“Apparently not.”
“How embarrassing.”
“I actually have joint citizenship,” I admit. “My father is Australian, but my mum is a Kiwi. They divorced when I was fourteen, and I moved back to New Zealand with her.”
“So she was the civilizing influence?”
“Some would say barely.”
She chuckles. “Why’d you leave the army?”
Irritated at being grilled, I don’t answer, concentrating on navigating a busy intersection.
Eventually, she says, “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t intrude.”
Surprised that she apologized, I clear my throat. “It’s okay, I’d rather not talk about it, that’s all.”
In my ear, someone says, “Luke?”
I press the button. “Receiving.”
“What?” Aurelia says.
“Just wanted to say something,” Stacy says, and then half a dozen voices start singing Happy Birthday.
I laugh. “Thanks, guys.”
“Thanks for what?” Aurelia asks.
“They’re singing me happy birthday.”
She stares at me. “It’s your birthday? Today?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Oh…” Her expression softens. “In that case, would you like a coffee on me?”
“You don’t need to do that.”
“I know. I’d like to.”
I glance at her. She has the most beautiful eyes. “Uh, yeah, okay, thank you.”
“What kind?”
“Latte, please.”
“I’ll order them.” She taps on her phone, then puts it down again. “So what exciting things do you have planned for your big day?”
“You mean apart from being insulted by my principal?”
“I’m your principal?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Earlier you said ‘Eagle’s on the move.’ Is that my codename?”
“No, ma’am. It was a joke.”
