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An idea popped into my head. “How about we use it in times of urgency or something? Maybe when one of us is mad at the other and doesn’t know what to say, we say it with images.” I drew circles and other random symbols on his palm.

“You’re just using the excuse to touch me.”

“Don’t burst my bubble.” I kissed him again. “So, tell me what’s on your mind.”

The grim look faded from his face as he twirled a lock of my hair around his finger. “I don’t know what’s going to happen when I find Red Venom. He might point at your father for heinous crimes. Or your father might get hurt in the process—”

I pressed my finger to his lips.

“He may have helped create me, but he isnotmy father. He lost that right long ago. Mitch Kramer doesn’t know I exist—he doesn’tknowme. And what I know about him doesn’t make him a man worthy of any love or energy from me.” I rubbed circles on his back. “Don’t worry about me. Senator Kramer means no more to me than a stranger in the street.”

“Okay.” Understanding filled his eyes.

“I’m working on some greeting cardsto show your grandma when she visits.”

“I’d love to see them before she does.” He draped an arm around me, pulling me into him.

“That’s the plan.”

CHAPTERSIXTY-ONE

FORREST

On Wednesday, I spent time at the research lab reviewing the test results on my holistic medication, which still needed a name.

We had an overwhelming number of volunteers who wanted to take the concoction made of ginseng and other natural ingredients. One ingredient was the Lingzhi, which had been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. That little ingredient was the magical key.

I had seen the chemical reaction under a microscope and hoped it would be the next best thing to curing a cold. My intention was for it to boost the immune system. If the immune system was strong, then it could fight anything.

I met with several candidates who claimed one spoonful of the liquid cured their cold overnight. Another person said he’d been feeling weak after having surgery a month ago and bounced back after two days of taking the liquid.

Once the liquid proved effective, I’d develop it into a pill.

I spoke to more volunteers and discussed the results with my research team. Without a doubt, I knew this alternative medicine was exactly what people needed. It was gentle on the body, yet effective.

I called my lawyer to preparethe documents for a patent and initiate other steps for this product to go public. Full Circle Apothecary would be the first store to sell it.

It had taken me three years of trial and error, dedication, and belief to complete this medication.

When I arrived home, I was hoping to find Kiera in my lab coat again, but she’d gone out with her mom for some pampering and self-care. So I worked on Level Four of WaterFyre. The demo only needed one more revision. When I was done, I uploaded it to the shared drive for my friends to review.

I crossed the task off my to-do list. Feeling relieved, Icalled Grandma. “Vó, what would you like to eat on your first evening here? I’ll place the order.”

Grandma wouldn’t be arriving until Saturday evening and staying for a week.What would she and Yolanda like to do during their stay? I couldn’t remember the last time Grandma had taken a vacation.

“I’ll eat anything. Don’t stress about it. Why don’t you ask Kiera and Liz what they want to eat?”

“I already did, andthey told me to ask you. I’ll just get a little of everything for my favorite people.”

Voices sounded in the background.

“Yolanda wants to yell at you.”

I could hear Grandma shuffling the phone, handing it over to Yolanda.

“Why didn’t you ask me what I wanted to eat?”

“Because I already know. Seafood and lasagna.”