Mel's eyes brightened as Jojo spoke. It was never her wish that her friend returned to the restaurant where she earned less than she would have earned in Rush Empire, but at least, Jojo was happy. Now, she would not bother keeping her job a secret from Valerie anymore. She would be proud of her hustle and she would hold her head high up, no matter what. That was what she wished for Jojo, and it delighted her that her friend was paving that way for herself.

Mel chuckled and stretched her hand to Jojo, for a handshake. Her best friend smiled and locked her hand firmly. The two girls laughed and slipped back into bed. Finally, Jojo was able to close her eyes to sleep. She did not have everything in the world, but everything she could have ever wanted was here with her.

In the morning, Jojo helped Valerie get ready for school. It filled her heart with pride to see her baby sister get dressed in a smart plain gray skirt and a long-sleeved white shirt, buttoned to her neck. She tucked the shirt into her skirt and her black leather belt held the skirt firmly on her waist. Mel watched the sisters with joy in her heart. She knew that they would give each other the world, and she prayed to the goddess that nothing ever separated them.

Mel accompanied Jojo to drop Valerie at her school before they boarded a taxi back to Mrs. Smith's restaurant. Throughout the ride, Jojo continued to wipe her sweaty palms against her jean trouser. She did not know if Mrs. Smith would accept her and allow her to work in the restaurant, but whatever the outcome, she was ready to face it and carry on. Mel turned to look at Jojo occasionally.

The girl's thoughts were far away, and Mel could understand why. She did not think she would be able to think straight if she woke up one morning and found out she was pregnant. And if the father turned out to want nothing to do with her for reasons best known to him? By the goddess! She would run mad and take the man right along with her.

What the alpha had done to Jojo was unfair. Mel frowned at the thought of it. Seeing the alpha in the hospital after Jojo's mother regained consciousness filled her heart with hope. Jojo had seemed so happy to see him there. She could see her friend's face brighten like the stars in the night sky. The alpha's presence had left Jojo elated. She did not say it, but Mel knew that when Jojo saw the alpha, she felt more confident. With him there, nothing could go wrong. They soon arrived at the restaurant. Mel paid the cab fare and they both walked towards the glass door of the restaurant. When Jojo stepped into the room, the familiar smell of cheesecakes, coffee, and grilled barbeque hit her nose. Her eyes scanned the room.

It was not even 9 am yet and the restaurant was almost filled up. People were busy with their cups of coffee, tea, and latte, while a waiter walked around with a tray filled with muffins, waffles, and cupcakes.

On the roof of the counter, there was a screen that displayed the breakfast menu for that morning. Jojo smiled to herself. Mrs. Smith had added a few touches to the restaurant.

"Mel. Jojo?"

The voice of the woman caused the ladies to turn backward. Mrs. Emerald Smith stood in front of them. Her hands were tucked in the pockets of her faded blue jeans, while she kept her gaze on Jojo with a polite smile on her face. Mel watched her closely, the woman was not as jumpy as she had been when the alpha was here.

Emerald walked closer to the young girls and stood in front of Jojo. The girl's green eyes seemed to want to be anywhere else but on her face. Emerald smiled.

"Jojo, it's been a long time coming! How's work? I was told you now work in Rush Empire! Congratulations dear."

Emerald noticed how Jojo chuckled nervously, while Mel kept an expression she did not quite understand. She opened her mouth to speak, but Mel's voice was faster.

"Mrs. Smith. We are here because... because Jojo needs a job. We were wondering if you could, maybe, take her back. You said the other day that you needed new workers and we know how excellent Jojo was with the customers, so..." Emerald's eyes continued to dance from one girl to the other.

"Wait, wait. What happened?" She cut in. Mel stayed silent and turned to Jojo. Her friend was tongue-tied. Mel heaved a sad sigh and turned to Mrs. Smith.

"Jojo had an issue with the owner of the empire." Emerald arched her left brow.

"The alpha?"

"It's a long story. But, we need this job, please. We can both be working full-time, overtime even. It won't be for long, we promise. We just need to gather enough money until we can leave the city and start living somewhere else. Life has not been very fair towards us." Mel continued.

Emerald's keen eyes wouldn't leave Jojo's face. First, she had to leave Rush Empire after having a problem with the alpha. And now, she was planning to leave the city with Mel. Was exactly was going on? What had truly happened? "You don't have to answer right now, Mrs. Smith. We just really need you to think about it, Jojo was an asset, we both know, and..."

"I believe it is perfect timing!" Emerald cut in. If not for any reason, she would hire Jojo because she had a strong feeling she would be able to get through to her son.

Mel's heart jumped for joy, and Jojo could finally breathe properly. She had been holding her heart in her hand since she stepped into the building.

"I was also thinking of moving, myself. I had already gotten a building in Ten. Once it's ready, I plan to move my restaurant there. You two could come with me if you'll like." Emerald spoke to the girls, watching their faces as she did so. Mel and Jojo exchanged short glances before they smiled at each other.

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