191: A Can of Worms

Desmond, nursing a mix of curiosity and unease, mused over his brief encounter with Bauer. "Wayne, seeing Bauer with Emma... I can't say it sits well with me. What's your take?" Wayne, momentarily pausing his work, offered Desmond a nonchalant glance. "And what do you plan to do about it?" Desmond, his ego slightly bruised, couldn't help but compare himself to Bauer. "It's just, how can Emma even consider him? He's got a child, for starters. I mean, no offense, but I think I'm the better choice." Wayne finally set aside his pen, fixing Desmond with a discerning look. "You're missing the point. Bauer raising his nephew shows responsibility. Plus, let's be honest, he might just have the edge in looks." Desmond's frustration was evident. "Looks aren't everything, Wayne. Remember Alex? Sure, he looked good, but look where that got him." Wayne, trying to steer the conversation back to practical matters, hinted at Emma's absence. "If you're here for Emma, she's not around. And