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“I’m being an idiot.”

“A brotherly idiot. I don’t think honour or decency are the barriers to Antonio and Maha having a relationship.”

Cas forced himself to list the reasons why he and Beatriz shouldn’t get down and dirty. Increasingly, they seemed irrelevant. They were consenting adults. If they decided to act on their attraction, it was no one’s business but theirs.

* * *

Late Monday morning, Bea was typing up her notes from a client meeting when her boss knocked on her door.

“Got a moment?”

“Can I help with something?” Bea asked.

“That new idea we discussed. Something’s come up.” Martin took the seat in front of her desk.

Please let it be something real, something interesting that gets me out of this office and away from the barbarian for a few hours.

“A new client, keen to expand his printing business,” Martin explained. “It’s his first time considering an agency. He’s run his own ads, got some loud signs on his business, but wants to know a bit more about how we can help him.”

“Where is he?”

“Currently manning a booth at the Digital Arts Show. I said you’d drop over and see him this afternoon. It’s at the Sydney Showground. Might be worth getting there early, so you can see who he’s mixing with.”

“It’s a competitive field,” she murmured. “Any instructions?”

“He figures he’s got a few technological innovations to make him stand out and wants to parlay that into a brand known to be at the cutting edge.” He stood to leave. “It’s the kind of project that plays to your strengths, Beatriz. I’ll leave it with you.”

I have to tell Casildo.

I’ve got news.

She texted the second Martin left the room.

Snap. I’ve got news too. Wanna meet?

Zumba Cafe, bottom of George Street, thirty minutes.

See you there.

“This is a new one on me,” Casildo said, gesturing to the café, when she arrived breathless thirty-five minutes later.

“Sorry, I’m late. It took me longer than expected to check a few things. I’ll be catching a tram, so needed to come in this direction.” She took his arm. “Let’s find a seat.”

“Is the tram the reason for your news?”

“My boss has delivered on his promise.” She laughed.

“Congratulations.”

“Who knew a simple meeting and a bit of a kissing in a public coffee house would trigger a series of different conversations with Martin.”

“Only took him a week,” grumbled Casildo. “Bitof kissing? I might have to work on my skills.”

“You never asked what score I gave you?” she teased.

“That’s because someone told me it was demeaning.” He looked down his nose at her. “What do you want? I think we have to order at the counter.”

“Just coffee, I’m too excited to eat.”