“That’s a good way to put it, although we’ve always been proud people. My sister’s name is Asinka. It’s the Hopi name for youngest daughter. She was born with a twin as well, but he died at birth. His name was Honovi, kind of a play on words. He was a weak baby, had bad lungs, but his name means strong deer, meaning he would be strong in life and in death.”
“So, twins run in your family?”
“Rampantly, except for my youngest brother, Jemez. Who would want to be born with him? He’s a trickster who should have been named after the Koshari.”
“Much younger?”
“He’s twenty-two.” Darrius could see her making mental calculations, and beat her to the punch. “Derrick and I will be thirty-two on October 31.”
“You’re kidding! You two were born on Halloween?”
“And you’re thinking that explains my mysticism?”
“That had crossed my mind.”
“I know it had.”
“Halloween is my favorite holiday, well, next to Christmas. I love all those scary movies, decorating, taking kids out trick-or-treating.”
“Really? What kids?”
“My nephews. I also take the kids at one of the local Boys and Girls Clubs I volunteer at in San Francisco. They love going out with me since I’m such a big kid, anyway. We usually eat all the candy I’ve checked out before I get them back home.”
“What do you do with them at the club?” Darrius asked, finding her generous spirit especially appealing.
“I teach photography. You know, show them camera and lens angles, how to operate cameras, things like that. It’s fun, and it gives kids an alternative to getting into trouble on the streets.”
“That’s really incredible. I knew you were someone with a soft heart.”
Twiddling her thumbs, she hesitated before meeting his gaze, and then carefully stated, “I have that kind heart with children. As for adults, I rarely get the chance to show them my softer side. It’s either work all the time or helping to organize family functions. I suppose that can bring out the bear in someone.”
“A bear is not what I see when I look at you. I see the softness. I knew you had it the day we met.”
“How?”
“I just do, is all.”
“Has to be something else.”
He leaned against the back cushion of the chair, smiling. “You’re right. It is something else. I googled your name, and your bio from The Examiner came up, along with some family information.”
“That’s how you knew my parents’ names. Do you know my brothers’ and sisters’ names, too?”
“Yep. There’s a Justin, Miranda, Selena and Vinchinzo—after your father.”
“Right, but you forgot Patrick, my oldest brother. I guess you’re not so perfect after all, are you?”
He smiled. “But I do know you’re a pretty hot prospect in the photography world. The site mainly highlighted your photography. Seems I’m in good company.”
“You are, but you cheated! Weren’t you supposed to know these things about me already?”
“Well, the wind can’t tell me everything, but I like what I see so far. Besides, you haven’t told me a lot about yourself. What makes Justine Roberts-Paretti tick? What do you like to do, other than help children at missions and children’s clubs? That’s very admirable.”
“True, I love children very much.”
“Enough to have some of your own one day?”
“I’d love to, but my past with men hasn’t been great. You see, I’m looking for what my parents have—a forever kind of relationship. Men find it hard to deal with me for some reason.”
“Is it your inquisitive nature?”
“Maybe, but I can’t help it. It’s in my blood, probably came from my father’s side. He wouldn’t stop until he had his own business. Working for The Man was never for him. I’m like that in a way.”
“I think it’s a good trait. You’re making a name for yourself, but I can’t see why that would turn guys off.”
“Has it turned you off?”
“As I said before, I’m still here, aren’t I?”
Justine smiled. “Right. You’re okay, Darrius. I think I’ll keep you. Just don’t run off. I have that way about myself for some reason. And I’m bullheaded, never listening to advice until reality slaps me in the face.”
“I’ll stay around. Besides, you’re on my side of the country.”
“True.”
“Then I guess it’s safe to say you’re not dating anyone presently.”
“Very safe. I have only dated sporadically, and only one man for any decent length of time—my high school sweetheart. We parted before college, promising to get back together one way or another, but it never happened. He’s married and has a daughter now.”
