NOVA
The invitation arrived by email at 9:14 AM. From Victor’s assistant, not Victor himself. A restaurant in the Loop. Thursday at noon. “Mr. Raines would enjoy catching up over lunch. Casual. Just the two of you.”
Just the two of you. No Cole. No Diane.
I stared at the email for a full minute before responding. *Of course. I look forward to it.*
I did not look forward to it.
Thursday at noon I walked into a restaurant where the tablecloths were white and the prices weren’t on the menu. Victor was already seated at a corner booth with sparkling water and the posture of a man who had never in his life arrived second to anything.
He stood when he saw me. Buttoned his jacket. Extended his hand.
“Nova. Thank you for making time.”
“Victor.”
We sat. A waiter appeared, took my order, an
