An Unlocked Mind (Secrets #2)(72)

Rob had to admit that what Vic was saying made sense, even though he might not like the idea. He couldn’t argue with the facts. “Okay,” he agreed grudgingly.

Vic gave Rob a sheepish look. “We’re also going to have to deal with something else while we’re out.”

Rob didn’t care for the sound of that. He liked it even less when Vic got up, stepped over to the countertop, and picked up several envelopes.

“These came for you this morning.” He dropped them on the table.

Bills. And Rob was certain they weren’t all that he had outstanding either. “Oh.”

“We’re going to figure out what you owe, and then we’ll ensure they’re all paid off.”

“I don’t have the money,” Rob protested. If he couldn’t afford to pay his bills, he sure as hell wouldn’t have the money to put toward a car.

“I’ll loan it to you, and you can pay me back when you can.” When Rob opened his mouth to argue, Vic shook his head. “It’s either me doing this, or they pass your debts onto a collection agency. Supposing money is tight one week, who would you rather deal with—them or me? If you’re late with a payment, they come and take away your belongings. My way, you don’t have to have this hanging over your head.”

Rob couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “I can’t let you do that.”

“You say that like I’m giving you a choice. I told you, I’m helping you reestablish your center. One of the ways we’re going to do that is to take all these bills that are clogging your mind with fear, and get rid of them.”

One nagging thought wouldn’t leave him alone. “Are you doing this because we—”

Vic held up a hand. “Don’t! This has nothing to do with anything we’ve done or may do in the future. This is my way of fulfilling the promise I made to you. That is it.”

It was said with such vehemence that Rob couldn’t think of anything to respond with beyond a whispered thank-you.

“Don’t thank me just yet. We’ve got a busy afternoon ahead of us. What I wanted to talk about can wait until we get home. So get your jacket, and we’ll go shopping.”

It wasn’t until they were on their way in the car that Rob realized there was still something to be addressed: going to the club.

Let’s see if he brings it up again.

Rob wasn’t going to say a word on the subject.




IT HAD been a whirlwind of an afternoon. They’d gone to get Rob some work clothes, which included three pairs of what Vic said were the best pants to wear and an equal number of thick, heavy shirts to protect Rob’s skin while he worked. Plus two pair of boots with steel toes.

Rob had stared at their purchases as they loaded them into the trunk. “I’m going to look like I’m trying out for a revival of The Village People.”

Vic stared fixedly at him. “And you’re going to be safe while working. I think it’s a fair trade.” Then he smirked. “I always did have a thing for the guy in the hard hat and tool belt, though.” When Rob glared at him, Vic opened his eyes wide. “What? He was hot.”

Afterward, they drove to a few car sales lots, looking for a sturdy older vehicle. They ended up with a red 2004 Ford pickup truck with a black bed liner. It was in very good condition, although it had over a hundred thousand miles on it. Vic said there was a mechanic at the club who could make sure it stayed well maintained. They arranged to pick it up in a couple of days, once it had been checked and cleaned.

When Vic pulled into the parking lot of a health clinic, Rob had been puzzled, until it dawned on him why they were there. Shit. We’re getting tested. He’d had no time to dwell on the prospect, as Vic had led him inside, sat with him while they filled out forms, and waited while the nurse drew blood. It was obvious from Vic’s manner that this was business as usual, and that had gone a long way to helping Rob not to freak out. Because to him, this felt huge.

To round off the day, they bought a new phone to replace Rob’s cheap piece of plastic, got a set of keys made, and then drove to where the company was located so Rob could learn the route.

“This is where you go first,” Vic told him. “You may find you’re traveling to a job with the crew, but you still need to know how to get here.”

“My brand-new phone has GPS,” Rob commented practically.

“Which doesn’t always work,” Vic replied. “It’s fine for finding your way to a job site, sure, but knowing your way around is always a good thing. Eventually you’ll get used to London, but for now, I feel better having the option available to you.”

Rob stared out the windscreen at the company’s site. “You know it’s going to take me years to pay this off, right?” he said with a sigh.

Vic placed his hand on Rob’s shoulder. “I’m not going anywhere, so take your time.”

To Rob’s ears, it sounded like Vic was making him a promise, if only Rob would hold on to it. And God knew, he wanted to.

“And now, we’re going to grab some dinner, then go home and take care of those bills.”

Rob did some quick calculations. Add in the stuff they were about to pay off, and he might be indebted to Vic forever. Which wouldn’t be so bad, as long as he got to stick around.