Page 30 of It Must Be Love

"Well, maybe we can go on Sunday?"

"I can't this weekend. You should go on your own, Naya."

I didn't want to do this alone. I didn't want to see my father's grave by myself on his death anniversary. I felt a rush of tears and I texted Darren because I was so tired of being alone and handling everything on my own.

Me: It's daddy's anniversary tomorrow and Nolan can't make it. Kara's aunt is sick.

Darren: What time do you want to go?

Me: You have training at the institute.

Darren: I'll pick you up around noon, okay?

Me: Are you sure?

Darren: Don't be an asshole. You know I'll take you. No way will I let you do this alone.

Darren: P.S. your brother is a douche.

Me: Kara's aunt is ill.

Darren: Correction. Your brother is a lying douche.

Was he lying? No, he wouldn't. I couldn’t believe that of Nolan. He was a jerk alright, but he knew how hard Daddy's death had been on me and he wouldn’t want me to go see him a year to the day without him.

Chapter 12

Amias

Iliked Jackson's wife Chérie. She was down to earth and gorgeous. She was an editor at French Vogue, so Ann and Kara were super impressed with her. On her part, Chérie seemed to be more interested in Hayes and understanding computer linguistics.

"Oh, don't get him started, Chérie," Ann groaned. "Once you get him going, he doesn't stop until our ears are bleeding with boredom."

"I find computer linguistics fascinating," Chérie countered. "Especially with the rise of social media, how we talk to one another is both about learning who we are as a society but also how technology is evolving to meet our needs…or the other way around, right?"

Hayes liked her as well. She was smart and elegant, and shut down Ann and Kara without being a bitch about it.

"I think AI is dangerous," Kara interjected. "I mean…so dangerous. Don't you think?"

"I think it depends upon how it's used," Hayes commented.

While the discussion went into AI, Jackson who was sitting next to me asked how things were with me.

"Okay."

"You and Ann…it's serious this time? When I last spoke with her she said you're going to propose during the Christmas break."

I sighed, "I don't know."

"She's expecting a ring, buddy. She even told me which one so I could let you know."

Ann would have. After Hayes, Jackson and I were closest, and Ann knew Hayes would rather be eaten alive by rats rather than talk to her about marrying me.

"If you're not serious, let her loose," Jackson advised.

"Speaking of marriages, you and Chérie are couple goals, man."

"Yeah?" Jackson grinned wide. "She's amazing. Ah…you're the first to know. She's thirteen weeks pregnant."

---