Page 6 of Jack

Jason's eyes finally met hers, a flicker ofdefiance mingled with uncertainty. "You're not calling the cops,are you?"

"No, I'm not calling the cops, notyet. How did you get here?"

He shrugged one shoulder. "I took acab."

She studied him for a moment, beforehanding him the bowl of nuts and waited while he dug some out andtossed them in his mouth.

"Do you have a phone?"

He gave her a suspicious stare. "Why?"

"Because I need you to call someone tocome and pick you up."

"Can't I stay for a bit?"

"I'm afraid not. This happens to be abar and you're underage. We don't need the cops coming in and causingtrouble." She held out a hand. "Phone."

"Okay, fine. But I'll make the call."She sat there and noticed his hesitation before punching the number.Turning away slightly, he spoke quietly, but she caught snippets ofthe conversation and heard the strident female voice. And caught themiserable look on his face.

"My grandmother is coming to pick meup. I'll wait outside."

"No deal."

"You can wait here, where I can keepan eye on you," she said firmly. "I don't want youwandering off and getting into more trouble."

His expression turned mutinous, and hetried to outstare her, but was the first to look away.

"Fine. What's the chance of getting abeer?" His smile flashed and had her blinking. It transformedhis face and had a dimple peeking out from his left cheek. The hoodhad shifted, giving her a clear view of lustrous brown curls streakedliberally through with gold. He was going to be a heartbreaker in afew years.

"Nice try. The most I can do is a canof ginger ale or coke."

He eyed her for a minute and secretlythought that she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Hisyoung heart immediately started crushing.

"Thanks. What's your name?"

"Zuri. Don't go away." She slidgracefully from the booth and sauntered towards the bar.

"Two cokes in a can." The noiselevel had risen in the last few minutes, with the game dominating thelarge screen television placed strategically on the second level.

"Who's the kid?"

"Name's Jason, tried to pass himselfoff as sixteen."

Her brother snorted as he handed her thedrinks. "Get rid of him."

"His grams is picking him up. He'ssweet."

Zach slid her a pained look. "He's nota puppy you can keep. I want him out the door before someone knowshe's here. Should I have a word with Boris?"

Grabbing the cans, she shook her head. "Heslid in with a group. You know that Boris is a stickler."

Her brother just grunted; his attentiondiverted by a crowd coming over to order drinks.

Sliding back across from Jason, she handedhim the ice-cold soda.

"Grandma is here."

"Where?"

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