Page 150 of The Manny

“I suspect you’re the type who wants one special person.” His tone was derisive.

“I guess I am. I didn’t even realize it until recently.” I sighed. “I know you’re mystified by why I like Jack, but he’s a good man.”

“You sure you’re not just seeing what you want to see?”

“No. There’s another side to himyou’venever seen.” I gritted my teeth, frustrated with myself. Why was I sitting here defending Jack? “But… that… that’s the past. I’m hoping going to Germany will help get him out of my system for good.”

“One can hope,” he murmured.

I drained my coffee cup, and set it down on the table. “I will miss him though.”

Crispin scowled. “I thought that was the past?”

I grimaced. “It is. I’m just working through things in my head.”

“So now I’ve been reduced to being your therapist?”

I sighed. “Sorry. I won’t mention him again.”

He let out an exasperated sigh. “I can see you’re suffering. If I didn’t want to sleep with you so badly, maybe I’d be more understanding.”

I laughed at his honesty. “You don’t sugarcoat things, do you?”

“Meh. Sometimes. I’m bitter right now.”

I smiled and glanced at my watch. “I should head home. Mia will be dropped off in a bit.”

“Yeah, I need to get going too.” He slid from the booth. “Unless you want to go to my place for a quickie?”

“Probably not a great idea. I’m confused enough.”

He sighed. “Such a waste.”

I reached for my wallet as we neared the cash register, but Crispin waved me away.

“My treat,” he said.

“Oh, well, thanks.” I grabbed us each a mint from a glass jar on the counter. “Next time it’s on me.”

“Sure.” He unwrapped his mint and popped it in his mouth.

Once he’d paid, we headed outside. It was only a little past 11:00 a.m. but the sun was already warm on my shoulders. I’d miss the pleasant weather of southern California. Germany was going to be a huge adjustment on so many levels. A wave of depression came over me, and I tried to shake it off. I’d never felt so reticent about taking a position. I knew it was a great opportunity, but I couldn’t seem to drum up any enthusiasm.

“Want to hang out Sunday?” Crispin asked, tucking his wallet into his back pocket.

“Uh, I’m not sure. I should spend as much time as possible with Mia before I leave.”

“Or maybe you should take more time off, and get her used to your absence.”

I winced. “God. I dread telling her what’s happening.”

“You’ll have to eventually.”

“I know. I’m just not sure if giving her less warning or more is best for her.” I sighed.

He studied me. “Well, if you change your mind about Sunday, let me know.”

I opened my mouth to answer him, when a woman nearby screamed. I turned to see what was happening, just in time to see a burly teenage boy barreling toward me. He had a pink handbag tucked under his arm, and his eyes were wild. I tried to move out of his way, but he was going so fast, he slammed into me.

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