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The next , I step out on the terrace of a private restaurant atop one of the nicest hotels at the Santa Monica Pier, a bright sun high in a clear blue sky A table covered in white linen is set next to the stone exterior of the building covered by rich green ivy overlooking the soft sands of the Santa Monica Bay Before I can take in anything else, rab it out ofme, Mallory?” I answer the phone in a brisk voice, not pleased with the interruption

“Yes, you’re going to kill ing when she adds, “Alas, we are finalizing the Bakker offer Thomas wanted me to reach out to confirm the details”

I know this can’t wait, and I re faithfully this weekend to ensure we get an offer ready to present to Bakker on Monday “Go ahead”

“All right” She draws in a deep breath before she begins “We’ve includeda yearly donation to the charity Mr Bakker supports We’re also putting a provision in that all his eer, and the employees are also to receive Christ that Mr Bakker doesn’t do Is there anything else you want to add before we finalize?”

I ponder as I watch a seagull soar through the air, then decide “Our offer sounds strong and solid Do the clients have any suggestions?”

“No, they felt right in line hat you proposed”

“Good Is that all?”

“Yes, that’s all Goodbye”

Mallory ends the call, and I suspect that herrampant with ideas of what I’m up to with her best friend I’ve never crossed that line with Mallory I’nizes my interest in her friend, as I’ve never hid it, but I’ve never verbalized my desire to be with her best friend, nor will I ever discuss Aria with Mallory Some lines should never be crossed

With work behind lad the interruption is over, I turn toward Aria She’s striding through the sait is slow, posture relaxed, as she should be The pathway is lined by flowers and bushes and pergolas, and in front of the garden is where our table for breakfast is set This restaurant is as private as it is beautiful, and it’s why I’ve come here for the past few years for breakfast every so often

When she catches that I’ at her, she suns, Liarin

“I only have big guns” I grin back, approaching the table then pulling out her chair for her

As she hs softly “Well, I do know for certain you have one big gun”

Before I can reply, the waiter enters the terrace, the steel door closing tight behind hi all white with a black bow tie, the dark-haired young , Mr Maxwell and Ms Finley” I takethe chef is serving eggs Florentine, pastrami hash, and fresh fruit”

“Sounds a,” Aria says