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Pasting a smile onher lips when he turned to face her, she asked. "Everythingokay?"
"I’msupposed to be leaving in the morning for Europe." He walkedback over to stand by the bed, a frown touching his brow. "Ijust want to make sure you’re going to be all right."
"I’ll befine."
"I’ll getone of the drivers to take you home when it's time for you to bedischarged."
"You don't haveto do that." She protested.
"I’m yourfriend, which means that yes, I have to look out for you."Sitting on the side of the bed and careful not to move her leg, heleaned in to kiss her cheek. "I have to leave. There’s ameeting I was trying to get out of, but that's not happening."
"I’ll befine." She was determined not to cry. "Go and do what youhave to do."
"I’ll callwhile I’m out of town and if there’s anything you need-"
"I’ll callLaura. I know the drill."
Taking her hand, hekissed the back of it before rising. "I have to go."
Waiting until he’dleft and closed the door behind him, she allowed the tears to fall.
*****
"You look likehell."
"Why, thankyou." Allison shifted so he could sit next to her. "Justwhat every woman wants to hear."
"We’re notlovers, which means I get to tell you the truth. What are youhaving?"
"The Cobbsalad."
"I think I’llhave the same." He signaled for the waiter and placed the order."Why are we here?"
"I didn’twant to go home to my empty apartment just yet."
"Ah. Loverboyacting up?"
"He isn’ta boy and far from being a lover." She retorted as she reachedfor her glass of water. "The artist is in the hospital and heleft to be with her." She took several sips. "What am Idoing here, Michael? They obviously have a connection. She calls andhe just runs to her."
"One might saythat's what good friends do." He raised an eyebrow at her. "Youcall and I come running."
"I’m notsleeping with you." She pointed out.
"As much as Itried to remedy that. My point is, they go a long way back, of coursehe’s going to rush to see her."
"I can’tcompete with her and the others." She paused as their meals wereput before them. "I don't know what I was thinking."Digging into her salad, she told him of the incident in theconference room. "It's like he was deliberately trying to pissme off."
"And then hadthe gall to ask if you’re going to his place. Are you?"
"No." Sheshook her head.
"You sure aboutthat?"
"I’mpositive." She sighed and reached for her water again. "Imight be in love, but I’m not stupid and I have to draw theline somewhere."
"I agree withyou." He studied her lovely face for a minute. 'He’s goingto discover that you’re not a pushover."
"Precisely. Youhave no idea how much I just want to head over there, but I have mypride."
