Page 67 (1/2)

"Why?" she says, frowning "You built that company just as much as he has You should just buckle down and work hard, be friendly but not expect anything if he won't be exclusive"

I frown and don't knohat to say

"I' one If I just let things go on as they are, at least Jon and I are still friends and we still have Pacifica…"

"You have to decide what you want more – Pacifica or Jon"

"Both"

She shakes her head "Sometimes, you have to choose You can try it Jon's way and see how things go, or you can force the issue and see if he decides you're iive exclusivity a try”

"That's it, isn't it? I have to bend or Jon does"

"Life is a big coht and on which hill you want to die"

I make a face ofto say Battles, fight, dying…"

"Love and war," she says and her voice is now tired "The two go together It's always a power struggle when two people get together at soive up and leave"

We sit for a moment while this sinks into my brain She smiles at me "Tell me about your date Why didn’t he work out?"

"He was everything I should like – tall, dark, and handsome, smart, successful Attentive But Jon is…"

"You’re in love with Jon, India Give it a try See what happens The worst is a broken heart and leaving Pacifica with your shares and a lot of experience under your belt You'll be a success no matter what you try next and eventually, you'll find a ht for you"

We talk for a fewbeing on his own Then, I stand and lean over, kissing her forehead

"I'll go and let you sleep," I say softly "You look tired"