinese takeout.
I loved our Mondays together, but this one could be different.
Sin wanted to know more about my date with Joska, but I wasn’t sure how open I could be with Dad sitting right next to me. He was a very protective father, and after everything I had been through with the cancer and my ex, he wouldn’t be too keen on accepting a new man into my life.
I had told him about Joska a week ago, and he hadn’t been very happy about it. But maybe with Sin here, he would be a bit more tolerant.
“Did Bennie tell you about the date she went on last night?” Sin asked Dad.
The two of them had a great relationship. Sin was like a third daughter to him, and even when I wasn’t at work, they still hung out at times at lunchtime.
“No, she did not.” He looked at me with a raised brow. “With the priest?”
I finished chewing the noodles in my mouth, and once I swallowed, I said, “Yes, I went on a date with the priest. His name is Joska.”
“That doesn’t matter right now.”
Sin and I shot each other glances after Dad’s direct statement.
“Well…” I started saying, pressing my lips together when I looked at him again. “He was really nice, and I had a really good time.”
“Did he take you to a restaurant?”
“Yes.”
“Where?”
“L’Osteria. It’s this kinda fancy Italian restaurant.”
“Did he pick you up?”
“Yes, and he paid for the food and he also drove me back home,” I assured him, knowing those would’ve been his next question.
He studied me with his brown eyes. There was a crease between his brows, telling me how unfazed he was. “Does he wear a white collar when he’s not at work?”
Sin laughed, and I rolled my eyes. “No, he doesn’t. I haven’t seen him wearing it yet. He’s a normal guy.”
“He’s a priest.”
“So what?”
Dad shrugged. “Nothing. Just wanted to point it out. I think it’s funny.”
I sighed as Dad winked at Sin. He was trying to mess with me. Only he was allowed to.
“I had a really good time, and I’m seeing him again on Wednesday. We’re cooking dinner together at his pace.”
“Sure you want that?” Dad asked, raising a brow at me. “Do you trust him that much already?”
“Yes.” I frowned at him. I knew he only meant well, but he needed to take a step back before I changed my mind about Joska. “I trust him more than I ever trusted Shawn.”
I hated to say my ex’s name, and Dad knew that, but I had to make a point. Sighing again, I lowered my gaze and stabbed my noodles with my fork. “I have a good feeling about him, and I know he won’t treat me badly. Not with his brother existing.”
“That’s for sure! Tabor wouldn’t let it slip if Joska played with your feelings. Me and the other guys wouldn’t let that pass either. Don’t you worry about that, Connor.”
I looked up again to see Dad eyeing Sin carefully. There were many more questions he wanted to ask about Joska, but when he looked at me and saw my silent plea not to ruin this for me, he kept those questions to himself.
“Fine. Just know that I’ll be the first to hurt him if he breaks your heart.”
I smiled tightly and put my hand on his arm. “I know, Daddy.”
But he wouldn’t have to.
I was sure of that.