Page 50 of Knot Gonna Give You Up
“What do you want to do to get them on board?” I ask.
“Well, I’m not totally sure about Jesse, but I know Simon’s biggest issue is insecurity and fear. He’s scared that we’ll change our minds and leave him behind.” Vic explains.
I grunt, “Something like that takes time to prove. It’s not a short-term solution.”
“You’re right,” Vic sighs, “I think we can get him there sooner, but it’s going to take more time than I want it to. So, what’s your read on Jesse?”
“It almost feels like he doesn’t know how to interact. He seems more comfortable just observing. When it comes to Pack, we need everyone engaged or it doesn’t work.”
Vic hums under his breath, thinking through our conversation so far. My observation of him so far is that he tends to be more thoughtful in his approach, whereas Simon is a little more impulsive. Not in a bad way, I don’t think, but it definitely means his emotions drive him more than he’d like to admit. When the waitress passes by, I order us a second round of drinks.
“Does Simon typically go with how he feels in life? Or does he think things through?” I ask.
“He definitely goes with his feelings more frequently than most with decision making,” Vic replies.
“So if we talk to him, maybe we can convince him to give us a try. Appeal to his feelings and point out that we’re not the same as what he’s gone through in the past?”
“That would be something you need to do. I’ve talked about this with him many times in the past, and I think the problem is trusting new people. He trusts me already. At least, I think he does.” His brow furrows, as if he hadn’t considered that Simon may not trust him.
“I’m sure he does, he looks at you like you’re the greatest thing in his life. Josie is a close second based on how he looks at her, too.”
Vic looks up at me from his glass, “Thanks, man, I think I needed to hear that.”
“Happy to remind you anytime,” I assure him with a smile.
“So, Jesse. I actually think that’s something I can tackle. We’ll do a double-sided approach. You handle Simon, and I can take Jesse.”
It’s my turn to frown now, “How are you planning to approach Jesse?”
“I think I’m going to approach it as getting to know him, honestly. Yes, it sounds silly, but I’m hopeful that if he knows we value him just for being him, he’ll open up more.”
“Well, let’s hope we can put our Pack together, eh?” I say.
Vic smiles and holds up his beer. I hold mine up in salute, and we both drink, my brain whirling with plans. Another idea comes to mind, and I can’t let it pass by.
“Vic?”
“Henry.”
“What do you think about agreeing to bond Josie, even if the other two aren’t in? You’re a Beta, so we’d be balanced. We wouldn’t have to worry about rushing to find another member.” My voice is almost rushing at the end, excitement flowing through me now.
The idea had filtered into my head, but I didn’t expect the excitement to heighten as I spoke. As I think it through, though, I realize that there’s no reason we should wait to bond Josie if she’s ready. She already said she is, so now it’s a matter of telling her. Vic’s eyes light up as he listens to my idea, and I can tell he’s in.
“Yes, I absolutely think we should. It makes sense, and you’re right; we have one of each designation, so there’s no rush to find someone to balance us out. We need to talk to Josie first, though,” Vic agrees.
I pull out my phone in response.
Me
Hey there, sweetheart, are you busy?
Josie
No, I’m just finishing up getting a job posting put together. What’s up?
Me
Are you up for visitors? Vic and I wanted to talk.
