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“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Annabel said.

“Oh yes you do,” Charles laughed. “Had a good lunch?”

“I grabbed something in drive thru,” Annabel reiterated her earlier statement.

“After you did something naughty,” Charles said.

“You are trying to distract me,” Annabel said.

“From those awful designs. She got it last minute. Try to be nice.”

“When aren’t I nice?”

“When things come in subpar. And those designs are subpar,” Charles took one from her. “You told her no pink.”

“I did,” Annabel said. “You know what. Cancel my appointment with her and reschedule it for next week. When you do, remind her I don’t want any pink on the graphics.”

Annabel handed him the two printouts.

“You’re being generous,” Charles said. “And hiding things from me.”

“Some things my sweet Charles are private,” Annabel said leaned forward and patted his cheek. “Now what’s next?”

“You answer your text. I’ll contact our graphic designer,” Charles turned away.

Annabel opened her phone and read Andrew’s text. “Hmmm. Lonna’s is nice,” she murmured. Checking her date book, she realized she was tied up until after midnight.

Regretfully, I cannot meet you. I’m in meetings until 11. I have tomorrow morning open until 10.

We want to see you tonight. Would you be open to us joining you after 11?

Ryan responded to their group text.

My place at 11:30. I might be late. I’ll text if things run late.

We’ll be there.

CHAPTER FOUR

“How’s it going with your men,” Olivia asked as she painted her toenails while she video chatted with her mother.

“I thought children were supposed to hate hearing about their parents having sex,” Annabel teased.

“It’s your fault,” Olivia said. “You’ve had me shopping for sexier clothes for you and coordinating outfits.”

“You don’t think this conversation is odd,” Annabel asked to be sure.

“I’ll let you know if we edge into uncomfortable,” Olivia said. “I can see you’re more relaxed.”

“I’ve done things I’ve never done before,” Annabel confessed.

“Do you want to stop,” Olivia asked.

“No. It’s so odd. I want to do more. I want to see how far we can go,” Annabel said.

“Like adding more people in?”

“Not at this point. The two of them are enough.”

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