Page 56 of Not the Plan

“Where are you going?”

“To get my stuff out of the car.”

“Why?”

“Because I would prefer it if he thinks I live here.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Is that the only reason?”

“Maybe, maybe not.” He winked at her and strode into the living room, chatting with the man a moment before going back downstairs.

—

The maintenance man finished and wished them a good evening. She tried to fight down her stress as she got started on her notes and Karim left to do the running around.

An hour and a half later, he was back.

“Hi, beautiful,” he said, kissing her on the cheek when she opened the door. She was so disheartened, she didn’t even get excited about his kiss.

“Hey.”

“I’m sure you’re going to get everything ready in time.”

“I’m glad one of us is sure.” She went back to the couch, tucked her legs underneath her, and picked up her legal pad again. He rustled bags, opened and closed cabinet doors in the kitchen. Despite her need to focus, she did notice that the presence of someone else, the sounds in the background, reduced her tension.

“Dinner’s ready, beautiful,” he said. “Come eat with me.”

Smiling, she put everything down and turned to the table. She’d expected some plastic take-out boxes and utensils, but he’d set the table with glasses and real plates. A small but beautiful bouquet of white roses was on hers.

“Karim!” She gasped.

“Surprise.” The shy boy was back. “I thought a nice break was in order.”

“Oh.” She sat down in front of the flowers. “Thank you.” She leaned over to kiss him on the cheek and stroke his stubble. “I’m going to miss that when it’s gone.”

“Is that so?” he asked, grinning.

“It is.”

He went into the kitchen. “I bought two salads; I don’t knowwhat you prefer. And I also bought a bottle of Riesling. Would you like some?”

“Hmm. I would, but I’m afraid it will make me too relaxed to work. Maybe we’ll save it for the next time you come over?”

“I like that idea.”

—

They ate, and talked about the process of bringing single-payer to California. Isadora felt much better. She wanted to linger at the table with him, but there was still so much to do. When they finished, he cleaned up, took his things back down to his car and returned to say good night.

“Thank you so much for today. For this whole weekend, really,” she said.

“Why are you thanking me? I should be thanking you. I was absolutely blown away when I saw you in that blue dress. I’d been sad thinking that you weren’t going to be there, then there you were, a vision in front of me. I had to blink a couple of times to be sure.”

She giggled. “I felt the same way. When I saw Drew, my heart sank. I figured, ‘Okay, if he’s here, Karim won’t be,’ so I thought I was going to have a crap evening. I’m glad I was wrong.”

He bent to kiss her cheek, nuzzle her neck. “Will you do me a favor?”

She nodded.

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