Page 49 of Possess

“I’m not sure. I get all the concepts, but when I go to the labs, I screw up.”

“Have you talked to your instructor?”

“Yes. But I have to pass this class for my pre-med. I don’t know what to do.”

Zeke rubbed his chin. His knowledge of chemistry was limited. “What can I do to help?”

“You know so many people, do you know anyone who can help me? All the usual tutors are already booked up.”

Zeke ran everyone he knew through his head. Dani might know a person. He heard her mention one time that she’d taken soil chemistry. “I know someone to talk to. I’ll see if she knows anyone, but I can’t guarantee anything. Make sure to keep working the tutor end.”

“I am.” She jumped up, ran over to him, and hugged him. “Thank you. Will you talk to Mom and Dad, too?”

“Yes.” He chuckled.

“You’re the greatest big brother. Dad threatened to make me move back home.”

No wonder Josie was so concerned. She shared an apartment with two other university students who were also her best friends. While she could commute to her classes, it was a good drive from Pleasant Valley to the university outside of Seattle.

“I’m your only big brother. Ben is younger than you.”

“Don’t remind me.” She straightened as the doorbell rang.

“Dinner.” He’d forgotten about the pizza. “Want to stay? I got pizza.”

“I never say no to pizza.”

Zeke ruffled her hair on his way to the door. He’d spend some time catching up with his sister and then check in on Allyson.

* * * *

Wednesday afternoon, Allyson sat down at a table at Sweet and Savory. Zeke had asked her if she could meet him here, and she’d agreed. She needed a break from the office. Rudy was being obnoxious today. Maybe because she’d gone out to a Starr Construction site today and ripped them a new one.

Allyson glanced up as the chair across from her was pulled out, but it was Zeke’s sister, Josie, who sat down.

“Hi, Allyson. I want to apologize for cutting your date with my brother short last night.”

“It’s okay.” She smiled at the young woman, happy she had a brother to go to. “Was Zeke able to help you?”

Josie’s brown gaze lit up. “He’s working on it. I’m having trouble in one of my classes.”

“I’m glad he can help you

“Me too.” Josie leaned closer. “How involved with my brother are you?” She kept her voice low.

Allyson started to cough. Josie was direct, that was for sure. “That’s between your brother and me.”

“Please. My brother rarely dates, and he never has a woman over to his home.”

“Josephine.”

Both looked up to see Zeke standing there with his arms crossed over his chest, looking sexy and a bit perturbed.

“Ummmm…hi, brother.” Josie winked at Allyson. “And don’t call me bythatname.” She pushed back her chair and stood. “Enjoy lunch.” With a wave, she was off.

“I don’t ever remember being that carefree,” Allyson said as Zeke took the seat Josie had vacated.

“To be young and not have a care in the world,” Zeke said. There were lines of fatigue around his eyes. “I hope she wasn’t annoying you.”

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