"I'm sorry I didn't mean it that way. I know you aren't older. I'm just saying that you are beautiful and the most extraordinary woman I've met in my life…"
"Veronica, stop. If you were a guy, I would have thought that you were confessing your love to me."
Zinnia stopped her just like that.
Veronica felt awkward. She stayed quiet.
The atmosphere around them was stuffy. The silence grew longer.
Zinnia realized that this would continue. So, she changed the subject.
"You were talking about Dave Marton. Are you two close?"
Veronica heard her and shook her head in denial.
"No, we're just acquaintances. Whenever we meet coincidentally, we exchange greetings. He's a friendly guy."
Zinnia listened to her carefully and then let out a deep breath.
Afterward, she said, "Veronica, do you know that I went to Utahill to look for Max?"
Veronica nodded. "Yes, I know."
