An Unlocked Mind (Secrets #2)(31)
“The company who owns the building provided the garden for its workforce. There’s a crèche too, which might explain why there are so many kids here.” Vic pointed to the bridge that spanned the small pond. It was exactly as he described it. A small wooden trestle over a tiny body of water, filled with water lilies. “That’s my favorite project.”
“That one?” The children ran around, playing tag, and Rob could understand Vic’s love of the space.
“The best thing for me is that I went to my boss with some suggestions about the place. He liked them and asked me to help design it. It was my first try, and I think I did okay. Afterward, he told me he liked my work and offered to pay for me to take classes while I worked. Of course, I said yes. Never regretted it for a day.”
Rob could hear the pride in Vic’s voice, and though he wasn’t sure why, he was proud of what Vic had accomplished.
“This whole thing got written up in a small magazine. It was mostly about the company stepping in and saving the gardens, but my name was mentioned. After that, things just kind of fell into place. Two years and several classes later, I had an office, an assistant, and a new direction in my life.”
A pang of jealousy made Rob ache. He wished he’d taken a different route with his life. Maybe he could have ended up producing something as impressive.
“It’s beautiful,” Rob said. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like it.”
“Thank you. It’s nice of you to say so.”
They’d spent three or four hours walking around London, Vic pointing out places to visit, things to see, and unique culinary experiences. Rob soaked it all up. Vic made him feel special, like he was the center of attention, doing his level best to ensure Rob had a good time. They’d come into London by train, and Vic had bustled Rob into a taxi to get around the sites.
The sun was beginning to set, and a quick glance at his phone surprised Rob. “It’s seven o’clock already.”
Vic chuckled. “Time flies when you’re having fun. Are you ready for dinner?”
Rob nodded eagerly. “Yeah, I’m starved. A lot of walking always makes me hungry.”
“How about steak? Would that be okay?”
Steak? Damn. “Sure.” One look at the price of meat was enough to put Rob off buying something so expensive.
“Great. I know a place where we can have a nice dinner before we head back. And this time you get to watch one of my favorite films.”
Rob shivered exaggeratedly. “Please tell me it’s not a chick flick.”
Vic shrugged, a cheeky grin plastered on his face. “Maybe. You’ll have to wait and see.” He scanned the street. “I’ll hail us a taxi.”
When the black cab pulled up in front of the Goodman restaurant at Canary Wharf, Rob took one look at the smartly dressed diners who were walking into it, and panicked. “Are you sure this is a good idea?” he said hesitantly, glancing down at his jeans, T-shirt, and jacket, not to mention his scuffed trainers. He felt decidedly grubby after all their walking in the city.
“It’ll be fine, I promise.” After paying, Vic climbed out of the taxi, and Rob followed, hoping Vic’s larger frame would prevent people from seeing him. When they got to the door, a young man in a dark gray jacket smiled at Vic. “Welcome back, Mr. Prentiss. It’s been a while since your last visit.”
Vic returned the smile. “Thank you, Lyle. I brought a friend to eat with me. It’s his first time here.”
“I’m sure he’ll love it.” Lyle held the door open for them, and Vic ushered Rob inside.
The place was incredible. Brass and glass chandeliers gleamed under the soft fluorescent bulbs, casting a warm glow on the linen-covered tables.
“I don’t know about this,” Rob muttered. “This place looks pretty full. They might not have a table for us.” He knew it was an excuse. He’d never felt so out of place in his life.
“Trust me, it’s going to be fine.” Vic’s hand was at his lower back, and for some reason, the reassuring touch comforted him. Vic leaned closer. “And don’t worry about a table. I went online and reserved one.”
That did not do anything to quell Rob’s nerves.
A ma?tre d’ directed them to their table, Vic’s hand not moving from Rob’s back the whole time. It was nice to know Vic wasn’t going to toss him to the wolves. But once they’d sat down and Rob opened his menu, the nervous fluttering in his belly started up all over again. He couldn’t afford to eat there in a million years. A glance at the steaks made him swallow hard. Shit, the cheapest one cost thirty-two pounds. Even the burgers were astronomical.
“You’ve gone green. What’s wrong?”
Rob looked up and found Vic smiling at him. “This is… I can’t…. You shouldn’t….”
Vic chuckled. “Are you going to finish any of those sentences?”
Rob wished he could be that relaxed. “Can we just go get something from McDonald’s? I saw one down the street.”
Vic eyed him steadily. “McDonald’s,” he repeated, staring at him over the menu.
“There’s nothing wrong with McDonald’s,” Rob protested.
“I agree, but how’s this for an idea? Your birthday is next week. I want to do something nice for it, and you’re going to let me. And I won’t take no for an answer.”