Flora’s Guide to a Second Chance at Love and Life

After hanging up, Tyler placed the papers in front of Fiona.

"All done already?"noveldrama

"It's only been twenty minutes," he replied.

Fiona glanced at him in surprise, picking up the papers for a quick look-through.

"No wonder you sounded so sure of yourself earlier," she chuckled. "Not bad at all, finishing three questions in just twenty minutes."

"Well, that's nothing compared to the boss," Mikey chimed in with a laugh. "Boss, you were acing tests with perfect scores at thirteen-across all subjects, no less!"

Fiona rolled her eyes at Mikey's flattery and turned to Tyler. "On Monday, I'll take you to school to meet Mr. Garcia."

"Okay!" Tyler nodded enthusiastically, a smile spreading across his face.

Fiona was about to chat more with Tyler when her phone rang again at just the wrong time. It was Jackson.

Clutching a pillow, she answered, "Hey, big bro."

"What are you up to?"

"Just lying down," Fiona answered casually. Noticing Tyler was still standing, she waved him off. "No need to stand on ceremony, go ahead and get some sleep."

"I'll head upstairs then," Tyler nodded silently, turning and heading up the stairs.

Meanwhile, Jackson heard the young man's voice on the other end, and his interest piqued. A guy. From Fiona's tone, Jackson figured out this was the friend's brother she'd mentioned before. He'd assumed the kid was eleven or twelve, but he sounded more like seventeen or eighteen. Living with a young woman. Hmm.

"What's up?" Fiona asked, catching the slight chuckle escaping his throat.

"Nothing," Jackson chuckled. "Just thinking about your friend's brother. Is your apartment roomy enough for two? I found a new place nearby he could use."

Wow. Jackson was being super thoughtful. Was this the charm of a mature man? She'd just mentioned it offhand, and Jackson had already lined up a house. "No need, my apartment's pretty spacious. It's just right for two."

Her place could easily fit a couple more people. Like Mikey, who popped by to stay now and then.

"Alright," Jackson sighed softly. "I just thought & boy in a new place might feel a bit out of sorts. Living alone might be easier for him. Plus, I already bought the place, can't exactly return it, and it'd be a waste to teave it empty. But don't worry, I'll sort it out."

Leaving the house empty did seem wasteful. Fiona considered that

Tyler might feel a bit uncomfortable staying with her, like he was

imposing. Living alone could be more comfortable for him. Jackson had really thought this through.

"Next time we meet, hand me the keys, and I'll arrange for my friend's brother to move in," Fiona decided.

"Sounds good, I'll pick you up tomorrow." Jackson's tone seemed noticeably lighter.

"Sure," Fiona nodded. She'd be at the hospital in the morning, and in the afternoon could help Tyler move. Not that she'd be doing the heavy lifting-she had Mikey for that.

"Goodnight, big bro."

"Goodnight."

Jackson's voice was deep and magnetic, with a hint of static that made Fiona's smile widen. Mikey, meanwhile, was beside himself, covering his face in mock agony. "Boss, look at you, all love-struck!"