Page 157 of Smooth Sailing

And this was when Annie wandered in.

She stopped, looked at Di, then to Hugger, then to Di, and Hugger, back to Di.

Di’s head came up, and when Annie just stood there, she called, “Hey, Annie.”

“Hey.” She took another step in. “Is your father okay?”

Hugger straightened, taking his feet from the sill.

“I think so,” Diana said slowly. “Why do you ask?”

“You said there was some threat.”

Hugger relaxed.

Seemed it took approximately twenty-seven hours for Annie to process shit.

“We’re just being cautious,” Di told her. “Everything should be fine and Hugger won’t have to be with me every day.”

Annie looked to Hugger. “Are you a professional bodyguard?”

“No, I’m a biker.”

Annie nodded like this made perfect sense to her.

She then looked to Diana. “I’m having brunch this Sunday. Would you and your bodyguard like to come?”

Hugger did not miss the Oh shit! look on Di’s face before she hid it and said, “Full disclosure, Annie. Hugger is also my guy.”

Annie appeared confused. “Your guy?”

“My boyfriend,” Diana explained.

They hadn’t had that conversation, but it was good to know she knew where they were at.

Annie’s gaze drifted to him. “Oh, how lovely. You’re looking out for your girlfriend.”

“Yeah,” he said.

“Very gallant of you,” Annie remarked.

“Thanks,” he replied.

“Do you like brunches?” Annie queried.

“I’ve never been to one,” he said.

Annie’s eyes got about two times bigger than her round lenses. “Really?”

“Really.”

“Never?” she pushed.

“Bikers aren’t big on brunches,” Diana butted in.

“Well then, you must come. You’re missing out.” She turned to Diana. “My place. Ten. See you then,” she said like they wouldn’t be working in the same building for the next two days.

And with that, she wandered out.

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