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Ryder would be disappointed inI want

Well Besides Zachary

"How’s your salad?" he asks He’s on his best behavior, takingthe most expensive wine on the menu in honor of our celebration--his words The celebration of o after all--he’s positively thrilled

I feel one part glad that I’ainst Zachary, and two parts co this to him

"It’s delicious" I stare down atthe perfectly sliced tomatoes and mozzarella, the vibrant leaves of basil and the drizzle of balsa else sounds good on thewith Zachary feels wrong

Dreadfully, horribly wrong

"Not hungry?" He sends me a soulful look One that I used to fall for "You usually devour that salad like a starving woe Is he so deal out of nothing, I’m sure But I can’t help but feel defensive every time I’m with him "I had a late lunch," I lie

I had lunch with Rose and listened to her talk about an ex-boyfriend who’s giving her trouble, how Father see her, and that the brunch with Lily drove her nuts I’ets theether It’s the ot snarky, Rose got defensive, and they ended up arguing

Again, I feel responsible, since I left them to meet with Ryder He called me a distraction earlier in his office I have to confess he’s a distraction for me as well A sexy, delicious one, but a distraction nonetheless

And he ine conte, before I’ve been an achyabout him

I’m still an achy mess I ?"

"No, lunch with my sister" Let’s see if he asks which one If he asks how she’s doing If he asks anything personal Most of the tiive others ?