CHAPTER FIFTY ONE – GETTING ON THE SAME PAGE

But then, almost imperceptibly, something shifted behind those oversized lenses of his. Perhaps he could sense the resolution in Jasmine's manner...or perhaps he was simply recognizing their living situation had indeed reached a burgeoning crisis point. Either way, he gave a curt nod of acquiescence and moved to take up position in his favored armchair, posture unconsciously stiffening into one of guarded repose. Jasmine exhaled a slow breath, willing herself to remain centered as she settled onto the sofa across from him. This wouldn't be easy - hashing out a sane compromise between their two wildly different outlooks and lifestyles. But something had to give, before the whirlpool of malignant domestic tensions swallowed them both for good. "Okay, look..." She began, choosing her words slowly and carefully in hopes of establishing a calm, rational tone. "I think we can both agree that the way things have devolved around here lately is...deeply unhealthy. Unacceptable, even." Fr