Part 49 (1/2)

Annja shook her head. ”I hate having to tell you this, but it's true. He tried a few times to kiss me.”

”Did you?”

Annja leaned forward. ”No, Jenny, I did not. In fact, I told him that you were crazy for him and that he should really open his eyes to the great woman he has in front of him.”

”You said that?”

”Something like that.”

”What did he say?”

Annja sighed. ”I don't think he's interested, Jenny. He went so far as to suggest that the reason he got you out here was because he knew you'd contact me and I'd come out, too.”

Jenny frowned. ”He didn't say that.”

”Unfortunately, he did.”

”I don't believe you.”

Annja put her hands on the table. ”And why would I lie? I'm not even attracted to him.”

”That's why. Because you don't like him.”

”Whether or not I like him has nothing to do with this. If it was up to me, I'd force him to like you just so you could stop whining about not having a boyfriend.”

Jenny stopped short and pulled back.

Annja took a breath.

Joey shook his head. ”Wow, you guys really have some issues to work out, huh?”

”Shut up, Joey,” Annja said. ”This doesn't concern you.”

”Fortunately,” he said.

Annja leaned across the table. ”Jenny, I just want you to be happy. That's all. I don't want David for myself. Honestly. I even debated telling you the truth because I knew you might take it badly.”

”Maybe I should leave,” Jenny said.

Annja put a hand on hers. ”Don't. That would be a mistake.”

”Cake's ready.” David appeared in the doorway and looked at the scene. ”Everything okay?”

Joey shrugged. ”Female issues, apparently.”

Annja frowned again. ”Shut up, Joey.”

”Yeah, yeah, whatever.” Joey grabbed a plate of the cake. ”May as well try this incredible cake and see what the big deal is.” He ate a forkful and chewed slowly until a big smile spread across his face. ”Holy cow, this is some great stuff.”

David smiled. ”See?” He put plates down in front of Annja and Jenny. ”Ladies, enjoy.”