Page 33 of It Must Be Love

The rest of the lunch was uncomfortable as hell, and we closed it down quickly. Jackson and I went for a walk after everyone left.

"That was interesting," he said as we warded off the chill by huddling inside our coats.

"No shit."

"Naya works for you?"

"Not me directly. She works for my VP of Engineering."

"She good?"

"Damn good."

Jackson and I walked in silence. "Nolan and his wife are dicks."

"Yeah."

"Why do you still hang out with them?"

"Habit? And Kara and Ann are friends. I don't know, Jackson, why did you invite them for lunch?" I remarked.

He laughed. "Fair enough. I guess I'd say it was habit as well."

"You want to come over to Switzerland for Christmas? It'll be a short hop from Paris," I offered.

"It'll be a long hop. We're going to be in Palm Desert for Christmas with my folks."

"The scene back there upset Chérie," I stared.

"Yeah, it did. I could tell she didn't like Ann as soon as she met her."

"Why? Most people like Ann."

"Most weak people who want to impress her like her. A strong women like Chérie, hell no. I know you love her, and I love her too, as a friend. I've known her a long time like you. But she's an acquired taste."

I chuckled.

"You still going to marry her?"

"I don't know." I can't marry her. Not when I have another woman taking over so much real estate in my brain.

"You better figure it out fast. Christmas is here soon."

"Tell me something I don’t know."

I went home and called Naya. She didn't pick up, so I texted her.

Me: My condolences. Your father was a great guy. I know you miss him.

Naya replied a half hour later: Thank you.

Me: I'm sorry you had to go to the cemetery alone.

Naya: I wasn't alone. Darren was with me.

Me: If you ever need company for anything, let me know.

She didn't respond to that. I wasn't surprised. What could she say?

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