Chapter 13 - THE MAN WHO LEARNED TO WAIT
Victor did not change overnight.
He still struggled with control.
He still spoke too sharply when frustrated.
He still expected people to respond immediately.
Alice noticed every time.
One morning, he arrived at the food truck while she was serving customers.
He stepped toward the window.
Alice looked at him.
"Line."
Victor stopped.
"What?"
She pointed behind him.
"There's a line."
The construction workers went silent.
Victor looked at the men waiting.
Then at Alice.
She raised an eyebrow.
For a moment, nobody moved.
Then Victor walked to the back of the line.
The workers stared.
Alice smiled.
When he reached the window, she handed him coffee.
"You're learning."
Victor smiled.
"Slowly."
Their relationship grew.
Victor spent time with Ben.
They built model bridges.
Visited museums.
Read books about engineering.
One afternoon, Ben asked, "Are you going to marry my mom?"
Victor nearly dropped a wooden beam.
"What?"
Ben looked at him.
"Are you?"
Victor considered.
"I hope so."
Ben nodded.
"Good."
Victor smiled.
"Why?"
Ben looked toward the kitchen.
"Because she laughs more now."
Victor's throat tightened.
That evening, Victor told Alice what Ben had said.
She smiled.
Then became serious.
"Victor, I need you to understand something."
He nodded.
"Tell me."
"I loved Daniel."
"I know."
"I always will."
Victor took her hand.
"I wouldn't ask you not to."
Alice's eyes filled.
"And Ben comes first."
"Of course."
She studied him.
"Do you really understand that?"
Victor nodded.
"Yes."
May you like
Alice leaned against him.
For the first time, she believed it.
