Gardener: The Roots Of Ancient Evil by Jacob Mesmer Read Free Book Online

more about that guy. Let me ask around and see what I can find. I won’t be back to Frisco for a couple days, but give me a call in a week or so.”
              “Yeah? You wouldn’t mind doing that?” Tommy asked.
                  “Of course. When this VC bubble pops I may need to ask you for a job!”
    Tommy chuckled and leaned back in his chair. Maybe working for some ultra-rich and powerful family wouldn’t be such a bad gig after all.
                  “Sorry to keep you waiting!” Viviana said, coming up and putting her hand on Tommy’s shoulder.
                  “No worries, just making connections,” he said, grinning at Santiago. As they walked out, Tommy turned back to nod goodbye to Santiago. He caught him checking out Viviana before shooting Tommy a “how the hell did you get a girl like that?” glance.
     
     

Eight
     
                  Tommy opened his eyes and was hit by several sensations. The first was that he was in a strange bed. The second was that he wasn’t alone. Nor were he and his bed partner wearing any clothes. The previous night came flooding back in an instant. Dinner had been incredible. Not the food, just how easily the conversation flowed. Every joke he made she thought was funny. No uncomfortable gaps in the conversation. No weird talk about job hunting or venture capitalists. Just an enjoyable evening.
    Deciding to go back to her place was easy. She’d invited and he’d accepted. He didn’t have to come up with an excuse to keep her away from his drunk dad. Tommy suspected that she knew he lived at home, being a waiter. He didn’t know if she chose to go back to her place because she didn’t want to interrupt the flow, or because she wanted home field advantage. Either way, he didn’t care. The clock read half past six, and he suspected he would be getting the boot shortly, since she had to get ready for her job. His shift didn’t start until eleven, so he wasn’t in any rush.
    He rolled over to face her. She was lying her back, he on her left side. She felt him and rolled her head softly, making a small sound.
                  “What time you need to get up?” he asked softly. She smiled, her eyes still closed, and shrugged her shoulders.
                  “Little bit,” she said. But then her eyes popped open when one of the phones started vibrating. Tommy doubted it was his, since nobody would have any reason to call him this early. He reached down onto the floor and found his slacks. Felt his phone.
                  “Not mine,” he said. She reached up to her bedside stand and picked hers up, checking the number.
                  “Do you know how early it is?” she asked immediately. Then Tommy heard her laugh, and mumble her agreement a few times.
                  “You’re coming in today? Wait, how do you know this guy?” she asked. Tommy was curious, but didn’t want to eavesdrop.
                  “Well, just be careful. Those guys don’t spend all that money for nothing. How long are you staying?” Tommy listened, trying to imagine who it was and what they were talking about. “Well, let me know when you’ve got time, and we’ll get together, I’ll show you my place,” she said and ended the call.
                  “My sister’s crazy,” she said.
    Tommy chuckled. Always wondered what it would be like to have siblings. “Older or younger?” he asked.
                  “Younger. Still in school,” she said.
    Tommy sensed a bit of concern. “She’s coming to visit?” he asked carefully.
                  “Yeah, but, uh, we have issues,” she said.
    Tommy decided he’d leave it alone. Family issues were the last thing he wanted to talk about. Or think about. If he did accept that job with Shea, at least he’d be able to move out. But still being in town, he would feel