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"Just like his father." Thestatement had them lapsing into silence that was not broken, evenwhen their soup was served.

"I wanted to thank you for what youdid for Jason," Millicent went on quietly. Putting her spoondown, she picked up the snowy white napkin and dabbed the sides ofher mouth delicately. There was a haunting quality about her thatgave her an ethereal look. An air of sadness that clung to her, evenwhen she smiled.

Zuri could not help but wonder what herstory was. She knew the woman's husband was no longer alive andreasoned that there was a painful story there.

"My pleasure." She glanced atJason and saw the boy watching her. "How are things with yourdad now?"

He shrugged one shoulder and glanced at hisgrandmother as if seeking her permission to talk about him. The womansimply nodded.

"He's been to my room several times totalk a little. That's something, I guess."

"Small steps," she smiled at himand reached over to touch his hand lightly. "Keep trying."

Chapter8

"What do you think?"

Zuri wandered around the large space,taking in the clean lines and the glossy board floors.

"I always like the open concept,"she murmured. Walking into the kitchen area, she admired the circularisland, running a hand over the glossy marble. "Kitchen is big."She gave her friend a teasing look. "Too bad you're not going toutilize the space."

"I just might."

"You hate the kitchen."

"I think I am going to spend some timewhipping up meals."

Zuri turned fully around. "What'sgoing on with you?"

"What do you mean?"

"There's something I cannot put myfinger on."

"I am just relieved that I get asecond chance to start my life over again. Let's go check out thebedrooms." Jazmine breezed past her and went up the stairs withZuri trailing behind her. The realtor had given them the key andrushed off to another appointment.

"Oh!" Jazmine rushed into thelarge empty space in delight. "Just look at the view!"

"Of the harbor." Zuri sighed."And a window seat." She sat on the padded cushion andgazed out at the passing boats and trees with their leaves blowing inthe wind. "You could sit here and have a meal or just do somethinking. Honey, I love it. How many bedrooms?"

"Two with two baths, a laundry roomand a balcony." She pressed a hand to her chest. "I amsold."

"Of course you are." She caughther friend's hand and tugged her down. "Let's sit for a while.Pity we did not think to bring a bottle of bubbly."

"Next time." Jazmine sighed asshe stared out at the view. Her life was coming together.

A blush stained her cheeks as she thoughtof the man who had suddenly and unexpectedly dropped into her life.Zach made her feel cherished and cared for. She was still tentativeabout entering fully, but she loved what he made her feel.

Her skin heated up and her heart felt as ifit was bursting out of her chest as she thought of what he had doneto her last night. Soon she would have her own place, so he couldcome and be with her without fear of being discovered.

Shaking her head, she leaned on the glassand took in some more of the view.

*****

"This is becoming a habit," Zachmuttered as soon as Jason walked in. "Zuri, what is he doinghere again?"

"He wants to take me out for icecream." She sent her brother an impish smile. "And I amletting him."

"He's fourteen," Zach snapped.