He looked back at Jasmine, whose own eyes were red from watching Zachary in pain. She was the kind of girl he wanted to spend his time with—no, she was the girl.
"We should leave," he said, sitting up. "Dinner will be served soon, and everyone is sure to wonder where we are."
"If you're sure you're ready."
He nodded, ready as he was going to be. Whether or not he ever actually would be able to move on completely was yet to be seen, but he felt a step closer.
They walked back to the car, hand in hand. Neither spoke, but it felt comfortable. He was pretty sure Jasmine was thinking about her brother as much as he was thinking about Sophia. Maybe they could heal together.
She unlocked the passenger side. Zachary had forgotten that she had the keys still.
"You sit here. I'll drive again," she said.
"It sticks in second gear," he said, taking a seat.
"I noticed." She closed the door and went around to the driver's side. "This car has… character."
"It's embarrassing."
Jasmine started it. "No worse than anything I had growing up."
"Really?" He asked, surprised.
She nodded. "I didn't grow up in a house like yours, and I definitely didn't have a family like yours."
"Oh." What else could he say?
"It is what it is," she said as if reading his mind. "I'm making the best of it." She pulled out of the spot and they went back to his home in silence, with Sophia's music in the background. Zachary had turned it down, trying not to think about it being her playlist.
When they neared the road to his house, Zachary said, "I'm not quite ready to get back yet. There's a beach not too far away—it's pretty secluded this time of year. Would you mind going there first?"
"Point the way."
He gave her directions to a beach that only the locals went to. It tended to be empty during tourist season when most of the Kittle Falls residents were busy working, making the majority of their income in those busy months.
When they arrived, there was one car parked and Zachary could see a family down by the shore.
"I can't believe this place is so empty," Jasmine said as they walked toward the sand.
"It's Kittle Falls' best kept secret."
They walked toward the water in the opposite direction of the family. Zachary took his shoes off and walked in. Jasmine set her sandals by his shoes and joined him. They walked along quietly as the water splashed on their ankles. A bald eagle flew overhead.
"It's amazing out here," Jasmine whispered.
"This beach has always been a family favorite. I can't tell you how many times we've been out here—building sand castles as kids, throwing each other in the water, playing badminton or Frisbee." He sighed. "So many wonderful memories on this sand."
Jasmine smiled. "I'll bet."
Zachary laughed. "When Sophia was little, I would pick her up and run around making airplane noises. She would laugh and laugh, always begging for more. She was adored, and she knew it. Five older brothers who would do anything for her."
"It sounds like you guys gave her a wonderful life. So many people don't even find that in eighty years of life."
He nodded. That didn't make it fair, though.
Jasmine stood in front of him, taking both of his hands in hers. "Do you dance often?"
"Often?" Zachary asked. "Try never."
"What? How can that be? Not even a school dance?" She arched a brow.
"That wasn't really my scene, and besides, I have two left feet."
She splashed water away from his feet. "Nope. One right and one left. Let's try a simple dance."
Jasmine pressed herself against him. His heart raced with her so close. She let go of one hand and guided his hand to the small of her back and then she put her hand on his shoulder. "You're pretty tall, but I think this will work. Slow dances are a good way to start."
"Okay."
"Just follow my lead." She moved her feet, keeping their arms where they were. "You only have to focus on where your feet go, and we'll take it slowly."
They almost glided at the water's edge. Zachary managed to step on her feet several times. "I'm hopeless."
"Not at all. You just need practice."
"We'll see," he said. "Don't be surprised if I'm the first person you have to give up on."
Jasmine shook her head. "You have potential—you just need to tap into it, and that's where I come in. Here, move your foot out a bit… okay, perfect."
Before long, Zachary was surprised to find himself gliding along the shore with her like they were a couple of pros. Maybe not pros—at least not him, she obviously was as a dance instructor—but he was improving with each step, and finding that he enjoyed it. Or at least the company.
As they danced along his favorite beach, his heart warmed. Looking into Jasmine's eyes, he felt like he was right where he belonged.
Seventeen
"I had a wonderful time with your family," Jasmine said, gazing into Zachary's eyes. After watching him mourn over his sister, it made her happy to see him laughing and joking with his family. She loved spending time with them. They were a large, happy group, and they accepted her with wide open arms, treating her as though she belonged, no questions asked.
Everything had been the opposite of her own family. Bright lights, a big, roomy house, lots of smiles and laughter. They teased each other, but each time it was in good-natured fun. Some of the brothers had some alcohol, but it was in moderation, and didn't affect the way anyone treated anyone else. Everyone continued laughing and being kind to one another. No yelling or brawls broke out.
Back home in the trailer, it didn't matter if they had a first time guest or not, after dinner, coarse joking and harsh words were always exchanged. No one ever walked away without a strong emotional and verbal beating.
The Hunter house—that was what Jasmine had always dreamed of growing up. She was sure that the family had their arguments, but it was nothing like she had grown up with. She could see the mutual respect ran deep among everyone.
Zachary took her hand and looked up at the stars. "It's a beautiful night and I'm with the most beautiful woman alive. I definitely had a wonderful time, too." He brushed his lips against hers, giving her the chills. He smelled of the ocean, reminding her of their dance session.
She wrapped her arms around him, kissing him back. Jasmine found herself wanting to stay in his arms forever.
He pulled back. "Where are you staying tonight?"
"At the shelter again, I suppose. I haven't heard anything about the building reopening." Not that she would have a place to stay, anyway, thanks to her mom.
"No, you're not."
"What do you mean?" she asked.
He shook his head. "I mean you're not staying there. We have spare rooms here, or if you don't feel comfortable staying where I am, I'm sure Jake and Tiffany would take you in. Or I could stay with Brayden. Either way, I'm not letting you go back there for another night."
"I don't know what to say, but I'll be fine."
Zachary shook his head, looking indignant. "I won't allow it."
She smiled, liking the protective side of him. "Well, in that case, we'd better figure something out."
They went back inside and Zachary announced that Jasmine needed a place to stay.
Her face burned as everyone turned her way. She could feel their pity, and she hated nothing more.
Lana let go of Brayden's hand and came over to Jasmine. "What did you save from the fire?"
"Just the clothes on my back."
"You poor thing," Lana said, eyes wide. "How about we go shopping, and then you can stay with my family? I could use a sleepover, anyway."
Jasmine looked away, embarrassed. "I don't want to put you out."
"It'll be fun. What do you say? Shopping is always a good therapy."
Zachary nodded. "You should go."
Before she knew it, she and Lana were at a nearby mall, perusing through racks
of clothes.
"I can't imagine losing everything," Lana said, holding up a sun dress. "Is the insurance going to pay to replace everything?"
"Hopefully. I have to call and find out what's going on. My roommate thinks we signed up for renter's insurance, but I can't remember." Jasmine froze, suddenly feeling bad that she had a house to sleep in and Kate was still at the shelter. Perhaps she could help her find someplace the next day.
"On the bright side," Lana said, bringing Jasmine back to the conversation, "you get a whole new wardrobe. How fun is that?" Lana smiled wide, her blonde hair falling into her face.
"I guess that's one way to look at it." Jasmine held up a shirt and seeing the price tag, shoved it back on the rack. She would need to order all new credit cards. She'd had a little cash in her pocket—that was how she'd gotten the flowers for Zachary to place on the grave—but there wasn't enough for even a pair of socks.
"That was fun," she said. "We'd better get back to your place."
"You haven't picked out any clothes," Lana said.
"I'll have to wait for my credit cards to be replaced." Jasmine shrugged. She might have to shower with her clothes on to wash them.
"Don't be silly," Lana said. "I'll get these."
Jasmine's eyes widened. "You'd do that?"
"Of course. What do you think of this dress? I think you'd look adorable—and Zachary wouldn't be able to take his eyes off you. Not that he didn't stop all night."
Her cheeks heated. "What? No he didn't. I look horrible. This is the outfit I put on yesterday."
"Didn't seem to bother him." Lana's bright eyes shone.
Looking away, Jasmine went over to the clearance rack and picked out a dress marked down to less than ten dollars.
"This one is cuter," Lana said about the regular-priced dress. "And I guarantee Zachary will be drooling."
"I don't know what I'll be able to afford after all of this is over."
"Then let me give it to you." Lana held it up to Jasmine. "Looks like it'll be a perfect fit. Want to try it on?"
Jasmine shrugged.
Lana handed it to her. "The dressing rooms are over there. I'll look for pajamas. You'll have to find your own intimates, though."
Jasmine tried to push away the humiliation of having someone she just met buying her clothes that she couldn't afford. Since she wouldn't have rent to pay, she could just pay Lana back after she got her next paycheck. She held her head up higher as she walked to the dressing rooms. She would just pay her back next week. Problem solved.
An hour later, she and Lana were headed for Lana's car, both of them loaded down with full shopping bags. Jasmine now had all the clothes and accessories she needed, including a toothbrush and hairbrush. It was amazing how much stuff was needed for just daily living.
When they got to her house, it was empty. "My parents must be out," Lana said. "I'll introduce you when they get back. You probably want to get into some clean clothes, don't you?"
"You have no idea."
Lana led her upstairs and then showed her an empty bedroom. "My sister was using this one, but she and her family left a few days ago, so make yourself at home. The bathroom is two doors down. Feel free to use all the hot water."
Jasmine thanked her and then dumped all the shopping bags onto the bed and started organizing them. She had enough clothes to get her through a week, and then she could wash everything and mix and match, creating new outfits. Lana had had a great time finding things that all went together and could be used together to make enough different outfits to last a month.
Jasmine wished she could get that excited over clothes. She had a fairly decent fashion sense, but had never had the money to enjoy many new clothes. All of her life, she had to deal with hand-me-downs and thrift store sales. Compared to her, everyone else had always been rich. She even felt rich just having a job where she was able to spend the money only on herself.
She wasn't sure how long she would stay with Lana's family—she didn't want to put them out—but she put the new clothes in the dresser drawers for the night, anyway. The long, hot shower relaxed her so much, she barely remembered to set the alarm for work the next day before she climbed into bed. If she was going to pay Lana back, she couldn't afford to miss anymore work.
The hospital was taking care of her mom, and she'd said most of what she had to say. The rest didn't matter since her mom wouldn't listen, anyhow. If losing her son and causing fires that destroying the lives of strangers didn't get through to her, then nothing Jasmine said ever would, either. It never had before.
She fell into a deep, dreamless sleep. When her alarm went off, she felt rested, but still tired. It would probably take some time to readjust since she had gotten almost no sleep the night of the fire. After hitting snooze a couple times too many, she got up and dressed without taking a shower. She'd just had one the night before. How dirty could she be?
Her hair still smelled of Lana's shampoo and conditioner. She just needed to pull her hair back and put on a little makeup. Then she would be fine. It would be another day for heavy caffeine.
Jasmine sniffed. It smelled like someone had already started some. She went downstairs, finding an older gentleman sitting at the table in a plaid bathrobe, staring at a pile of large papers.
"Good morning," Jasmine said, hoping Lana's parents knew she was staying there.
He looked up and smiled, sticking a pencil behind his ear. "And a good morning to you, too. You must be Jasmine."
"I am." She went down the stairs and shook his hand.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Dwight, Lana's dad. Sorry to hear about the fire."
"Thanks. It's like Lana said. I get to start over with a brand new wardrobe." Jasmine forced a smile.
"Sounds like my Lana. Both my girls would jump at the chance to buy all new clothes. We've got coffee if you want some and you can take anything you want from the fridge."
"Thank you." Jasmine went into the kitchen, found a mug, and poured some coffee. It was strong, and normally she would add milk and plenty of sugar. But this morning she appreciated the jolt of not only the caffeine, but the taste as well. It was the wakeup call she needed.
She drank it down and then grabbed a muffin from the fridge before calling out a goodbye to Dwight.
"Did Lana give you a key?"
Jasmine stopped. "No. I can just knock when I get back. It's okay."
"Nope," Dwight said, standing. "This is your home until you get something else squared away. Here's a key." He told her the code for the security system, too. "Come and go as you please, and if you need anything, just ask."
She started to feel choked up. Between the Hunters and Lana's family, Jasmine had never felt more cared about or taken care of before. "Thanks. I'll make myself useful. Clean toilets or something."
"Don't worry about it. You have enough on your plate. Have a good day."
"Bye." Jasmine looked at the time and hurried outside. She didn't have much time left to get to the gym after hitting snooze so many times.
When she got there, a new leotard, tights, and dance shoes sat where she usually put her purse. She looked around, confused. Whose were those? Had they hired someone to replace her?
Kate came in, giving her a hug. "Everyone came together and donated new dance stuff for us since we lost all of ours."
Jasmine hugged her back, feeling too emotional to say anything.
"Where'd you sleep last night?" Kate asked. "I never heard back from you."
Jasmine barely remembered receiving a text from Kate when she was eating dinner with the Hunters. "Sorry. I made a friend who insisted that I stay with her."
"Oh, good. I was worried, but figured you'd found something. Lisa from the Zumba department gave me a place to sleep. I might just stay there for the rest of the internship. Hopefully, that's okay with you. If you need someplace to stay, you could join me. It's a queen bed."
Jasmine gave Kate another hug. "I have a room to myself at Lana's house. I'm so glad you have o
ne, too."
"We'll have to make an effort to stay in touch. I'm going to miss you if we never see each other."
"You owe me a double date, remember?" Jasmine asked.
"That's right, and you need to tell me more about that guy. What's his name again?"
"Zachary, and he—"
The door burst open and several little girls with tutus ran in. They shrieked, "Miss Jasmine!" and wrapped their little arms around her legs.
Kate laughed. "Guess I'll have to hear more about Zachary later. Better get back to my class, too."
Eighteen
Zachary typed at his story with renewed vigor. He'd gotten up feeling like a new man that morning. Between facing his emotions—his true feelings, mainly fear—about Sophia's passing and having the support of Jasmine, he felt like he could do anything. He'd woken early without an alarm and had idea after idea for his story, and this time, the romantic theme came easily.
It was funny how a little real life inspiration could really make a difference. He wrote about Damion traveling through Europe, fighting for his life, but seeing the lady who'd joined him in a whole new light. Zachary's fingers flew, barely able to keep up with the ideas. It was invigorating, and Zachary hoped it lasted.
The sooner he could get to The End, the sooner his agent could start promoting the book and maybe, just maybe, someone from one of the publishing houses would take a look at it. It was a new day and a new book, so anything was possible.
Eventually, his stomach rumbled and his bladder threatened to burst. He typed a few more words until he couldn't ignore his annoying basic needs. He backed up the document to his computer and the cloud before running to the bathroom and then to the kitchen.
The house was unusually quiet, meaning everyone had to be out for the day already. One look at the time told him he'd missed his chance to meet Jasmine for lunch. His heart sank, but maybe they could meet for dinner. Also, tomorrow was the weekend—wasn't it? He checked his phone's calendar. Today was Friday, so he and Jasmine could spend the entire day together tomorrow.
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