AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“You have sisters. Maybe not by blood, but they love you like you are.”
She lets out a sigh. “You’re right. I love Chloe and Bri. And Monica and Macey. We’re planning a girls’ weekend away. They’re dying to meet each other.” Suddenly, Jasmine notices that we’re not heading home. “Where are we going?”
“It’s a surprise.”
“Not sure I want another one of those.” She giggles.
“What if I promise this is one you’re going to love?”
“I’m warming up to the idea.”
I pull up to the airport, and Jasmine whips her head my way. “I can’t go on vacation. I just started back at work.”
“Babe—”
“I’d love to go, but I promised the kids we’d be making Halloween decorations and putting them around the class.”
“Jazzy—”
She blathers on until I pull her across her seat closer to me and kiss her soundly. That shuts her up long enough for me to get my piece out. “We’re meeting your parents at the airport. They’re spending the week. You missed them, they missed you, the drama is gone, and we can enjoy,” I tell her.
“Really? My parents?” She wraps her arms around my neck and starts smothering me with kisses all over my face. “You’re the absolute shit, Zeke Chambers,” she murmurs against my lips.
“Ditto,” I manage to get out before she kisses me again.
There’s a knock on the passenger’s side window. Jasmine shrieks with excitement at seeing her parents and rolls down the window.
“Zeke, meet my parents.” She claps excitedly, and they move out of the way just enough to let her out before they engulf her in their arms.
TWENTY-ONE
Gotta Be Quiet
JASMINE
My parents being here makes everything better. Zeke and I have talked about going to visit them in Florida, but I just started back at work. It doesn’t seem right to ask for any more time off, and I really missed my class.
A few days ago, Zeke had his cast removed. He’s still limping, but is starting physiotherapy at the clinic where Sabrina and Chloe work. Sabrina is a trained physiotherapist and will be working to make sure he gets back his strength.
Even though Zeke’s out of his cast, Caleb has him on reduced hours. Zeke’s not too happy about it, but he knows Caleb is looking out for him.
After a delicious dinner at Ambrosia, the best Greek restaurant in town, we settle back at home. Mom and I are having our own heart-to-heart, but I can’t help looking over at Zeke and my dad huddled together in a quiet conversation.
Zeke’s probably filling him in on Connor and Paris. Dad told Mom all about what happened, starting with the shooting and ending with Paris holding Chloe hostage and forcing herself into our home.
“When your father told me what happened, I thought he was kidding. It’s like something you read in a book. That poor girl must have suffered a mental trauma that threw her over the edge,” Mom says. “I can’t imagine what her mother must be going through.” Mom has a huge heart, and of course her thoughts go to a woman who, in one fell swoop, has lost her husband and her daughter.
“Nick Davis, the lawyer I told you about, gave me an album from Christie, with Gregory Madden’s photos. He said she wanted me to have something of his.” Christie might think that reaching out to me could be a betrayal to her own daughter. Perhaps it’s too much for her to deal with at once. Whatever it is, if she does try to contact me in the future, I want her to know that I’m thankful for her thoughtful gift.
“Have you looked at the album?” Mom asks.
“Not yet.” I point to the end table and where it sits. “I’m not sure I’m ready.”
Dad must have had an ear open because he jumps into our conversation. “There’s nothing wrong with being curious. It’s normal.”
“You’re my dad,” I blurt. I never want my father to think he’s replaceable.
“Damn straight I am. Looking at some pictures and finding out more about Madden doesn’t threaten my place in your heart. You’re my little girl and always will be.” Dad picks up the book and sets it on the coffee table. “We can look at it together. I hear this guy was quite a philanthropist. He had a sense of duty and gave back to the community. Sounds like a good guy to me.”
