Page 93 of Carnal

Me:Not really.

Pina:Can you now?

Me:Nope. Papà has me scheduled for a meeting.

Pina:Have fun with that.

Me:I'm sure it'll be stimulating. How's work?

Pina:The same.

Me:When can I see you again?

Pina:When do you want to?

Me:Tonight.

Pina:Don't you want to sleep?

Me:Why don't we order in? We can have a low-key night.

A few moments pass. Little dots appear as if she's typing. Then they disappear. I wait, holding my breath, then finally type back.

Me:You can use me as a pillow.

Pina:Ha ha! Sorry, I was debating.

My gut drops.

Me:Don't tell me you're having second thoughts about us.

Pina:No. That's not it. I was going to say, why don't we go to my place in Manhattan. I'll cook you dinner.

I grin like a schoolboy.

Me:What time?

Pina:Seven?

Tell her eight.

Get over the seven. It's an extra hour with her.

Me:Perfect. See you then.

I pump my fist in the air and jump out of bed. It's time for me to meet Papà downstairs. I find him in his office and knock.

He looks up from his desk. "You have your Glock?"

"Of course," I reply.

"Make sure you leave it in the SUV," he orders.

"Okay. Ready to go?"

He rises, puts a stack of papers in a folder, then walks toward the door. "Yes."

We go to the front entrance and step out into the cold winter air. His driver is waiting and holds the door to the back seat open. He nods and says, "Boss."

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