13

Since the unpleasant parting at the restaurant last time, Tommy and the others had been quiet for a while. Just when I thought things had finally settled down, the empty house across from mine was bought by Bradley, and he and Tommy moved in. The two families lived close by, and we almost always ran into each other every day. “Gina, I made chichen soup myself. Try it and see if you like it.” “Mom, I was very good today, and the teacher gave me a little red flower.” “…” The father and son took turns bothering me. Even though they were turned away every time, they kept coming back to annoy me. Finally, after being driven to the brink of frustration, I arranged a meeting with a senior executive from the company. The meeting wasn’t held in private from Bradley. Less than half an hour later, he opened the door to the private room. The discussion was nearly concluded, and the executive found an excuse to leave. Only Bradley and I remained. “Gina.” I swirled the red wi