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"Not really I just thought he ht like to…visit for a few minutes" Actually, after the way she’d torn into hi her

"We should probably have a little talk," Shana said, slipping an arm around Jaz this is the sa to be the Aunt Shana version"

Her interest was instantly piqued "Really? And what did Adah "That it would be a good idea if I left the two of you alone"

"He’s right" Shana was grateful Adam had taken it upon himself to explain this Jaz fro myself with matters that aren’t any of my business"

"Exactly" Obviously Ada his version of the "little talk"

"I pro you up with other men"

"I’d appreciate that," Shana said soleain "I wouldn’t like it if you went around talking to boys about me"

That was exactly how Shana had planned to approach the subject herself "Did Adam make that comparison?"

Her niece nodded "He said it on the drive back"

"He’s smarter than he looks," Shana muttered Then, because she felt her niece should know this, she added, "Aromantically involved, Jaz then, and without waiting for a second ring, Jazazelle into the other rooently "No, she’s here, you have the right number" Jazmine held out the phone "It’s for you"

Shana started to ask who it was, but didn’t Taking the receiver, she raised it to her ear "This is Shana"

"Shana I can’t tell you hoonderful it is to hear the sound of your voice"

For the first time in her life, Shana’s knees felt as if they were about to buckle It was Brad

"Hello, Brad," she said evenly, auts; she’d say that for him "How’d you find me?" she asked coolly

"It wasn’t easy It’s taken me weeks"

She supposed she should be complimented that he’d made the effort, but she wasn’t "I don’t mean to be rude, but there was a reason I kept my number unlisted"

"The least you can do is listen to what I have to say," he told her

"Everything’s been said"

"But Shana--"

"There’s nothing ive ton Did you get a transfer?"

"That’s nothing to do with you"

Jaz her carefully, eyes wide and quizzical as if she was hoping to memorize each word so she could repeat it

"I would prefer if you didn’t phone ain" Shana was prepared to cut hi her intentions

"Don’t hang up," he pleaded "Please, Shana, just hear ht, her resistance up She didn’t even find this difficult, although she had to adht her out

"I don’t care I need to get this off my chest Just proe him with a response

He continued despite that "You toldPortland, but I didn’t believe you Shana, Iis the same without you I feel so empty You have no idea hoful it’s been for me"

That was their problem in a nutshell The entire relationship had revolved around Brad Moore and his needs He missed her, he needed her She was convenient, loyal and endlessly patient Well, no more

She rolled her eyes and h to hurry hi

Jazles

"Are you listening?" he asked, finishing up a five-minute soliloquy about how much he missed all their special times Translation: all the "special" times when she’d been there to see to his coed hi to his likes and dislikes, the movies she’d watched because he’d chosen the she’d done for hied herthe fact that he loved her

So far, everything he’d said reaffirht decision It would always be about Brad and what he needed from her and how important she was to his co as Shana

Finally she couldn’t take it any longer