Page 25 of Divine Empire


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He gives me a doubtful look, but I’m too busy pondering the idea. It’s not like they could betray one another’s trust without hurting their children or grandchildren in some way. Mutually assured destruction may be the recipe for men like my father to open up.

I wonder silently if Matteo would help me make our fathers become friends.I bet he would.

He seems like he would take the task seriously, if I asked.

Taking a short moment to think about Matteo’s question, I send a response and a question of my own.

Anya

I’ve been listening to a lot of Nickelback lately. I know a lot of people like to make fun of them, but I don’t understand why. They’ve sold over 50 million albums for a reason.

I used to mainly listen to classical music, songs that I could choreograph to. I don’t find the pretty tunes soothing anymore, though. They seem hollow now that I don’t dance.

Deciding to pre-defend my choice some more, I type out another text.

Anya

It’s easy music, and not too sad or too happy. I don’t know if I could pick my top three songs, though. What about you?

Anya

Also, does your dad have many friends?

Chapter Six

Matteo

Anya

Also, does your dad have many friends?

Istare down at the message, completely bewildered. I don’t know if I’m more shocked by her question, or the fact that Anya Morozov listens to Nickelback. I mean, Nickelback of all bands. I’m not hating, honestly. I like some of their music too. But the girl looks like she could star in Disney’sRapunzeland she apparently likes Divorced Dad Rock.

Why am I into that?

Matteo

Usually I listen to a bit of a mixed bag of genres. But my top three songs right now are Eye of The Tiger by Survivor, Carry On Wayward Son by Kansas, and (Don’t Fear) The Reaper by Blue Oyster Cult.

Matteo

Jade and I have been watching Supernatural since she’s never seen it before. Can you tell it’s influenced my choices?

Matteo

Also, did you just ask me if my dad has friends?

Obviously, I know that’s what her message says, but I definitely feel that checking before I answer makes sense. Maybe she didn’t even mean to ask that. It could be a typo. A really strange typo, but a typo all the same.

Anya

I did, yes. I’m wondering if he has many friends. Does he?

Laughing at her lack of clarification to go along with her confirmation, I start to type a reply.

Matteo

Not really. I mean, he had my Uncle Cesar until he passed. And Apollo is like his best friend in a way. He’s friends with Martha? I think that might be it.