Book Three: Chapter 123

“Why do I feel like you’re punishing me for something I didn’t do?” Mike pulled open the kitchen drawer and pushed aside the scissors and the keys. His fingers closed on the little jewelry box.

“What can I say? I have trust issues.”

“Obviously. Here. I bought this for you.” He held out the jewelry box. Lily recoiled from him.

“What is it?”

“A rosary. I figured it’s about time you found Jesus.” He laughed at the look on her face. “It isn’t a rosary. I saw it online and thought of you, so I bought it. Almost forgot I had it.”

“What do you want in return?”

“Nothing.” Mike shrugged. “I mean, if you don’t like it, I can take it back. Like I said, made me think of you.”

Lily took the box, a dubious look on her face. She opened it, her eyes growing wide. “Where did you get this?”

“Ebay. May I?” He pulled the necklace out of the box. It was a red agate stone set in silver with islamic lettering around the sides. “The red made me think of your