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“What is it?” Manny asked.

“I have an interesting text from Jasmine.”

Manny, who was lounging against his pillow, sat up. Leaning towards her, he asked. “What does she want?”

Jasmine’s text was lengthy. She apologised for bothering Ivy. Although there was no need to. Ivy had initiated the exchange of numbers. “She is in town and would like to see both of us.”

“Does she say what for?” Manny asked.

“No, but she’s staying at the Lancaster, and will be in town for a few days. She says she has a couple of important matters to discuss with us, and one is time sensitive.”

Both Ivy’s and Manny’s interests were piqued. What caused Jasmine to reach out? The next couple of days promised to be hectic.

Tomorrow, they were flying to a small northern Quebec town to meet the nurse who was present at the twin’s birth. They weren’t flying out until later in the morning; it was late notice, but maybe they could squeeze in a visit with Jasmine.

After a quick word to Manny, she sent Jasmine a text. It surprised Ivy that Jasmine answered right away, despite the late hour. So much for sleeping in. They were going to have an early breakfast with Jasmine.

Ivy suppressed her laugh. Her big, strong husband was pouting like a teenager. It wasn’t her fault he hit the snooze button a few times, leaving them with no time for ‘adult activities’. Once he figured out that Ivy meant it when she said they couldn’t be late, he immediately reverted to calling poor Jasmine the ‘Journee woman’.

“Whatever the Journee woman wants, better be good,” he grumbled as they drove into the city.

Jasmine was waiting outside the door of the restaurant on the ground floor of the Lancaster. Standing ramrod straight, she looked like a century on guard. She scanned the surroundings of the entrance with her eyes. In navy slacks and matching lighter blue sweater set, she looked every bit the educator she was. Her hair was in a bun slicked back off her face. Matching freshwater pearl earrings and a necklace completed the look. There was a unique blend of innocence and strength which emanated from her. Once she caught sight of Manny and Ivy approaching her, she waved awkwardly and gave them a cautious smile.

“Good morning,” Jasmine greeted. “They have a table for us,” she let them know.

Her pitch was a tad high, as if her nerves were getting the best of her. Ivy’s curiosity was piqued despite Jasmine’s behaviour not setting off alarm bells.

“Thank you for arranging that. Lead the way.”

Ahh, Manny found his manners. He did, however, share a ‘what the hell’ look with Ivy as Jasmine led them to the table.

The restaurant was virtually empty, probably because of the early hour. Their coffees were delivered before Jasmine looked back and forth between the couple and brooched the topic for their meeting.

“You’re both probably wondering why I wanted to reach out to you.”

“Yes, we are curious.” Ivy answered, giving her an encouraging smile.

“I’m not sure where to start, but I guess I will begin with the bigger topic. When I found out I was having Tommy, I applied for a few education administrative positions. I wanted to be able to spend more time with him.” She paused, taking a sip of her coffee. “One of those positions was at the Eminent Scholars Guild.”

“Oh Sage, our youngest attends one of their schools,” Ivy informed her.

“Oh.” Jasmine’s shoulder sagged briefly, before she righted them. “They offered me a position, and it would require that I move to Toronto.”

“Congratulations,” Ivy offered.

“Really? I know Toronto is a big city, but I wasn’t sure if you two would be okay with Tommy and I relocating here.”

Ivy looked at Manny, allowing him to take the lead. Secretly praying he wouldn’t say anything that would hurt her feelings. He shared a look with his wife.

“Jasmine, we wish you nothing but the best with your position.”

“Goodness. Thank you, that means a lot to me. I wasn’t sure how you both would feel about this. I certainly didn’t want to move ahead with my plans without letting you know I would practically be in your backyard.”

“We appreciate the heads up, but you don’t need our permission to do what you feel is best for your son,” Manny informed her.

The warm smile that was gracing her face disappeared. In fact, Ivy was sure she saw a flash of rage contort Jasmine’s features until it finally settled on the look one had when they digested something distasteful.

“Well, that brings me to the other reason I wanted to see you. The time sensitive matter. My parents’ anniversary is in a couple of months, and my Dad always promised my Mom he would take her on a Caribbean cruise. My Mom would like all of us to accompany them.”

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