Page 64 of Dark Princess Ascending

A pause. "Well, this is unexpected."

She forced brightness into her tone. "I know, it's been a while. How is the family?"

"Since when do you care about them?" His disdain was clear even through the phone. "Last I checked, you and Matthew weren't speaking, and Kevin blocked you on Facebook."

Jasmine kept her voice steady. "I'm trying to be better about family connections. How are they?"

"Fine." Another pause. "Matthew's made junior partner at his firm. Kevin's engaged."

Of course, he'd brag about her stepbrothers' achievements. He always did, even though they weren't even his sons.

"That's...nice."

"What about you? Are you still waiting for that big role that will never come?"

"Actually, I got hired by Perfect Match. Have you heard about them?"

"The dating company?" His tone dripped with disdain. "Is this another one of your acting schemes?"

"They are not just a dating company. They provide virtual experiences for people with mobility issues, training for pilots, skydiving, skiing, and whatever you can just imagine. They are growing at a rapid rate, and the pay is exceptional."

She knew he would react to the last part.

"I'm glad that you've finally come to your senses. What exactly do you do there?"

"I can't discuss the details. They had me sign a very restrictive NDA. They are very secretive and protective about their software and hardware."

"Yeah, I've heard that about them."

This was good. It made things easier.

"I've also met someone?—"

"Of course you have." The sigh that followed carried the weight of years of disappointment. "And let me guess, he's another loser with no income?"

Jasmine gritted her teeth. "His name is Eli, and he holds a very important position in the organization. It's serious between us."

Jasmine was proud of the way she'd phrased it. She'd managed not to lie but still make Ell-rom sound like the type of guy her father wanted her to date.

"Hmm." The sound managed to convey complete skepticism. "And what's that position?"

She rolled her eyes. "All I can tell you is that he's related to the owners. I can't discuss what he does for the company."

"Aha. A loser whose parents are supporting him by giving him a job in their company. Nothing new there."

Jasmine gritted her teeth. "Dad, I didn't call to debate my life choices." She cast Ell-rom an apologetic smile. "I wanted to ask about using your hunting cabin."

That got his attention. "The cabin? You've never shown an interest in it before."

"Eli and I would like some time away. Somewhere quiet." She forced herself to add, "If that's okay with you."

"When?"

"My training program ends next week. Any weekend after that is good."

"Hmm." Papers shuffled in the background. "I'm going hunting with the guys the first week of next month. Just Ray is staying with me this year. Greg's knee is acting up, and Mike's wife won't let him come. Joe and his usual gang are staying in his cabin."

Jasmine's heart quickened. This was the opening she needed. "Oh? So, you are not taking in some of his crew?"

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