Chapter 13
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
MAYA
Icame home to a new flower delivery, adder’s tongue, which Derek says means jealousy.
Since then, every day, I get a dozen crimson roses along with my usual arrival of hyacinths.
They're forwarded to the hospital every time.
I don't want them here. I'm being followed most days, but as soon as someone tries to intercept whoever it is, they take off.
Derek wants to move in and I keep telling him no.
It's been over a week since I left London. Duncan and I talk and text when we can. I've been trying to figure a way to head to London for a quick weekend or even Paris where he is. Duncan is guarding a diplomat's daughter; he complains that she's a handful.
Tonight I'm getting ready for dinner with James when my phone beeps with an incoming message.
Duncan
Baby, I miss you so much. Sorry I couldn't text sooner, had to work. Just got to my room. Can you call?
Me
Can't. Your father is waiting for me at Georgia Brown's for dinner.
Duncan
Lucky man.
Me
I miss you too.
Duncan
Have you been made primary permanently yet?
Me
Yep. My partner and I are going to celebrate after dinner tonight.
Duncan
Why him? Why not some girlfriends?
Me
Jealous?
Duncan
Fuck ya! I feel like you just gutted me. That man gets to spend time with my girl.
Me
Stop. I sleep with you and work with him. Besides, he isn't into relationships.
Duncan
All guys are into you.
Me
Well, just for that, I won't try to fly to Paris next week when I'm off.
Duncan
Wish you could, baby, but we're heading to Nice, France. Sorry.
Me
Okay, well, I gotta run. Text me tomorrow.
Duncan
Okay, baby. Good night.
I run into the Southern cuisine restaurant to see James taking a seat in a booth across the way. I point to him and bypass the hostess. He stands and hugs and kisses my cheek.
"Have you heard from Ana at all?" I ask right away. She never texted me back after I got home. I know she's on her honeymoon, but this is so not like her. Duncan and I have discussed this and he's worried too.
"No, but they're probably having a good time. Barcelona is beautiful in the summer."
"I guess. It’s just not like her."
"Her life has changed. Jonathon is her priority now. Someday they’ll have a child. Just like someday you’ll be married too."
"Not likely."
"Okay, I'll change the subject. Have you been up to Boston lately?"
"No, I've been so busy with work."
"I've been so busy too. I was thinking of heading that way after my meetings tomorrow to see him."
"How are your meetings so far?"
"Good. I'm working with the Israeli delegation to have a delegation set up next month along with a ball. I'm hoping this will ease tensions after what happened a couple weeks ago. I heard you were the sniper on that call."
"Yeah. I was just doing my job."
"I heard they’re talking about bringing in David Harel to lead their security."
"I'll have to make the time to see him while he's here if he does."
"How’s Derek?"
"He's good, I can still kick his butt. He's thinking of moving in with me again."
"Why is he moving in?" I see the questions in his eyes he's not asking.
"He doesn't like the place he's staying at now, my place is quiet. He doesn't want to move back in with his dad. I'm fine, stop worrying." I smile at him.
"Uncle Marcus is going to possibly be coming to London for the holiday too."
"When was the last time Uncle Marcus crossed the pond?"
"Been years. I think he's hoping to see you, he seems lonely. Actually, I believe the last time he crossed the pond was when Isabella died."
"I'll call him soon." I can't react to his comment about Isabella. I know how much James misses her.
I can't tell James that Derek wants to move in because he's worried about my stalker. The rest of the meal goes by without any more talk of my job or Derek.
As we walk out to the curb, he hugs me and kisses my cheek again.
"Maya, it was rather enjoyable to see you. You appear happy. Are you seeing someone?"
"Uh, what?" I almost fall over.
"You've a special smile I've seen off and on tonight. I thought you might be thinking of someone."
"Oh no, I'm just super excited about my new position on the ERT." How can he tell? I was thinking of Duncan and missing him.
"Okay. Will I see you at Christmas for sure?"
"Yes, I'll call when I've made my reservations," I promise.
"Take care, darling, please be careful, and remember I love you."
"Thank you, James. I love you too." I hug him again. I'm happy about the job, but the relationship that's starting with Duncan is making me feel more human than a robot. Having James notice makes me aware I need to be more careful, but I also feel guilty for lying to him.