I softened my voice.
“I meant what I said. I’m not going to push.”
“I know.”
“But I’m allowed to be curious.”
“I know that too.”
She looked down at the table.
“I don’t want you to think I’m playing some game.”
“I don’t.”
“I’m not married.”
“We established that.”
“No boat fiancé.”
“Still reassuring.”
She laughed.
Then the laugh faded.
“My life is just complicated.”
“Most lives are.”
“Mine is professionally complicated.”
“Mine involves Todd.”
“That’s hard to compete with.”
“It keeps me humble.”
Annie looked toward the beach.
A gust of wind lifted the edge of her napkin.
“I don’t know how long I can stay,” she said. “But I’d like to see you while I’m here.”
Simple.
Direct.
More dangerous than a secret job or a manager with possible access to helicopters.
I picked up a fry.
“Professionally?”
“Absolutely not.”
“Good.”
