“I do. Oh, the Japanese twins.” She smiled at the memory. “How could I forget? I could barely walk straight the next day. I never expected them to be so kin…”

Lucia interrupted before Jodi could provide further explanation. “Do you remember their names?”

“Michelle… and… no… it was Mako and… or was it Naomi and…” It was then that she noticed that Lucia had leaned back on her chair, her arms crossed over her chest and a knowing smile on her face. Only then did Jodi notice that this little trip down memory lane was just a set up… and she had walked straight to it. Sighing deeply, she asked, “What’s your point?”

“You may think you are having a good time… but when all is said and done, it is just empty fun. It’s like having six Hershey’s chocolate bars in one sitting… it will feel good going down, but in the end is just a lot of empty calories that won’t contribute to your wellbeing.”

“If you are comparing chocolate with sex, Mr. O’brien is doing something wrong.” The redhead tried her best to appear genuine about her next statement, looking up from her plate with interest. “Have you ever thought about being with a woman? I am told I am an excellent first tim…”

Ms. Martinez was having none of Jodi’s diversionary tactics. This wasn’t the first time she had thought about bringing this subject up; might as well get through with it. “I’m serious… and no, Mike doesn’t have any problems in that department.”

Jodi sighed deeply, leaning away from the table and momentarily pausing lunch. Her discomfort at the moment was not due to her hunger, but to the fact that she never looked forward to explaining herself to anyone. “I know, Lu… and I know what you are trying to say. But if there’s anything that I’ve found out from my previous relationships is that I am not the relationship type.”

An expression of curiosity appeared on the brunette’s features. “When’s the last time you were in a relationship?”

“Hmm… not since Katha… we broke up… seven years ago, I think.” Jodi looked to her side at Tom, who confirmed her estimates with a slight nod of the head. She could trust him to keep better tab about these things than she did.