Page 75 of Her Marine
“That’s because you’re nosey, and I didn’t need either of you trying to stalk her,” Killian responded.
“I know you did not just lump me into that category,” his mother stated, walking over.
“Where exactly do you think Ziggy gets it from?” Killian inquired. He then turned his attention to Journee. “This is my little sister Zaliyah; Ziggy is what we call her, and my mother, Gena. This is Journee.”
“It’s nice to meet you both,” Journee told them as Gena hugged her.
“You too, sweetheart.” Gena released her, turning her attention to her son. “Thomas is outside, finishing the last few things on the grill. Go help him.”
“You’re not slick, Mama. If you want to get rid of me, say that.”
“If you already know I want to get rid of you, there’s no need to.”
Journee laughed as she watched Killian kiss his mother’s cheek before kissing Ziggy’s forehead. “Don’t make her uncomfortable.” He then turned to Journee, dropping a soft kiss on her lips. “Don’t let them run you off,” he told her playfully.
“Never,” Journee responded.
A minute later, the three women were left alone, and Ziggy pulled Journee over to the island, where she sat on one of the barstools. She asked them if she could help with anything, but Gena said she had it covered.
“So, Journee, how did you and Killian meet?”
“His best friend is dating mine. Well, they’re married now.”
“Yes, I hate that we missed seeing Axel get married. Thomas and I were out of town, and Ziggy couldn’t get the day off,” Gena responded.
“I’m sure he understands. It was last minute and was a lot of work.”
“That’s right. Killian said you’re an event planner. You helped plan the wedding?” Ziggy asked.
Journee nodded. “Yeah, I did. I’m convinced Axel wanted to test my skills because he put me through it.”
The three laughed, and Journee continued answering the questions they asked. She got the feeling they’d asked Killian at some point, and he wouldn’t answer them. However, she didn’t mind.
“That’s a beautiful necklace, Journee,” Ziggy stated when there was a momentary lull in the conversation.
“Thank you; I got it this morning.”
“He does have good taste,” Ziggy responded.
“That he does. So, Killian told me you work at a hospital, Ziggy. What do you do there?”
“I’m an ultrasound technician.”
“Do you like it?”
“I do. Right now, I mostly do vascular, but I hope to move to pediatric.”
Journee smiled at her. She got the vibe that Ziggy would be great working with kids. So, she could see her doing so. She then turned her attention to Gena.
“Ms. Gena, Killian said you work in human resources.”
“I do for an insurance company, but I’m retiring at the end of next month.”
“Congratulations. I’m sure you’re looking forward to the relaxation.”
Just then, Journee heard voices and footsteps, looking over in time to find Killian walking in with a carob-skinned man a couple of inches shorter than he was. They were each carrying a pan, and Journee knew her nose hadn’t been playing tricks on her earlier.
When they sat the pans down, Killian introduced them. “Journee, this is my stepfather, Thomas. Pops, this is Journee.”
