Page 60 of When Annika Met Thom

“I just wondered what your intentions are.”

“What Annika wants is really the only thing that’s important in this situation.”

Bruno didn’t seem to know what to do with that. He eyed Thom as if working up to another question, but Annika came breezing out of the office then, shrugging into her coat. “See you tomorrow,” she said cheerfully, then matched steps with Thom as they headed out of the club. He opened the door for her but didn’t touch her and she didn’t touch him.

And even without having any ‘intentions,’ Thom kind of liked that he’d given Bruno something to think about.

Seven

Cerise.

It had to be her.

Annika hovered just inside the door, staring. Thom had opened the door for her in his usual gentlemanly way, then left her there while he headed home to Cerberus. It was interesting that he could be both protective and supportive. He was right. This was her battle and she didn’t need an audience.

It was the dark-haired buxom woman behind the bar at Los Chicos who had caught Annika’s attention. She had red lipstick, a low-cut blouse and sultry eye make-up. She was taking glasses out of the dishwasher behind the bar, polishing them and lining them up. Annika took a deep breath and approached her, waving off the waitress who wanted to seat her.

“Excuse me?” Annika said.

The bartender exuded a bit of hostility. “The bar doesn’t open until seven,” she said curtly.

“I don’t want a drink,” Annika said. She offered her hand. “I’m Annika.”

The woman obviously recognized the name because she started. Her eyes narrowed as she studied Annika. “So?”

“And you’re Cerise, I think, which means you know where I can find Leo.”

Cerise folded her arms across her chest and leaned her hip against the bar. “If I am, why would I tell you that?”

“Because I want to talk to him.”

“Talk?”

“Talk.” Annika shook her head. “I don’t want him back. I have no intention of trying to influence whatever is between you. We were just a couple for twenty years and I think that parting ways deserves a little bit of discussion, maybe a friendly farewell.”

Cerise’s eyes narrowed. “How friendly?”

“Honestly, not very friendly at this point. I’m still annoyed.”

“I’d be mad as hell.”

“I wasn’t entirely surprised,” Annika admitted as Cerise watched her intently. “But I need closure. I need to talk to him one last time and…”

“And?” Cerise supplied.

“Have an exit interview.” Annika didn’t know what else to say.

The other woman polished three glasses, surveying her all the while.

“He said you’d want to do that,” Cerise explained, plucking another glass out of the dishwasher. “I have to tell you that I’m not keen on it.” Her gaze flicked over Annika. “But maybe it would be okay.”

“It will be okay. It will be short and sweet. I just need to say some things to him.”

“Things,” Cerise echoed with a smile. “I’ll bet.”

“Not exactly unjustified.”

Cerise didn’t reply. She finished polishing the glass in her hand before closing the dishwasher and picking up a pen. She began to write down an address. “This is where he is. It’s my place. He’s studying for an exam tonight so I know he’s there.”

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