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“I told her we’d go in before you, Carl”

Carl nodded his head in understanding

“If y

ou’re ready to let us inside of your place noe can get things started,” Micah told her, as he studied the curvy woman who stood a few inches shorter than hie of emotions crossed her face before she settled on determination Her jaitched as she squared her shoulders and held her head high Eyes flashing, she looked like a queen with her high cheekbones adding to her regal bearing

“Let’s get this over with”

“You heard the lady Trish, will you join us please?”

“Yes, sir” Trish saluted, and Micahhis professional

“After you, Daize”

She closed and locked her door with the key fob before striding forward into the building He studied the security measures It took a code to open the front door It buzzed when she entered the correct combination and clicked behind them They walked down the well-lit hall to the third door on the left The walls were thick, or her neighbors were quiet Clean wood flooring covered with a runner of light blue carpet avy brown lines running through it helped create a peaceful environment

A burlap wreath with light blue ribbon, sand dollars, sea stars, and teal ribbon with golden scales held a blue sign with ‘Life’s a Beach’ on it in white writing greeted them

“I’ a theme here,” Trish said

“I don’t knohat you mean, madam,” Daize deadpanned

Micah sently took the wreath off its hook “We don’t want Carl to be influenced by anything”

Daize unlocked the door and hesitated He aze over her head and shook his head slowly She needed to do this herself The first step was taking back ownership of her space Taking a deep breath, Daize stepped across the threshold A turquoise and light green area rug with a half circle design that htened up the bland beige carpet and eggshell white walls Two blue arled on the opposite side of the room with a white cocktail table in the center Beach thes and photo frames with pictures of family and friends lined the walls

“Welcoave a weak smile