"And," I continued, "because they're under cover."
"So?"
"So it's better if you're not friendly." I looked into her eyes, willing her to understand. "And come on, you know how you are."
"And how's that?"
"You're a nice person. And I mean that as a compliment."
"I'm notthatnice," she said.
"You're wrong," I said. "Youare." I shook my head. "Nicer than I deserve."
"Even if I believed that – which I don't – what does my so-called 'niceness' have to do with anything?"
"I’m just saying, if you knew they worked for me, you'd feel bad not saying 'hi.'"
"So what?" she said. "I feel badnow. Seriously, you should've told me."
"Maybe," I admitted. "But I didn't want you to worry. Or feel funny about it."
"Oh come on," she said. "Youknew about them. Didyoufeel funny?"
"No. But I'm a different kind person."
She scoffed, "No kidding."
"I just wanted you safe," I explained.
"What are you saying? You did this for me?"
"For both of us."
She grimaced. "So, do you want credit or something?"
"Fuck credit," I said. "I want you to be happy."
"Safeandhappy?" She shook her head. "Tell me, do I look happynow?"
I gave her a look. "You really expect me to answer that?"
Ignoring my question, she said, "And how are they getting from place to place?"
"The same way as everyone does. By plane, car, whatever."
"And you're paying for all of that?"
"Well they're not doing it for free. And I don't expect them to."
"But why don’t you just have them fly along with us?"
"Aside from privacy?"
"Yes," she gritted out. "Aside from that."
"All right. Because if they're seen with us, it defeats the purpose. Don’t you think?"
"Actually, I don't know what to think," she said. "Which reminds me, you never did say.Where were you tonight?"
