“I don’t want to dump on you. How is it with your mom?”
“A lot better thanks to you, Doctor.”
Akira lifted her head toward Jade, and the area lights made her pretty brown eyes sparkle. “Just doing my job. Your mom is cool. I like her.”
“I’ll sell her to you.”
Akira didn’t laugh but tightened her hand on Jade’s.
“Sorry. Did that upset you?”
“I’m closer to you and her than I am with my mother. I’m jealous you have such a cool mom. Where’s your dad?”
“He lives halfway to Los Angeles and hasn’t had much time for me. He told me lies that just recently got cleared up. He cheated on my mom a lot but said she cheated on him. I threw it up to Mom, and she set it straight. I called Dad, and he admitted it.” They sat in a two-person swing. “I’m out. I know you were at school.”
“Good. I don’t like hiding.”
Jade teased. “Dating me might tarnish your pristine reputation.”
“It can stand some of that. It’s cool we’re both going to San Jose Community College.”