Page 15 of The American

“Couldn’t be better. Look, I’m in town with a couple of the Baldeez brothers, we heard about some great clubs. You in tonight?”

Thad and Sage had plans for their first public appearance after all the relationship press. “No, I’ve got plans.”

“Oh.” He could hear her pout. “Well, what about lunch? I’m downtown this afternoon.”

He paused, checked his watch. He could go for some lunch. “Ok, meet me at the corner of Broadway and Ninth.”

“I’ll be there.”

He hung up, looking forward to it. He needed a taste of home, even if it came in the form of Monique. She had caused a whole lot of trouble for Nico and Jo when they were dating, and even during their engagement. But she had disappeared since then. He wouldn’t be surprised if Nico had requested she be barred from all their events. But no harm could come in lunch.

He worked hard, answered phone calls, and focused on some assignments from Sage until lunch. Then he slipped his wallet in his pants pocket and headed for the elevator.

Sage met him there. “Lunch?” She was all smiles and he immediately regretted Monique.

“I’ve got plans, but I’m looking forward to tonight.” He wiggled his eyebrows for emphasis.

“Okay. We have a meeting with the production team at 2:00.”

“I’ll be here boss.”

“Co-boss.”

They rode the elevator down, jabbing at each other until when the doors opened at the bottom they were laughing large belly laughs. Cameras flashed in their faces, and they blinked four times before Thad could see through the spots.

A group of people watched them, clicks of cameras continuing. Thad just waved and so Sage followed suit. “This is going to be different.” She said under her breath.

“They read lips. Say everything with a closed mouth, through a fake smile.” He demonstrated and she laughed again. “Wow, you’re good at this.”

“Zachary hired me for a reason.” He shrugged. “I’ll see you in a little bit.”

He hurried to find a cab.

Monique stood on the curb as he pulled up. As soon as he approached, she was in his arms and placed a kiss on his mouth. “Hello darling.”

“Monique, lay off. Those tricks don’t work on me.”

She giggled and he ground his teeth.

“Just looking for a little publicity darling.” She waved at something over his shoulder. When he turned several camera lenses clicked. He placed a hand on Monique’s back and led her into the deli.

As soon as they found a quiet booth, he paid the waiter and said, “Tell the manager we don’t want to be disturbed.” He indicated the group with cameras who now stood waiting to be seated. The waiter leafed through the bills. “Yes, sir.”

“You are surprisingly private, given your new campaign.” Monique’s eyes narrowed. “Perhaps it’s just me you don’t want to be seen with? Embarrassed of our country?”

“Look Monique. We don’t need to do this. I can catch lunch somewhere else without you involved. You feeling friendly? Wanna talk old times? Or are we finished here?”

She sighed and picked up the menu. “Understood.” After scanning it for about ten seconds she said, “Can we get the gang all together?”

“I’d like that. Keep me in the loop, will you? When I have a free night, I’ll join you.”

They talked of old times, ate some delicious NY deli. Thad’s sandwich had to be six inches high. He snapped a picture of it for his phone and sent it to the brother group message. “You coming to visit?”

That would get them.

He checked his watch. “Gotta run. Thanks Monique.”

She wasn’t finished yet, but he threw some bills down and headed out the door.

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