Page 64 of Always Mine

“I am too. And Maisy’s a wreck. She tried to console him after Denzi died but she couldn’t get through to him.”

“Hmm.”

“What?”

“They’d make an interesting couple.”

“They might. Except for the conflict of interest. Plus, Maisy hasn’t had good luck with any of her beaux.”

“Really?”

“Yes, she gets bored with them.”

“Jackson is anything but boring. And we owe him a lot for finding you.”

“We do. Maybe we can help bring them together.”

He shook his head. “Are you content at Pathways?”

“I’ve always been content there. I love the job.”

“No aspirations to move up?”

Her jaw dropped. “And be an administrator? God, no.”

Annie steered the conversation to his family, hers, some people they knew, but stayed away from talk of their current counseling and the latest series of events. All she wanted now was to enjoy Diego, their truce, perhaps their new beginning they had to look forward to.

* * *

“You hate wine tastings.”

“They’re just not my thing. And besides, this is for you.” He ducked his head. “I’m embarrassed that I’d never go with you in summers when you were home from school.”

“No talk about the bad parts of the past.”

“You’re on.”

They perused the selection. The reds they sipped were dry and the whites even dryer. Diego found he liked some of the merlots and purchased a few bottles. Annie bought three different kinds of white.

When they finished, they stowed their packages and got in the car. “There’s this park not far from here. I love it. Want to go hang out?”

“Sure.”

After they drove there, Diego was surprised when she pulled a picnic basket out of her trunk along with a blanket. She said, “I came prepared.”

“Obviously.”

They crossed to a picnic table. She put out a spread of cold chicken, salads and bread. Diego stared out at the lake. Its surface was calm, and right now the sun sparkled off it.

He took that as a good sign.

* * *

“I’m glad I let you plan this date.” Diego held her as they took the elevator to the first floor. She looked gorgeous in a sequined form fitting blue dress, high heels and her hair done up.

“I knew you’d like it.”

“I haven’t been here in what seems like forever.” They arrived at the main floor and the door opened. The loud pings, the whistles and din of talk hit them square in the face. “I forgot how loud a casino could be.”

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