Page 51 of Not the Plan

“You did?”

“Mm-hmm. I didn’t think I was going to. I was really annoyed when Daniel called.”

“Why?”

“Hobnobbing, or whatever. It’s not my thing. And I didn’t think there was going to be anyone there I wanted to see.” She winked at him.

He swallowed, his cheeks warm. “Well, you are quite good.”

“What do you mean?”

“It didn’t show at all.”

“No? My irritation is always seething below the surface in those moments. But it’s part of the job. I wish I were more like RJ; he revels in those situations.”

“You two are good friends, aren’t you?”

“We are. Since we got our master’s together. You’re not jealous of him, are you?” Her crinkled nose was even cuter than her crinkled brow.

“No. I could tell he wasn’t competition.” He laughed.

She laughed along. “He’s not. But I’m sure he’s a little disappointed you’re straight.”

Karim laughed louder. “Is that a fact?”

“Yes. But don’t tell him I told you.”

“My lips are sealed.”

The end of the path brought them back to the parking lot.

“Would you unlock the door, please?” Isadora asked. “I’m gonna grab my purse, go powder my nose. Then I’ll be ready to be your chauffeur.”

“How lucky am I?” he said. “To have such a beautiful chauffeur.”

—

After another thirty minutes in the car, she reached over and stopped the podcast. She’d been quiet since lunch, and he thought it best to follow her lead.

“You said your wife left you?”

A strained “yes” slid from his lips.

“I’m sorry, I should have asked first; is it painful to talk about?” She glanced at him.

He sighed. “It still hurts but being honest with you is worth it.”

“Thank you,” she said, her voice lighter. “When did she leave?”

“Two years ago.”

Her eyebrow shot up.

“But the divorce isn’t final?” she asked.

“I filed last month.”

She kept her attention on the road, but her eyes narrowed.

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