Thank you Lois for the beta. You're the greatest!


Chapter 3 – During lunch that same day...


“You realize that we’ll have to call some sort of a truce during lunch?”  Brian suggested.

“I don’t see why.  We’re just getting started.” Melanie responded.

“Melanie, you have to be reasonable.  We have to at least be civil during the meal.”

“I’m not sure I like that idea.”

“I know that you’re a good attorney, but I’m not sure you want to be the one to explain to Lindsay why we spent the afternoon in a Canadian holding cell.”

“Good point.”

“Plus, we still have things to discuss.”

“Like what?”

“Like a plausible explanation for why I’m in Toronto?”

“Oh that.”

“That’s pretty big, Melanie.  You’re not ready to show her the painting.  How were you planning to explain me at dinner tonight?”

“I figured you’d come up with something.  You’re good at things like that.”

“You mean like I’m suppose to tell Lindsay something like I had sudden business in Toronto.  My business took me so close to your office that I couldn’t resist the urge to drop in and see you.  You invited me over for dinner.  And, oh by the way, Melanie suggested that since I was here, I was invited to stay in your guest room for while I visit my son.  Is that what you had in mind?”

“You can sell anything.  You’re so good at bullshit.  You’ll be able to pull it off.”

“Ah huh”

“I was thinking you’d call Lindsay and tell her you’re in town on business.  Since you’re here, you can ask to see Gus.  She’ll suggest it to me, and we’ll argue about it.  Eventually we’ll work out the ‘you’ll see Gus part’.  I’ll know nothing about your visit.  In fact, I’ll even resist a bit, when she suggests that you stay for dinner.   During the evening, you’ll be so preoccupied with Gus and Jenny.   The evening will fade into the night.  Then I’ll nonchalantly invite you to stay overnight in our guest room because of the lateness of the hour.” Melanie gleefully suggested.

“And they say that I’m the master of bullshit.”

“You’ve rubbed off on me.”

“OK that takes care of tonight, and tomorrow, I’ll move back to my hotel. ”  

“Oh no!  I want to keep you close.  I don’t trust you.”

“If I stay more than one night, things will look suspicious.”

“You’re just looking for a way to escape me.”

“Melanie, how can you say that?  We’re such warm personal friends.   Notice how I rushed here to be by your side.  I dropped everything the moment you called.  You forget to take note of the things I do for you.”  He teased.

“Asshole, so are we ready?”

“Let’s do it!”