“Good-bye.”
Veronica put the phone down and couldn’t control the smile that spread across her face. When she faced Jasper again, he was no longer watching her but tapping away at the screen of the tablet.
“I’m sorry about that, Mr. Bayat.” She went back over to the chair next to his and sat down.
“Jasper,” he said shortly.
“What?”
“I’m Jasper. Mr. Bayat is my father or my grandfather or my great-grandfather. That’s too many Mr. Bayat’s for any world, don’t you think?”
“I wouldn’t know,” she replied.
“Well, I think it is, so call me Jasper.”
Veronica sensed his irritation had returned but it was milder now.
“Do you have any more questions about the intake forms?” she asked.
He glanced at her. “No, I’m nearly done.” His eyes were no longer black fire but instead frozen obsidian.
Veronica was about to ask him if something else was bothering him when the phone rang again.
“Blast,” she whispered beneath her breath.
“What was that?” Jasper asked.
“Nothing. I’m sorry. I hate that we’re being interrupted but I try not to let the phone go to voicemail—”
“Go ahead and get it,” he said. “I still have another couple of pages.”
Veronica got back up and went over to the phone.
“Mystical Matchmakers, this is Veronica Salt.”
“Hi, Veronica. This is Torin Gallagher. How are you?”
“I’m fine, Mr.—”
“Torin, remember?”
“Yes, Torin. How are you?”
“I’m great, Veronica. But I’m afraid I’m going to have to cancel my membership with Mystical Matchmakers.”
Another large smile broke over Veronica’s face. “I thought as much when Nova called less than five minutes ago to do the same.”
Torin laughed, actuallylaughed. He’d never even cracked a smile when he came into the office.
“Yeah, Nova and I are giving this a shot.”
“I’m glad to hear that,” Veronica said. “I hope everything goes well.”
“I think it’s all going to work out,” he answered. “Anyway, thanks for all your help. Have a good one, Veronica.”
“You, too.”
“Bye.”
