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Chapter 7
Jasmine
Jasmine checked the quiche on the stove top, making sure it was set. A couple of the guests sat at the table with Zoey while she kept them entertained with her questions.
“Do you mind if I make the coffee this morning?” Atlas’s deep voice sent a shudder through her.
Her heart skipped, and her belly leaped. Why did he have to affect her this way? She turned around and smiled. “Go for it. The grounds are in the cupboard right above the machine.”
Jasmine focused her attention back on the quiche, slicing it into servings. She plated some for Zoey before she brought the casserole dish over to the center of the table.
“It’s still hot, so be careful.” She smiled at the guests and then returned to grab her daughter’s breakfast. “Here you go, sweetheart. Eat up. It’s almost time to leave.”
“Do I like this, Mommy?” Zoey asked, staring at the bane of her existence—mixed food.
“You love eggs and sausage.” Jasmine handed her daughter a fork. It seemed she was getting pickier by the day.
“Otay,” Zoey said, sounding unconvinced as she started to dig in.
Annie and Steve joined them, and Atlas took a seat at the other end of the table with a fresh cup of coffee. Jasmine kept an eye on her daughter as she got started on the dishes. Her stomach grumbled. She’d see what was left and grab a couple of bites when everyone was done.
“This kind of food will make you grow big and strong,” Steve said.
“It will?” Zoey asked.
“Oh yes,” Annie agreed, and lowered her voice to a stage whisper. “Except for mushrooms. Never eat mushrooms . . . unless they’re medicinal.”
“Annie,” Steve said, but there was no malice in his voice.
“Looks like a full house in here.” Mikel’s voice interrupted the chatter at the table.
Jasmine spun around. Her brother held Phoenix in his arms as her niece, Lyra, ran over to Zoey and gave her a hug.
“You’re early.”
Mikel’s gaze flicked to Atlas before he turned to face her. “Yeah, we got a head start for once. Figured we’d hang out here for a few minutes.”
Right. She could see straight through him. “Bently called, I imagine.”
Phoenix squirmed in his daddy’s arms, and Mikel gently set him on his feet. “Said Link had to come by.”
Jasmine rolled her eyes. Was nothing in her life private? Did her big brothers think she was incapable of figuring out her own problems? She’d cost them enough in her lifetime. It was her responsibility to take care of Zoey and herself.
“Ready, baby?” Jasmine asked, focusing her attention on Zoey’s backpack, making sure her snack and lunch were inside before zipping it up.
“Yes!” Zoey ran over and held out her arms. Jasmine gave her face a quick wipe and slipped the backpack straps over her shoulders. Then she kissed Zoey’s forehead and ushered her out towards the front door before Mikel could say anything else in Atlas’s presence.
Her brother followed her as the kids rushed outside.
“Wait on the grass,” Jasmine reminded them. She walked out onto the porch, holding the screen door open for Mikel. The kids found the chalk in the basket and began coloring on the sidewalk.
“Is he Zoey’s father? He’s got her eyes,” Mikel whisper-yelled.
“I’ll tell you what I told Bently—I will handle this. This is my life. My choice.” My consequences.
“I know it is. Just remember we’ve got your back no matter what. I’m here for you, Jaz,” Mikel said, slipping his arm over her shoulders.
She nodded. “I know. But you guys have handled enough of my problems.”
