Page 37 of Shadows of Eternity

A short time later, Janae pulled up in front of Jimmy Jax, which was only a short distance from Leia’s apartment building.

It was early for lunch and the crowd was light. They found a booth near the front window, ordered burgers and fries and sodas when the waitress came by.

“Where did Trent go?” Leia asked.

“He didn’t say. You know how hush-hush he is about his job.”

“I don’t think you’ve ever told me what he does.”

“Well, he’s never really told me, either. All I know is that he works for the government, although I don’t know which branch, and he’s on call at a moment’s notice. And the pay is very, very good,” she added brightly. “In fact, lunch is on me.”

After their order arrived, Janae asked the inevitable question, “So, whatever happened to Rohan? You haven’t mentioned him once.”

“I guess we broke up.”

“No kidding? That’s the best news I’ve heard all day.”

Leia made a face at her. “I miss him.”

“Of course you do. The man was gorgeous, but you’re better off without him.”

“You don’t know that.”

“Yes, I do. There was a dark aura around you when you were seeing him. Now, it’s gone.”

Leia glanced heavenward, as if seeking divine help.

“I know you don’t believe me, but it’s true.”

“You never said anything about a ‘dark aura’ before.”

“I didn’t want to scare you.”

“Well, you don’t have to worry anymore,” Leia said, with sigh. “So put your crystal ball away.”

“Very funny.” Reaching for a French fry, Janae asked, “What are you doing tonight?”

“Nothing.”

“How about a movie?”

“As long as it’s not a happy-ever-after romance. I don’t think I could handle that right now.”

Janae laughed. “No worries. It’s the latest Spiderman.”

“Wait a minute! Doesn’t the hero always get the girl?”

It was close to an hour later when Janae dropped Leia off at home. “Pick you up at 7:30?”

“Right. See you then.” Leia watched Janae pull out of the driveway, then unlocked the door and stepped inside. She froze in the entryway, certain there was someone else in the apartment.

“Relax,” said a familiar voice. “It’s just me.”

Her heart fluttered wildly when Rohan materialized next to the sofa. She started to ask how he’d gotten in, then bit back the question, knowing what the answer would be.

“How are you, Princess?” His deep voice washed through her like warm whiskey on a winter night.

“What are you doing here?”

---