Page 20 of Dark Awakening: Hidden Currents

"Nothing to be sorry about. This is Kian's place, and he's letting us stay here rent-free. If he needs it back for one afternoon, it's not a big deal. Totally understandable."

They were both avoiding the real reason they were meeting for coffee, but even though it was an unpleasant task, it needed to be done, and Jasmine didn't have all day. Ell-rom was waiting for her at the clinic.

"So, what are Lynda's plans for tomorrow?"

"She's meeting her ex at Maria's Kitchen at twelve-thirty."

Jasmine's eyebrows shot up. "Maria's Kitchen? Isn't that the place you were gushing about yesterday? You wanted to take Negal there."

Margo nodded. "The very same. To be fair, I heard about it from Lynda, and it's really good. Anyway, she told Rob that she was meeting one of her girlfriends for lunch, and she even called her to make sure she would back up her story. Can you believe that?"

"At least she's thorough."

"That she is." Margo sighed. "She always thinks of everything down to the most minute detail. Maybe that's how she manages to manipulate everyone around her with such ease."

Jasmine chuckled. "She should go into politics. She would find a lot of like-minded people there."

"Yeah, she would be the most poisonous viper in that den of snakes."

"So, what's the plan?" Jasmine asked.

"That's why I need you here. I don't know what to do. I mean, your advice about getting Rob to the same restaurant was good,but if Lynda sees Rob, she'll just come up with some cover story, and Rob, being the pushover that he is when it comes to Lynda, will probably believe her."

"Well, you could always go in disguise," Jasmine joked. "Or sit across the street with binoculars like in one of those old detective movies."

"Right, because that wouldn't be suspicious at all."

"It doesn't have to be," Jasmine said. "You can pick a place nearby, somewhere with outdoor seating, if possible, but get there at twelve. That way, you will be able to spot Lynda and her ex arriving at Maria's Kitchen without them seeing you. Once Rob sees that he will be more open to what you have to tell him."

"That could work. There's a little café just down the street from Maria's that has patio seating." Margo pulled out her phone. "I don't remember the name, but it's easy enough to find on the Map app."

While Margo searched, Jasmine bit into a piece of cheese.

"Here it is. Bronx Café. I remembered the name had something to do with New York. I'm calling Rob."

Jasmine listened as Margo dialed her brother's number, her heart going out to the unsuspecting Rob. The phone rang twice before he picked up.

"Margo? What a nice surprise to hear from you. What's up?"

"Hi, Rob," Margo said, her voice carefully casual. "I was wondering if you'd like to grab lunch together tomorrow? It's been a while since we've had a chance to catch up, you know. Just you and me."

There was a pause on the other end of the line. "Tomorrow? Um, sure, that sounds great, actually. Lynda's meeting a friend, so I'm free. Where do you want to go?"

Margo shot Jasmine a triumphant look. "I was thinking we could try a café that a friend recommended. It's called Bronx Café, and it has patio seating."

"Sounds perfect," Rob said. "What time?"

"Does noon work for you?"

"Sure."

They talked for a few more minutes about their parents and how they were doing, and then Margo ended the call with a cheerful goodbye, but as soon as she hung up, her smile faded.

"Did you hear that?" Margo shook her head. "Lynda's meeting afriendfor lunch, and he doesn't even question it anymore. Maybe he's just glad to get rid of her for a couple of hours so he can have some peace."

Jasmine felt a pang of sympathy for Rob. "I have no problem with him being a trusting fellow. What bothers me is that he shouldn't have to ask permission to see his sister. It sounded as if the only reason he could meet with you was because Lynda was busy doing something else."

"That's exactly like it is."