CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND SIXTY NINE – DEADLY RIFTS

There was a pause on the other end of the line. "What? I'm just trying to offer some insight based on my experience." "I know, but..." Jasmine sighed. "Sometimes I just need you to listen. To be present in our conversation without bringing it back to your work." "I thought you wanted me to be interested in your teaching," Gordon said, sounding defensive. "I'm trying to engage with what you're telling me." "By making it about you," Jasmine retorted. "This is exactly what I was talking about the other day. You can't seem to separate yourself from your job, even for a moment." "That's not fair, Jasmine. My job is a big part of who I am. Just like your art and teaching are part of you." "But they don't consume me," Jasmine said, feeling the familiar anger rising again. "I can have a conversation about your day without turning it into a lecture on color theory or brush techniques." Gordon's voice hardened. "Look, I said I was trying to make things right between us. But if you're going