Abused, removed from home, probably bounced around the state…then appallingly betrayed after his life was finally going well, had Lotus ever been content? No wonder he hadn't had room for her tears. Spare your pity, he'd instructed her, but how could she?
Do you have a girlfriend?" she asked, blurting the question before she could think better of it. He'd mentioned a "prior commitment" last night, after all.
"Why?" he asked.
Nati shrugged. "You asked me about my love life yesterday. Can't I return the favor?"
"Did you see my place?"
"Yup."
"Did it look like I have a girlfriend?
"No. It was beautifully male. But that's not to mention you don't have a girlfriend, only that she doesn't live with you."
"Beautifully male." He grinned, drying his hands on a napkin. "No. No girlfriend. Ev
