The waiter returns. “Have you decided?” He gives us a hopeful look, but when neither of us replies, he asks in bright voice, “How about the house special?”
“That sounds good.” I smile at him, grateful for his effort. “And two glasses of wine.”
When he buzzes off to put in our order, Jazz cocks an eyebrow. “Wine? You never drink at lunchtime.”
“We need a drink. Besides, we’re not driving.”
“Good point.” She leans forward and rests her elbows on the table. “But I didn’t come here to chew off your ear about my problems. I want to know how you are doing.”
“I’m good.”
It’s both true and it’s not. Not remembering what happened to me bothers me more than I’m admitting to anyone.
No, that’s an understatement.
It’s driving me insane.
I’m paranoid, constantly looking over my shoulder. But Dr. Chad is helping a lot, and I’m trying to be patient. I’m trying to focus on everything beautiful in my life and all the gifts I’m grateful for. And I’m trying not to think too much about the conclusion I came to when Dante took me to the guesthouse.
“Just good?” she asks with caution.
“Great.” I put on a happy expression. “Dante is wonderful. He’s very considerate and sweet.”
“Is he?”
Is it me, or did she say that as if she doesn’t believe me? “Always.”
Her eyes light up. “How’s Noah?”
I make a puppy face. “I’m besotted with that child. He’s so happy, Jazz.”
Her face softens. “I’m glad to hear that.”
“Dante got him a dog.” I avert my eyes, not wanting to admit why we adopted the pet. “Noah is completely taken with Flash. They’re inseparable.”
“That’s great.” Her look turns a little wistful. “Noah deserves all that happiness. Why didn’t you bring him?”
I laugh. “I wanted to, but he insisted on staying with Flash. Emily offered to look after him so that I could enjoy some quality time with you.”
Jazz’s expression shifts. “When is Emily going back to the condo?”
“I told her there was no rush.”
Her mouth pulls down.
“What?” I watch her closely. “Don’t you like her?”
“Just be careful, Tiana. Don’t place too much trust in Emily’s loyalty.”
“She’s good with Noah.”
“I don’t doubt that.” Jazz hesitates. “I’m just saying she has two bosses, you and Dante, and if she has to choose, it won’t be you.”
That’s harsh. “Emily is like family. She’s been with us for just about forever.”
Jazz’s mood seems to blacken. “All the more reason why you should be careful. It hurts when people you trust betray you, and we both know how fickle people can be.”
Trying to pull her out of her morbid state, I change the subject. “We don’t see each other enough. We should do lunch more often.”
