WHAT IF - 25 YEARS LATER - 13

PART 13

| 2 Days Later |

Maddox had his mother flown in to visit with the new additions. She was in the kitchen cooking while Maddox got things for the babies together. He was just in sweats and some Nike flops, freshly shaven, “momma, you almost done? They should be here any moment and you know you can’t cook when you’re too excited.”

“I know, I know. I’m almost finished. Rushing!” She laughed, “I’m a great grandmother … Oh my goodness.” Checking everything one more time, she turned the food off and rushed to refresh herself.

He laughed, “no perfume! It’s not a date!” He said too late.

“I’m nervous and rushing. Leave me alone!”

Maddox shook his head as the door bell rang. Before the door was opened, Lucky stood patting the crying baby he was holding while jiselle fished through his backpack for a bottle, "i know you better hurry up."

"Did you even pack a bottle, smart one?" She joked and took one as the door opened. She quickly handed it over and smiled

"Aww, give him here..." Maddox kissed Jiselle and then hugged Lucky while taking Brandon from him and them the bottle from Elle, "you guys are just in time, i got a special guest here with us." He led them in.

Jiselle gasped, "is it Alexander Skarsgard?"

"Why on earth would he be here?" He shook his head, "momma, they're here."

"Oh," she blushed, "I just ..." Shaking her head

"HIIIIIIIII," Lynn coasted towards them

"Grandma!" Lucky swooped in before Jiselle, hamming it up like his father, he hugged Lynn tightly.

"Wow," Jiselle rolled her eyes, "what a kiss up."

"Look at this boy. My grandson ... And my granddaughter ... How beautiful you two are," she began to get teary eyed.

"Ma c'mon, no tears!" Maddox yelled.

"Its so nice to meet you grandma," Jiselle finally got a hug in.

"Thank you ... I'm so excited," she wiped her tears and looked at the babies with them, "these precious things. Come in, come in. Lunch is ready ..." She closed the door and walked them through with Maddox to get the meeting started.

"Please, excuse your grandmother, she's always been this emotional."

"Stay out of this!" Lynn joked and sat next to Jiselle to play with the baby she had with her. "Now tell me all about her."

| Later |

They ate and talked the entire afternoon. By the time evening rolled around, Lynn was walking around the house rocking Carmen, who was sleepy because her bedtime was approaching. Lucky was leaned back on the couch with his kid on his arm already asleep.

Maddox walked into the living room from loading the dishes up, "i have spare rooms if you want to stay. I'm sure grandma Lynn wants tip cook you breakfast anyways..."

"We hadn't planned on it ..." Lucky said

"I have rehearsal at 9." Jiselle went to give him a hug. "Next time? Or, when is grandma leaving?"

"We can come by for breakfast Monday morning."

"She's here until Tuesday night, so perfecy,"he then hugged lucky.

"We'll see you Monday. Can it be early? 7:30?" Lucky hugged him, then held up the baby to slobber on Maddox's face.

Maddox laughed, "yea that's fine, momma And i usually go for a walk at 6am anyways.." He have the twins one final hug and then lead them out the door.

| Thursday Night |

The twins did end up having breakfast with Lynn and their dad, but Tuesday was one of 3 days he was at the Madison square garden which was sold out. After the show, the twins, and Gigi met Maddox back stage. Maddox sat in a chair wiping himself with a towel, looking to his right he saw them walk in, "yo!" He smiled and stood, "gimme love."

"Nice show," jiselle went to him first, "dads got swag."

"He alright." Lucky chuckled.

Gigi walked in and stayed back. She enjoyed the concert and that would be enough for her. 'No fraternizing with Elle and Luckys dad.' She knew where her loyalties laid and they weren't with this match making her brother and sister was trying. "Traitors," she mumbled to herself, then walked around looking at stuff.

"Damn right been that way all my life. Hey Gigi, how'd you like it?" he looked over the twins.

"It was awesome. Some of my friends had tickets but not like what we had ... They're gonna be so jealous. Thank you."

"You're welcome sweetheart. I actually have a memorabilia pack for you." He grabbed the basket, "feel free to share it with your friends."

Her eyebrows went up, "shut ........ Up." He handed it to her and she thanked him, "yes! Thank you so much!"

"Just made her year," lucky out his arm around her.

"He really did but i'm not sharing," she smiled.

"The choice is yours," he laughed, "take pictures with me guys?"

Gigi clapped and went to sit directly next to him. She needed something to post on Facebook after all. The first picture was taken, then she moved out of the picture to take the pictures for him and the twins. Gigi confined herself to the corner to dig through the stuff he'd given her, giving the twins room with Maddox.

"Where you goin next?" Lucky asked

"I'm here in new york for 3 nights then 3 days off and then head to Maryland. On the third night, it'll be recorded and shown on hbo," he pulled them closer as his official photographer began to snap pictures.

"Fans are going crazy," his photographer chuckled while he took the pictures, "Maddox Ames finding his children after 25 years ..." He snapped more, then started packing up his camera

"All good talk i hope..." He smiled.

"The good, the bad and the ugly," he told him, then left out.

 "We don't read that mess," jiselle assured him

 "I do." Gigi kept on looking through her stuff

"Of course you do, what do they say?" Maddox asked actually curious.

"Of course super fans are calling my mother all kind of things because she hid your children from you until you hit the billion dollar mark." She rolled her eyes, "others are in denial because you're not old enough to be a dad and others say they're yours because they look like you and mom didn't know who's they were until they DID start to look like you. It's disgusting and pisses me off."

"Yea that's not fair. I'll release a statement."

"Cool." She nodded.

"I'm gonna drop Gigi off at home," Lucky stood up, "and I'll meet you at the restaurant for dinner." Looking at Jiselle, "staying?"

"Yes! I'll wait and ride with him." Jiselle responded.

As Gigi and Lucky left, Maddox was asked to do an interview. He knew exactly how it would go since so many pics of him and the twins were floating around, "Maddox Ames it is wonderful to  finally meet you."

"You too miss, thank you."

"And what a surprise to have your daughter with you. How does it feel? Becoming a dad at 43?"

"Honestly, it was the happiest day of my life when i found out. Also, to find that they are so much like me is awesome."

"What's next for you after this tour has ended? You have almost a new family to get to know. I'm sure that's on your short list." She got to the point, "is their mother here at the show also?"

"No she stayed home, its just my kids and i tonight."

"You have a huge fan base who is really interested in this woman. What can you tell us about her? Is she supportive of your relationship with twins after 2 and a half decades have passed?"

He smiled instantly, "she's still, to this day, one of the most amazing women i know. She allows me to be a father and stays out of the way. I wish it wasn't like that at all."

Laughing a little, "you want her to be in the way?"

"Absolutely..." He smiled, "she's beautiful. Plus the kids like her," he joked.

Jiselle chuckled as did the interviewer, "on to the show ... Any special plans for the HBO taping?"

"Now THAT, you'll just have to find out on your own." He laughed.

WHAT IF - 25 YEARS LATER - 12

PART 12

| The Next Day |

The next day, Genevieve waited around until she knew AJ would be out of class and called his cell. "Little sister ..." He answered. Antonio was out of class and just arrived at his apartment complex.

Gigi smiled, "you won't believe what happened last night." First, she closed the bedroom door, then began the story of what happened that night. She told him everything, short of what was said in private that she couldn't catch from eavesdropping, but made sure to note a few important things, "what did dad say about Jeremiah and Maddox?"

Antonio Jr. listened while sitting in his car. After she'd finished telling the story as fast as she could, Antonio got out of his car and grabbed his messenger bag, "from his description of their relationship, they are as close as brothers. Jeremiah would be the more mature and focused brother who tried to keep the little one from running into the street." Locking up his car, he began to go into the building.

She giggled, "ok," finally nodding, "I don't know what's happening."

"Our older siblings feel it would be more beneficial if mother were to be reminded of her past feelings for their father. I am, however, surprised at this juvenile act on their part."

"I feel a bridge. A really big bridge. Like a San Francisco bridge. Being built from those two to us two. That's what I feel. BROOKLYN BRIDGE, BIG!"

He laughed, "I doubt it's that serious. Maybe a tiny bridge over a pond." He paused, "are they different?"

"Elle and Lucky? No. But they're on a mission." She convinced him as she opened a drawer full of nail polish.

"As long as they aren't different, there is nothing to worry about. They love us. We love them just the same. We just don't care of the current situation they continue to push onto us."

"Well yea ... But ... What if Jeremiah doesn't come back? What if he stops seeing mom just because of Mr. Bigshot?"

"A possibility. We don't know what was said in private," he unlocked his apartment door and walked in.

"It's so easy ... He probably told him to stay away from his woman because he had her first and they're best friends and blah blah blah.  You know how guys are."

"Another possibility." He put his messenger bag on the couch, then walked over to the window to push open the curtains, "if Jeremiah shows up sooner rather than later, then we know how the other side of the conversation went. Try not to worry. Focus on school. Mother is strong, she'll be fine."

"You always say that," smiling a little, she took out a bottle of black, then a bottle of fuchsia crackle.

"And I'm always right."

| The Next Day – Noonish |

Jeremiah Eli Tanner did, indeed, show up that Monday after Gigi went to school. His lunch hour was spent with Janine inside his office with Greek food as the choice for the day. 

"Should I ask about the other night?" Janine held out a piece of her pita bread for him to bite.

He bit it and shook his head, "quick convo," he chewed and dug around in his food, "he asked why ... I told him I liked you. I don't think he's mad ... He's hurt," Jeremiah took a deep breath and then stole a cucumber off of Janine's plate.

She watched him take it and said nothing, but then a smile started to grow, "you like me that much?"

"Uh huh," he smirked at her and nodded. "He won't forgive me after this will he?"

"I'm not sure. I don't know this grown up Maddox. I'm actually trying not to think about him at all," going back to eating her salad. "God, I was hoping I wouldn't see him ever and there he was, in my damn hospital room ..."

"You still have feelings for him?"

"I think so ... There's SOMETHING there. I'm just not sure what it is." So it wasn't a complete lie but not the complete truth either. Janine had no interest in seeing where she and Maddox would go, especially at their age and his occupation.

He got up from his seat and slid it over so it was next to Janine. He kissed her temple, then used his fork to eat the food in her plate. He decided not to push the issue, but to wait it out and see how she felt. Shit, they were 40+ and high school games no longer applied. With that in mind, he kissed her again on the cheek, then the corner of her mouth and noticed her smile. She turned to face him and he kissed her on the lips, "I'm finished with this," his eyes darted to the food.

Janine raised an eyebrow, "not in the office."

"Why not in the office?" He put his hand on her back, then slid it under her shirt.

Smirking but stifling a smile, "not in your office."

"I can lock the door. Tell Tiffany not to call me for anything."

"What if someone needs you?" She scooted her chair back.

Jeremiah stood up and smiled, went to the office door and locked it, then went to his phone to call his secretary, "no calls or visits until 1:30," he checked the time as he hung up the

phone, "we have 45 minutes."

Laughing, "then lets make it count."

WHAT IF - 25 YEARS LATER - 11

PART 11

Jeremiah didn't feel as bad as he should have. Yes, Maddox was the brother he never had

but he hadn't seen the woman in 25 years. Maybe he expected to swoop in and pick up where they left off? He'd have to talk to him later to avoid a bunch of bullshit. He simply rubbed the back of his head and looked back at Maddox, "it works."

"Let's all say grace, ok?" Anya, Lucky's wife, broke the silence. "Bow your heads." She proceeded to lead in prayer and after a quiet 'Amen,' the food was passed around.

"so what do you do professionally, anya?" Maddox asked to avoid his true feelings.

“Uhm …” She cleared her throat and smiled, “I design wedding gowns. My shop is in Soho close to Ms. Hines’ art gallery.”

"Fantastic, i have a store in SoHo as well." He smiled.

"Oh? What is it called?"

Dante interrupted, "I play baseball for the New York Yankees. 1st Base," then gave the prettiest smile in the room.

Lucky immediately shot his father a look and then shook his head. “Huh?” Maddox asked confused, “you interrupted us to tell me something I was gonna ask you anyway?”

“Well yea …” He was completely sure of himself.

“Lord …” Janine mumbled, “Dante sweetie … Shut the hell up.”

“Ms. Hi-“ He started.

“Mommy-“ Jiselle tried.

Janine only shook her head, “patience.”

“Yea, Dante, shut the hell up,” Maddox looked back to Anya, “it’s called Ames’. It’s a specialty suit boutique. 1 of 10 around the world.”

“You have everything so together. I admire that. The hard work. I’d be lucky to have even 2 shops but I’m working on it. Using you as inspiration.”

Lucky cleared his throat, “what about me?” He kissed her cheek.

“You too,” she blushed.

“You sly dog, you!” Maddox teased Lucky, “nah, but you’ll get it, Anya. Drive will get you there.”

“Thank you,” she smiled and passed the big plate of catfish to Lucky.

Jeremiah looked at Janine to start a quiet conversation, “you’re eating fried food. Thought that was against a new rule of yours.”

“I wanted it too bad. I’m always good when we’re out together, right? Yes?” She answered for him.

“Hardly,” he joked.

Other conversations ensued when Dante interrupted, “is it my turn yet?” He asked like an eager young boy. Maddox never did ask him what he did because Lucky was right … He hated his guts.

“Hell no, I don’t even care.” He looked to Elle, “no offense baby.” 

“None taken.” Jiselle frowned and sulked but understood.

“I know I’m not your kid, but,” Gigi tapped Maddox on the arm, “is it my turn?”

"Go ahead, hon." Maddox told her.

“Yay! I ran on the Olympic track team and won and individual medal. I’ve also gotten a ton of scholarship offers from schools wanting me to run for them. But I don’t want to move so far away. That’s all!” She took a bite of her corn.

“Nice. Amazing, Gigi!”

“Thanks,” she blushed.

| After Dinner |

The table was being cleared and Jeremiah used the opportunity to get with Maddox. He walked up to him, “a minute?”

“Yea, I guess,” he followed Jerry outside.

They stood on the back  porch. Jeremiah had his arms folded across his chest, “this wasn’t done with the intention of fucking with you,” he turned to him and groped the air for words, then dropped his hands, “I like her.”

“Let me say something to you. FUCK WHO YOU LIKE! You are my brother, the one person who knew exactly how I felt about Janine, and listened to me for hours upon days trying to figure what to do. Just because you and me haven’t kicked it in a couple of years don’t mean you can do this shit. Do you think I would do that shit to you, ever?”

He shook his head, “no, man. And I apologize for it. Honestly.” What the hell else was there to say? Nothing.

“Yea … Right … Some brother you are.” Maddox went back inside the house.

On the inside, Janine saw Maddox walk back in so she went outside to sit with Jerry. The twins caught up with Maddox, “daddy …” Jiselle said quietly.

“Yea?” He sat on a chair and put his head in his hands.

“I’m sorry. I still think we can get rid of him …”

“Jiselle,” Lucky stopped her, “there aint nothing wrong with that dude. Leave mom alone.”

“But this is better for all of us!”

Maddox sighed, “let your mom be happy, Elle. I’m too old to play that kinda game.”

Right after Jeremiah walked back inside and left, Janine went to the twins, “you two … Kitchen … Now.” She walked ahead of them.

Lucky rolled his eyes while Jiselle took a deep breath. They both followed her. Janine had already pulled out a wine bottle and glass, now pouring herself some wine, “I’m gonna ask one time …” Taking a sip of the wine, “and refrain from cursing … What was that about, babies?”

“Mom … No disrespect … But shouldn’t you be talking to the man this is centered around?” Lucky suggested.

“Dad wants to be with you!” Elle blurted out.

“Idiot,” Lucky shook his head.

"No." Narrowing her eyes at Lucky, she put her glass down and walked over to him, "don't you ever ... Again ... In your life," then looked at Elle, "interfere with my personal life. That is mine!" That's when she teared up and looked between the two of them, "you don't get a say in that. I have lived my entire life for the 4 of you. It's my turn, ok? I know what you're thinking because it's logical ..." She paused and backed up when a tear fell, "but you crossed a line. That man in there ... You don't ever!" She stifled a sob, then knocked back the entire glass of wine, then stopped, "go home, babies. Goodnight." She gave them a half assed wave and walked off to the stairs to go to bed.

“See … Told you that was a bad idea,” Lucky shook his head while Jiselle stood feeling beyond bad.

Janine headed towards the stairs but Maddox caught sight of her, “Janine …” He stood up.

Clenching her jaw, she stopped, took some breathes, wiped her face and turned to face him as normal as possible, “thank you for coming to dinner.”

“Thank you … I have something to say though.” He paused, “you never deserved it. Your suspicions were always right. When you felt it, so did I … I fell hard. I guess I’m saying I wish this was different.”

Janine stood there nodding and looking down at her feet as another tear rolled, “so do I. Goodnight.”

Sighing, “goodnight,” he watched her go up the stairs.

“Oh my Godddd!” Gigi literally stomped by them, pointing towards the twins while going upstairs to her mothers room, “you’re ruining my mother!”

Lucky approached Maddox, “well we’re in the dog house.”

“You guys should’ve known better,” he sighed, “good looking out though. I’m heading out, but I’m calling you and your sister about bringing my grandchildren over. Cool?”

Lucky nodded and hugged him, then went to the den to claim his wife and child. Jiselle followed after, crying and holding onto Dante and Carmen. She broke away momentarily to hug her father, then kept on out as everyone left the house.

WHAT IF - 25 YEARS LATER - 10

PART 10

| 8 Months Later |

Maddox's tour was on break. A few days after the fact, the twins were visiting with Janine when Maddox decided to pay them a visit. The twins were well aware, but Janine was not. She went to answer the door barefoot but wearing a strapless print maxi dress. Her short hair was freshly done and she was finally beginning to look like her old self. When she opened it, she tilted her head to the side, "I think you've gotten taller."

"I’ve been 6'4 since college," Maddox smiled and pulled her into a hug, "how you been? You look damn good."

She smiled, "really good actually." Janine rubbed his back, "come on, then," stepping back, she closed the door behind him.

"That's good, where's my offspring?"

"Dining room ... Table duty. Hungry?"

"Very much so ..." He smiled, "what's cooking?" They headed to the dining room.

"Catfish, roasted corn and a few other things. Where do you live now?" She was curious since he basically just popped up.

"Here in new York." They entered as Jiselle jumped up, "baby girl, hey!"

"Hi daddy," she cheesed and walked towards him with her arms out. "Dante is here!"

"Aw shit, he bet not step out of line," he came out of the hug and into one with Lucky," what's up Luck?"

"Shit ..." He responded, then laughed, "I didn't tell her you were coming. Elle told me not to."

"Why is that?" He hugged Gigi next.

"So she wouldn't make any excuses."

"Almost ready!" Gigi smiled and kept arranging things on the table after the hug

"Excuses for? Less abstract, make more sense sweet heart."

"It was a precaution," Jiselle explained, "in case she decided she mysteriously had something to do so she wouldn't see you. She's intent on us having a relationship with you and her staying out the way as much as possible."

He laughed, "gotcha," he said as the doorbell went off.

Janine had forgotten Jeremiah was coming when Maddox showed up. She huffed and went to the door and pulled it open. Jerry walked in immediately, grabbed her around the waist and kissed her. She smiled and even laughed a little bit, "heads up ... Maddox is here."

"What? You're lying."

"No. The twins must have called him over. I should have known something was going on when they showed up WITH Anya and Dante." She sighed and rubbed his arm, "whatever you wanna do ... I'll go with it."

“MOM, IT’S READY!” Gigi yelled.

"Coming!" She yelled back and waited on Jeremiah to answer.

"Elle and Lucky must want you with Maddox."

"Probably. It's only natural. I can't be upset." She paused, "when was the last time you spoke to Maddox?

"Like 2 years ago," he walked further into the house, making his decision.

"I think it'll be ok," Janine nodded and put an arm around his waist, walking with him to the dining room.

Jeremiah rubbed his hand over her head, kissed her temple and strolled in with his other hand in his pocket, "hey chillens ..." He greeted everyone.

"Mothafucka ... No hello for me?" Maddox stood up and walked over to him.

Jeremiah chuckled, "you know you get a hello." They met each other in the middle to greet while Janine shot lasers with her eyes at the twins.

Jiselle cheesed while Lucky hunched his shoulders. "What are you doing over here? I didn't know that you found Janine!"

"Ran into her a few months after she got out of the hospital."

Genevieve cut in, "he asked her out so many times before she said yes. IT WAS SO CUTE!"

Janine laughed, "It was only twice. The only reason I kept saying no was because of my insecurities. Once I got passed them ... It's been great ever since," she shrugged and sat down, then Jeremiah took the seat next to her.

Maddox just stared at them. It got real awkward as he shoot daggers through them, "is that so?" He smirked and them chuckled, face a faint beet red, "some miracle, my brother and my kids mother... Together. Its about time you found each other," Maddox said sarcastic. He was crushed.

WHAT IF - 25 YEARS LATER - 9

PART 9

"Really?" They asked in unison and looked at him at the same time.

"Mom is single." Jiselle reminded him. "Probably not looking ..."

"She could be." Lucky challenged her.

"She's probably tired, Luck."

"But later ..." Lucky went on and the bickering started again.

"Your mom doesn't want me. I wouldn't want me. She's doing better without me in her life." Maddox had convinced himself.

"Better? Being married was hell for her. She won't admit it to us," Lucky told him.

"It's true," Jiselle tapped her chin, "and if you really think about things ... Antonio was the rebound guy. A rebound thing NEVER works out."

"yea, well if something ever happens it does and of it doesn't, it is what it is."

Jiselle sighed overly loud, then plopped a hand on his shoulder, "wrong attitude to have, daddy!" Then took a sip of her drink with her free hand.

He laughed, "it'll have to be after this tour. This is going on for a year and a half."

"What a bunch of crap!" She huffed.

"uh... Excuse me?" He was surprised by Jiselle.

"I'm talking about right now! A grand romantic gesture like Dante did for me," she smiled.

Lucky almost spit out his drink, "which one? He proposed 3 times before you said yes."

"Oh shut up."

"You need to relax, Elle... You're mom made it very clear to me that she couldn't be with a man as busy as me."

"As long as you love her, then ..."

"Elle ..." Lucky stopped her, "let it go.

“I don’t know … We’ll see.”

"This is why men don't get the woman they want. They give up too easily. Mommy told me that if i'm really worth it to him, he won't give up ... Dante didn't."

"who said i was giving up? What you have to understand is that, i want to give your mom everything she wants and needs, not just the grand gesture, but me being there as much as I possibly can. I want to be her everything."

Jiselle gasped and tears formed in her eyes, "oh my God ..."

"Here we go," Lucky looked at her as she started to sniffle.

"oh my good what?"

"It's so beautiful! You still love her ..."

He shook his head, "you are definitely your mothers Child."

"I've had to deal with this my whole life," Lucky sighed.

"that is insane.." They continue to go through the rest of the pictures.

| Months Later |

Genevieve received a bronze medal in the 400 meters at the Olympics. Pretty good for a first timer and only 16 years old. Janine was more than thankful she was there to see it. She arrived in London only a day before Gigi was set to race. She got to see her semifinal heats and the final and cheered as loud as any mother could despite obviously not being well enough to be there yet. Once back home, she took the necessary rest ... Or as much as she could with Gigi asking her if she was alright. The girl had a heart of gold and nothing would change that. The rest of the family had gone back to their lives while keeping a watch and Janine went back to painting. Normalcy felt good. 

Cold as hell out but still a pretty day, Janine left the house in search of lunch. She took a window seat at a Puerto Rican restaurant and looked at the menu. Every now and then she'd glance at her reflection in the window. Her short hair was still a bother to her and she never knew what to do with it so she kept it straight to frame her head. The bangs were a little long in the front with a slight ducktail in the back gave it some shape. The family thought it looked nice but they always thought she looked nice. They couldn't be trusted with this.

No sooner than she could look back down at the menu, someone touched her back, then stopped in front of her, "I knew it was you!"

“Jerry?!” Janine stood and smiled, “no way …”

“I heard you had cancer …” He hugged her, then sat down in the empty seat in front of her.

“I did. Beat it … Don’t know how but I did. Had to have a double lung transplant.”

“Wow! I’m glad to see you came through,” he smiled. “How is the basketball team?”

“Good. Still hovering like I’m dying but really good. How are you? Where have you been?”

“I mostly live in Vegas. I own a couple of cabarets and a casino.”

“Cabaret’s?” Janine lifted an eyebrow and smirked.

Jeremiah laughed, “yea … Yea … But I’m in NY a lot. I have a place here.”

“Can’t believe I hadn't run into you before now.”

“Yea …” Jeremiah just stared at her and smiled, “me either.” Jeremiah realized that they were both in their 40’s and single. Maddox was like a brother to him but it had been 25 years since all the mess in high school happened. So would he care if tried to get close to Janine? At that moment, he didn't care. He watched Janine and listened to her as she went over a few details about her art work, kids and future plans for herself, then cut in, “before I forget … Give me your number. I want to see the troop.”

“Oh sure!” Janine dug her phone out and handed it to him.

Jeremiah worked with it, then handed it back. The waiter approached to take their orders and Jeremiah enjoyed Janine’s company … Planning their next encounter that he would hope would be a date.