Page 46 of The Flirtation

It was around four-thirty in the morning when we were awoken by Magda the cleaning lady. She had turned on the overhead light and gasped. “Oh thank God! Yes! ThankGod!”

We were not naked—we had much more than a quick nap. There was nap drool involved. Fortunately, I was able to wipe it away before Luke could see my face. Regardless, I think Magda was even happier to see me with a man than my sister wouldbe.

“This is what I have wanted for you, Avery Davis! Yes. This is good. Hello. I leave now, sorry towake.”

“No no, it’s very good that you’ve woken us, thank you.” Luke’s voice was gravelly from sleep, but still somehow delicious. He stood up, ran his fingers through his hair while walking towards Magda, and held out his hand. “Hullo, I’m Luke Mason. Avery and I worktogether.”

“Ohhhh.” Magda giggled. “I see, okay. Hello, yes,good.”

“Luke, this is my friend Magda. Luke is just in town for a couple ofdays.”

“Oh? You areEnglish?”

“Yes. I live inLondon.”

“London?....Ohhhhhh!” I could see her remembering that I’d mentioned being at the office to Skype with London. I could see her understanding why I was so excited about it, and I could see that Magda was about to ask Luke to marryme.

I jumped up, put my hands on Magda’s shoulders, and gently ushered her out of the room. “Hey Magda, we actually have some more business to discuss,so…”

“Happy Valentines Day, Magda!” Luke called out. What a suck-up.

She clutched her chest and gave me the thumbs up as I shut the door in her sweet hopefulface.