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Despite the fact that she didn’t have a leg to stand on

My phone rang out in my hand, and I immediately answered it I kneho it was Catone I drew in a deep breath as I heldto keep my tears at bay while my heart slowed down

“Hey there,” I said

“You keep calling?” she asked flatly

“Can we meet for lunch? Please? I’ll pay for whatever you want Just sit down and talk with me”

“Fine I figured you were calling to ask that anyway”

“Thank you, Cao? I’ll take you anywhere”

“There’s that new French place that opened up don Du Pont so or other”

“I knohat you’re talking about That’s one of those pricey places with sh You sure that’ll fill you up?”

“You said I could go anywhere Was that a lie, too?”

“No, Cao,” I said

“Meet you there in fifteen lass of wine along with an appetizer? So with duck or whatever”

“Yeah Sure I’ll do that See you in fifteen?”

“Yep”

She hung up the phone, and I raced to gather s I didn’t care how I looked I didn’t care that I was about to walk into one of the pres and a tunic All I cared about was sitting doithout the laundry between us She was my best friend, my confidant, the person I trusted the most

I needed her in my life

“Two glasses of red wine and your smoked duck on toast, please?”

“Are you waiting for someone else?” the waiter asked

“Yes, sir She’s going to want a glass of red wine, on the sweeter side if you have it”