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“I was hoping to work in a kindergarten at some point, maybe teaching, that kind of thing.”
“Why aren’t you doing that now?”
“I’m trying. Not a lot of vacancies out there when you’re unqualified.”
“So get qualified.”
“I’m trying. It takes time and money.”
“Hence the catering?”
“I guess. So, what’s your plan in life, Mr. Smartypants? Apart from irritating me.”
“Easy one. I’m looking to retire.”
“Retire from what? Car theft?”
“Maybe.”
“Very mysterious.”
“That’s what it said under my yearbook photo. Mysterious car thief with magnificent hair.”
“Not asshole with a superiority complex?”
He stares at me without smiling, but I see a flicker of light in his eyes. “You went to my high school?”
“I highly doubt it.”
“How can you be sure?”
“I went to an all girls’ place in Switzerland.”
“Pricey.”
“I wasn’t paying.”
“Who was?”
“My turn to refuse to answer.”
“Nixing the family background. Fine with me. Let’s never speak of our pasts.”
He raises his glass, and we clink. A shadow falls over the table. Valerie has appeared. She leans down and whispers something in Jack’s ear. He frowns momentarily and I wonder why I’m feeling so jealous of their closeness. I hardly know the guy.
“I’ll be right back,” Jack says. “Enjoy the band and your night off. Order another drink. It’s on me.” He gets up, looking casual enough, but his expression changes a second before he’s out of sight, turning into something so cold I’m surprised the entire room doesn’t start shivering.
He walks through a door over near the bar just as the singer starts up again. I sit back, sipping my drink, listening to the tune and finding my foot tapping along of its own accord.
I dig out my cellphone and start composing a message to Maddy.
Having quite the evening.
She replies, as erudite as ever.
?
Groom tried to touch me up. Walked out on Lorna. Probably lost that job like the last one.
