40. Numb

"Jake," said Maria who entered Jake's study.  She looked at the man sitting focused on his laptop.

 Jake, who heard his name being called, just glanced at him, then went back to busy with his work.

 "Jake, my roses are wilting, some are dead," Maria said walking in.  She sat at the table staring at Jake.

 "Then what do you want?"  Jake asked without looking away.

 "Emm... Take me to buy flowers," said Maria looking at Jake pleadingly.

 Jake glanced at the woman sitting across from him.  He took a deep breath.  "Tell Aciel to take you, I still have work to do,"  he said.

 Maria immediately pouted hearing that, her hand moved to cover Jake's laptop.  She immediately crossed her arms and glared at Jake angrily.

 "Take me, or I'll go alone," she threatened.

 "Oh come on Mary, why have you been a little spoiled lately."  Jake sighed.

 Maria w