Page 45 of Midnight Ash

Xander:So many rooms you haven't seen.

Ash:Such as?

Xander:Spare room, gym, cinema room, pantry.

Ash:YOU HAVE A CINEMA ROOM??

Xander:Well, it's the lounge, but with lights out and popcorn.

Ash:Does your cinema allow making out during the viewing.

Xander:It's actually a requirement, and part of the premium experience.

Ash:I'll have two tickets for next weekend then.

Xander:Can't wait!

"Jessopand your dad are heading to the conference room," Mia says from the door.

"Okay. Thanks, Mia."

This is it, the moment of truth. I trust the information my friend sent me over the weekend, so now I just need to release the bait.

I look up, and Mia is still by the door.

"Was there anything else?" I say.

"Something happened between you and Ash."

Damn her perception. I sit back and cross my arms.

"So, we've been in the office for two hours this morning already, and you wait until I have exactly sixty seconds before my next meeting to bring up a topic you already have all the gossip on?"

She shrugs. "I wanted to see how much you squirm, which is surprisingly, not at all. What gives?"

"Nothing."

"Okay let's stick to the facts. You are attracted to Ash. You went to see him on Friday. You made him feel better."

I stand up and grab my paperwork. "And you know this how?"

"Because Nicki was considerably more relaxed by Friday evening."

"Well done, Sherlock."

"Fletcher."

"Who?"

"Jessica Fletcher fromMurder, She Wrote."

"Well, no murders were committed so..."

I give her a kiss on the cheek as I walk past her, and whisper in her ear.

"We had a great weekend. And wish me luck."

I don't look back because I don't need to, to know Mia is staring at my back, openmouthed, and already plotting a way to extract more information from me.