Page 36 of When Annika Met Thom

“For what?”

“The interrogation.”

She put down the slice. “What interrogation?”

“The one that women call making conversation.”

“I’m not going to interrogate you.”

“Good.” Thom didn’t believe that for a minute. He kept eating in silence, finished a piece and reached for another. It was really good this time.

Annika lasted longer than he’d expected. “If I ask what you do for a living, is that an interrogation?”

“It could be the start of one.”

Her eyes flashed a little. “We’re just supposed to sit here in silence?”

“Why not?”

“Because it’s antisocial. Why shouldn’t we know something about each other, since we’re going to be living in the same apartment for two weeks?”

“But we already know plenty. We’re good.”

“We could be friends.”

Thom shook his head, shutting that down before it started. “Not a chance.”

Annika was clearly insulted. “Why not? What’s wrong with me?”

“Nothing.”

“Then?”

“Men and women can’t be friends. Not good ones, anyway.”

“Why not?”

“Sex.”

“But friends don’t have sex. Well, if they do, they’re not just friends anymore.”

“Exactly.”

She studied him as she chewed and he could almost see her thoughts churning. “You have no women friends?”

He shook his head, resolute. “I have sisters and other female relations. I have female acquaintances and co-workers. I have ex-girlfriends.” He gave her a piercing look. “No female friends.”

“You could start with me.” She smiled encouragement.

“Why?”

“Try something new. Take a chance. It might work for you.”

“No.”

Her smile faded. “You won’t even try?”

“No. Leo and I aren’t friends. Why would I be friends with Leo’s fiancée?”

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