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“You know, you really should take better care of yourself.” I dig into my own Pad Thai. “When’s the last time you had a decent meal today?”

“I’ve been busy. But I’m eating now, aren’t I?”

“Only because I forced your hand. Like every day.”

She rolls her eyes but can’t hide a smile. We eat in comfortable silence for a few minutes. I’m happy to see her actually eating a full meal for once instead of just coffee/ energy drinks and protein bars. Baby steps.

As we each near the bottom of our container, Mary sets her chopsticks down with a contented sigh. “Alright, I admit it. That was delicious. Thank you for getting it.”

“Anytime.” I busy myself with cleaning up the remains of our meal.

“So, I was wondering… Have you heard anything from Elijah recently?” she asks.

“Not for a few days.”

“He is still engaged to Esther, right?”

“As of now, it seems like it.”

“Mh.”

Why is she asking about Elijah? Isn’t her friend Gemma interested in him?

“I’m beginning to get jealous, Blue. Why are you asking about him?” I ask.

“It’s… Gemma. She’s not good. The whole thing with Elijah and him being engaged.”

“Elijah wouldn’t want me to get involved.”

“Please, she’s my best frie—”

“But all I can say is that Esther doesn’t mean anything to him. It’s Gemma he wants.”

“Well, then he should act like it.”

“Am I acting like it?”

“Like what?”

“That you’re the only one I want?”

“I mean there could be more massages, breakfast in bed, or roses sent to my office?” She smiles innocently.

“I’ll be sure to remember, and I’ll talk to him, okay?”

“Thanks. Did I tell you about the office party tomorrow? It was so much fun last year. Are you coming? Don’t worry. No one expects you to dance or sing karaoke or anything crazy like that. Just show up, have fun, meet people, yada yada…” Her entire face lights up with excitement, making it difficult for me to deny her request.

But then again, who am I kidding? Refusal wasn’t really part of the equation anyway.

“Only if you’re going,” I say.

She nods eagerly. “I’ll be there. So I guess that means you will be too.”

“Seems like it.”

“Everyone has to wear a mask this time,” she says. “What kind of mask are you going to wear?”

“A masquerade party, huh? Getting fancy this year.” What is she planning?

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