The person she loved didn't love her back

"No worries, keep talking on the phone." Jessica stood outside the car, a cigarette dangling from her lips, as she aimed her phone at Ethan's face, flashing a peace sign with her other hand. "Come on, give me a 'peace'."

Ethan looked utterly confused, staring blankly at the camera.

"Click." Jessica snapped a frontal photo of him, then leaned her hands on the car window, still smoking, with a mischievously smug smile.

"Ethan, you wouldn't want your Aunt Scarlett to find out about your side gig as a male escort, would you?"

Ethan's mouth twitched. He had only met this friend of his aunt's once before, when she was in her police uniform, looking sharp and formidable.

Today, however, she was casual, in a T-shirt and jeans, laughing heartily. She seemed easy-going and approachable, a beautiful woman with a generous smile.

On the phone, Ethan told Joseph, "I'll send you an address in a bit, we can talk more in person."