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“Touché,” her friend said, and then waved goodbye.
Tiffany sighed, and then grudgingly returned to her designs.
*
“So have you had sex yet?”
Ivan and Cole were in the exercise room lifting weights. Ivan set his weights down with a bang, and glared at his brother.
“What? Can’t a guy ask a question?”
“Sure,” Ivan replied. “Just not one that involves my sex life.”
“Since when?”
“Cole.”
“Okay, okay.”
“She’s coming over on Friday. Are you going to be here?”
Cole looked up. “Now I am. So things are going well?”
Ivan began bench-pressing weights. “Yes. I enjoy being around her. She’s smart, funny and talented. There’s a lot packed into that petite body of hers.”
“I guess you’ll know that soon enough.” He smirked.
Ivan sat up and scowled at his brother. “Don’t make me deck you.”
Cole started moving around and shadowboxing. “As if you could. You don’t want any of this, old man.”
“Anytime, little brother.”
“All joking aside, I can see that she makes you happy. Personally, I think it’s long overdue. I was starting to worry about your being married to your job. Which, dear brother, is just sad.”
“Be quiet, and yes, Tiffany makes me happy. I like that she’s independent and can hold her own. She’s not intimidated by me in any way, so I don’t feel the need to hold back. She’s not forcing me to be something I’m not. I’m appreciative of that fact that I can be myself around Tiffany. The real me.”
“I’m happy for you, but can she handle your work life? You travel often, and sometimes for long periods of time. It takes a strong woman to be able to handle coming in second to your career.”
“I hear you, but Tiffany is a business owner, too. She’s used to giving her all for her company.”
“So, any word from Debra recently?”
“No.”
“Have you told her about Tiffany?”
“Why should I? Debra and I have no romantic ties. I don’t ask details of her personal life, and she doesn’t ask about mine.”
“She may not ask, Ivan,” Cole countered, “but that doesn’t mean she isn’t interested.”
“You’re reading way more into this than necessary, little brother.”
“Somebody has to. You’re walking around under the illusion that it’s rosy in Sunnyville. Need I remind you that this woman cheated on you with one of your army buddies, and ended up marrying him?”
Ivan picked up a barbell. “I let that go a long time ago. It’s ancient history.”
“Hey, I hope you’re right. I’d hate to see her throw a monkey wrench in your program.”
