CHAPTER FIFTY THREE – CREDIT CARD FRAUD

The next week saw a flurry of preparation and moving logistics as Jasmine diligently packed up her meager belongings from Gary's place. To his credit, the eccentric older gentleman took the news of her imminent departure with his trademark eccentric aplomb. "Ah, so the fledgling songbird is finally preparing to stretch her wings and grace the world with her unique spirit once more!" he proclaimed loftily when she broached the subject. Jasmine simply smiled bemusedly at his characteristic ten dollar words and pretentious flair, privately glad his unorthodox phrasing spared her having to reject any overly sentimental goodbyes. In reality, while she harbored nothing but fond exasperation for Gary's harmless kookiness, living under the same deeply unconventional roof as him had grown...taxing. Striking out on her own was the healthiest thing for them both. So it was with a weary but infinitely renewed sense of hope that Jasmine loaded the last of her scant belongings into Claire's bor