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She looked at Khizar in question and he held the door open for her

“We ht”

Jacqui clilasses and a bottle of cha Khizar slid in next to her and closed the door

He leaned forward and said to the driver, “We’re ready, thank you”

He sat back and gestured to the glasses “Would you like so to drink?”

The car pulled away froers brushing against hers She thought he ered there, just a bit

It wasn’t a long ride, and Jacqui ne Khizar helped her out of the car and led her into another water-front restaurant Once again, they were greeted with deference and shown to one of the best tables in the house

As they were looking over the menus, the chef came out from the kitchen to chat with them He talked with Jacqui and Khizar for a fewmeal

After they ordered, Jacqui looked around at the restaurant It was another place she could never afford on her own She had to ad places

She noticed Khizar studying people as they walked by, and she nudged his arm

“Penny for your thoughts?”

“Ah, hazard of the trade I can’t help but notice what jewelry people are wearing”

“Do you see any of yours?” Jacqui was teasing, but Khizar swept the rooaze

His eyes landed on an older wo cocktail dress and he nodded

“See her necklace? I don’t knohere the chain cans It’s a ruby and diamond set, probably from a Nudushani mine”

Jacqui looked at him in amazement “You can tell all of that from here?”

He shrugged “All part of the trade”

Jacqui tilted her head “Can you recognize other brands of jewelry?”

“I can” Khizar gave her a rakish grin “Try me?”

“And how a things up”