Page 36 of Plus One

“I am not dewy.”

“You are,” Justin confirmed. “You look different.”

Monique stood, carrying the phone toward the balcony, pausing to enjoy how the light rippled through the glass. “Different how?”

“I don’t know. Less…” Jasmine paused, searching for words. “Less tight. Like you been holding your breath and finally let it out.”

Had she?

“So,” Justin said, his grin mischievous, “tell us about the cat in the video you sent.”

Monique’s face heated. “There’s nothing to tell.”

“Liar,” Jasmine sang. “You’re blushing.”

“I’m not—it’s just warm out here. Eighty degrees at the end of December! Can you believe it!?”

“Uh-huh.” Jasmine smirked.

“So, what’s he like?” Justin had genuine curiosity in his voice.

Monique pressed her hand against the gauzy curtains on the glass doors, appreciating how they diffused the city lights. “He’s… quiet. Thoughtful. We went for a walk today.”

“A walk?” Justin rolled his eyes. “Sounds boring.”

Jasmine shoved her brother. “Sounds romantic.”

“It wasn’t like that. We just walked. Talked a little. Mostly just…” She trailed off, searching for words. “Mostly just existed… together for a little bit.”

Jasmine’s expression softened. “That sounds nice, Mom.”

“It was.”

“What else?” Justin pressed. “You see everybody else? Auntie Don being Auntie Don?”

Monique told them about lunch—Lanie’s parents, Cassie and Taurion, Sunny and Ricky. About Tommie being Tommie, dramatic and loving and too much. About Auntie Don’s hug that had almost broken her open right there at the table.

“And you skipped the dinner?” Jasmine asked.

“We grabbed something small. Just needed some quiet.”

“We?” Jasmine and Justin said at the same time.

“Me and Mo. Maurice.”

Her kids exchanged a look that Monique pretended not to see.

“I’m proud of you, Ma,” Justin said, his voice suddenly serious. “For going. For trying.”

Monique’s throat tightened. “Yeah, well. The jury’s still out on whether this was a good idea.”

“It was,” Jasmine said firmly. “Vacation looks good on you, Mom. You look alive, like you’re actually having a good time.”

Monique swallowed against the lump forming. “I should let you two get to bed. It’s late.”

“It’s still early here,” Justin started, but Jasmine elbowed him.

“Well,I’mtired. Traveling and everything else.”