Page 54 of Shielding Maya

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Maya waited in the kitchen. She worked on her laptop but her mind was all over the place. Glancing at her watch, she noted that Jasiah had been in with Tate for half an hour. Blowing out a breath, she called her mom.

"Hi, honey. How are you?"

"I'm good, Mom. How are you and Dad?"

"We're good. Isi was just telling me about Rafe and how Addy is incredibly happy. They like Rafe and feel good about their marriage."

"Rafe's a good guy. He has a monumental task ahead of him taking over for Casper, but he seems to be handling it well."

"That's what Josh said. How's Myles?"

"He's good. Have you spoken to him recently?"

"Not for a few days. Is everything alright?"

She cleared her throat. "I met someone. And, by someone, I mean THE one. I met him."

Her mom let out a breath. She could hear movement in the background and her breathing changed.

"Okay. I'm in the office with your father. Tell us about this man you met."

She smiled thinking of Jasiah. "Hi, Dad." She took a breath, "His name is Jasiah Weston. He's the president in Hickory Hills. He's smart. Strong. Fun to be around. He makes me happy."

Her dad cleared his throat. "He's with the BRR?"

Her voice was forceful, "The BRR doesn't exist any longer. At least as a whole. There are a few of Craig's followers left up there, but the majority of the community likes the direction they’re moving in and that is in partnership with Glen Hollow, not in opposition. Many of them have secured jobs down here. They have water, electricity, and gas up on the mountain now. Homes are being retrofitted to embrace the new utilities. The talk up there is now how to better merge with Glen Hollow, not wipe them out."

"Okay. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you mad."

She settled back on the bar stool and let her shoulders relax. "I'm sorry. I just wanted you to know that while he's Craig's nephew, he's nothing like Craig."

"Thank God for that," her mom said.

"Yeah."

Her mom's voice softened. "When can we meet him, Maya?"

"When can you come down here?"

"What about Thanksgiving? A few of us thought it would be fun to have a family Thanksgiving and come and join you. Aidyn and Elena were talking about coming down now that the danger seems to be passed. They'd like everyone to meet Teagan too."

"Oh, that sounds fantastic. I'd love that. All of that."

Her mom chuckled. "We'd love that too. Let's plan it. It's only a week away."

"Okay. Why don't you all talk about what's going to happen and when. Then, ask Sophie to coordinate with Tate and Lara."

"That sounds good, honey. We'll see you in a week. I love you."

"I love you too, Mom. Dad, I love you."

"I love you baby girl."

She waited for them to end the call, then set her phone on the counter.

"What's happening and when?"

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