Page 203 of A Matter of Time

“That would not have been advisable. It would have been impossible for me to keep my objectivity had you come along.”

“Like you were objective.”

“I was.”

I smiled into the phone. “He says it was brutal.”

“I was polite.”

“I just want you to know that it means everything, and he—I⁠—”

“You love him, I know.”

“Is this where you tell me if it goes bad, the next time you’re not gonna be there to help me out?”

“I don’t care how many times things go wrong, I will be there.”

Everybody in my life was amazing today. “Yeah?”

“I would, however, like you to consider the wear and tear on your heart. You don’t have to act like an idiot simply because you are one.”

“That makes no sense and you’re being kind of an ass right now.”

He grunted.

“Dane, I⁠—”

“Listen,” he sighed. “Tomorrow the Reids are in town from Texas. I expect you, with the detective or without, to be at my apartment at seven sharp. We’re having drinks and then we’re going to dinner at the Dancing Bull at eight.”

“Okay.”

“Repeat what I said.”

“Oh for crissakes, I heard what you⁠—”

“Did you?”

“I’m not five, Dane. I heard you and I was actually paying attention.”

He grunted like he didn’t believe me.

“I was,” I said defensively. “Drinks at seven, dinner at eight. I got it. Dancing Bull, so I know what to wear.”

“Wear one of the suits I bought you at Christmas.”

“I’m not a Ken doll, ya know.”

He laughed at me. “Oh, the hell you’re not. Make sure the detective wears a suit as well.”

“I will.”

“Does he own a suit?”

“God, you’re a snob.”

“No, I just want to know what to expect.”

“We’ll both be properly attired,” I assured him.