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She started to pull away, and he groaned, tightening his grip.
“Don’t let go yet,” he begged.
She let out a little laugh that was music to his ears. “Bad day?”
“Change day to week and bad to dismal.”
“Dismal? Wow, I’m sorry.”
He didn’t want to let go yet, but he couldn’t think of a valid reason to keep hugging her, so he gave her one last squeeze and released her. “How was yours?”
“Not the best. It was Genevieve’s last day of work today.”
His mouth fell open. “She quit?”
“Yeah, the day after the regatta, she put in her notice. I tried to tell her about Serena targeting him so maybe she’d understand his reasons for keeping his real identity from her, but I’m not sure it did any good. She’s still gone, and I feel terrible for the part I played in keeping up this lie for him.”
“I understand. How’s Bash doing?”
“Not good. He looks so sad. My heart breaks every time I see him. I’m a little worried.”
“We should take him out to the Grill tonight, try to get his mind off things and cheer him up.”
“I like that idea. Not sure he’ll go along with it, but it’s worth a try.”
“Is he still at the office?”
Skylar shook her head. “I think he went home early today.”
“Let’s go get him. It’s easier for him to say no if we call him than if we show up on his doorstep.”
She smiled. “Good thinking.”
“Well, I’m more than just a pretty face,” he said with a wink.
They laughed together as they walked across the parking lot.
“Can we take your car?” Franky asked.
“Sure. Want to drive?”
He raised an eyebrow at her. “Do you really have to ask?”
She giggled as she tossed him the keys, and he rushed ahead to open the Porsche door for her.
“Thank you, sir.” She smiled as she climbed into the passenger seat.
He rounded the front of the car and got in. The radio was already on when he started the car, and he took off down the road, listening to a commentary on climate change and farming. The woman stated that switching from beef to beans would give people the needed proteins in their diets while lowering the emissions from farming the crops to feed the animals that are consumed, thereby reducing greenhouse gases.
Franky screwed up his face. “What are we listening to?”
“It’s NPR. All Things Considered.”
“Why?”
She chuckled. “I enjoy listening to them talk.”
“Beef to beans? I have to give up burgers and steak to save the planet?”