Stop looking at her. You’ve got enough woman problems. You don’t need more.
I cleared my throat and moved my view back to the tv in front of me.
Munching on a bite, Jade loudly moaned.
I turned her way and raised one eyebrow. “You like it?”
She wiped her mouth with a napkin. “This is the best sandwich I’ve eaten in my life.”
“Hold on. That can’t be right.” I frowned. “I remember making you a tuna fish sandwich when you were ten years old. That should have been the best sandwich of your life.”
She grinned. “What?”
“You don’t remember? You were waiting on Zora to finish with tennis class. Your mom and dad were working, so you asked if you could hang out in the living room. I told you yes and since I was making a sandwich, I asked if you wanted one. You said yes.”
“That’s right.” She set the rest of her sandwich down. “How the hell do you remember that?”
“Because you told me that it was the best sandwich you ever ate in your life. From that very moment, I believed that I was the best tuna fish sandwich maker in the world.” I frowned. “Now my beliefs have diminished, and I no longer know who I am.”
She laughed. “You’re still crazy.”
I winked. “But I’m glad you like the Panelle and Croquette special. It’s my favorite too.”
“And Amber’s favorite?” She picked up her glass of water and took a sip.
I went back to my sandwich.
She set the glass down. “Yes? No?”
“No. She liked it, but it wasn’t her thing. More mine.”
“What does she like to eat?”
I put my sandwich down and grabbed my beer. “Why are we talking about her?”
“I’m wondering what happened between you two.”
“And you thought the best way to explore that topic is by involving an innocent sandwich?”
She gave me a sad smile. “Maybe.”
“Since we’re being nosy, what about Jason?”
She blinked. “What?”
“What happened between Jason and you? You didn’t bring him to the wedding. My mother told me last Thanksgiving that he was going to propose.”
“How did she know that?”
“Jason secretly asked your parents for your hand in marriage. Your mother was so excited she told mine.”
“Oh.” Jade went back to her sandwich.
“Oh, really? Not so excited about sharing intimate details of your breakup.”
“My breakup has nothing to do with me being in your sister’s apartment in the middle of the coronapocalypse, whereas yours—”
“So, you do admit that you broke up with Jason?”
She took a bite.
“Ignoring me now?”
“I’m enjoying my sandwich.”
“Too late for that, Mrs. Nosey.” I leaned in. “What happened?”
She swallowed and turned back to me. “You don’t care. You just want to avoid answering my question.”
“I do care and yes, I also want to avoid your question.” I raised my finger. “However, if you tell me, then I’ll tell you.”
“Jason and I grew apart.”
“Bullshit.”
“It wasn’t a big thing that made me break up with him.”
“More bullshit.” I finished my sandwich, rose, and took the plate away. “I guess some topics are private for people.”
She groaned.
Smirking, I entered the kitchen, rinsed off my plate, and put it in the dishwasher. Once I was done, Jade followed me into the kitchen and washed her plate. I got a good look at that tiny top and those little shorts.
She has a nice ass but keep your distance.
Every inch of Jade was spotless, smooth, and tempting. I tried to keep my eyes off her, but I couldn’t help stealing glances her way.
You’re just depressed and want to get your cock wet. This is not the woman you fuck away the sadness with. It’s Jade. Not some one-night stand chick.
She turned to me and widened her eyes. “Is everything okay?”
Get back to work. There’s tons of shit that I can focus on.
Frowning, I checked my watch. “I need some advice.”
Her face brightened. “You need some advice on love?”
“On bothering my employees.”
She frowned.
“It’s been three hours since I had all my employees head home with their files and laptops. Do you think it’s a good time to gather the top officials into a video conferencing call?”
“Hmmm.” She grabbed the wine bottle and poured. “I’m not exactly an exec.”
“Yeah, but you’re human. And you surely have been stressed with this news like everyone else. Do you think I should give them a break?”
She nodded. “This is a hectic day for everyone. I mean. . .some of them have probably realized they have to grocery shop or get supplies—”
“Shit.” I looked down at my clothes.
“What?”
“I didn’t pack any clothes for this week. I only have my suit.”
“So, you ran out of your condo in a hurry?”
“Instead of art, you should have been a detective.” I put my back to her and considered the dilemma. “I’ll have to buy some necessities.”
“Or you can go back to your place and pack some clothes.”
“Out of the question.” I left the kitchen and went to my laptop. “But on addressing my employees, you’re right. Plus, it’s Friday. They deserve some time to breathe in fresh air. I’ll just send them an email that we’ll meet on Monday.”