As Charlene wrapped up her conversation with Stewart, Thorne called Jasmine. The little girl picked up happily, "Dad!"


    She chatted with Thorne for a bit, then turned her head. Seeing Charlene was done, she couldn''t help but ask, "Mom, do you want to say a few words to Dad?"


    "No, thanks." Charlene stood up and grabbed her ss. "I''m heading downstairs for some water. You two keep talking."


    "Okay."


    When Charlene headed downstairs, the rest of the Ross family was having a lively conversation. Seeing her, Nadine quickly asked, "Charlene, we just decided to go for a pic tomorrow. Do you want toe?"


    Charlene happened to be free. "Sure."


    "Then... what about Minnie?"


    They all knew Jasmine had already made ns to go out with Thorne tomorrow. It wouldn''t be right to leave her in the dark about their impromptu trip.


    "I''ll talk to her," Charlene said.


    "Alright."


    Charlene sat down in the living room and carefully went over tomorrow''s route and lunch options with everyone.


    By the time they finalized the ns and she went back upstairs, Jasmine was still on the phone. However, the person on the other end was clearly no longer Thorne, but Vesta Hawkins.


    "I know, Aunt Vesta," Jasmine said. "I''ll go to sleep right after I hang up. You and Dad rest early too. Goodnight."


    Charlene stood at the door, waiting until Jasmine hung up before walking in and handing her the ss of water.


    Jasmine took it with a bright smile. "Thanks, Mom!"


    "Great-Grandma Helena and the others just decided to go out for a trip tomorrow morning," Charlene said. "Do you want toe along?"


    "Huh? You''re going out too, Mom? Where to?"


    Charlene gave her a brief rundown of the destination. Jasmine''s eyes lit up, but when Charlene asked again if she wanted to join he lowered her gaze. "I really want to, but I already promised Dad..."


    It was obvious she preferred going out with Thorne and Vesta. Charlene didn''t call her out on it. "That''s fine. Next time, then." Relieved, Jasmine beamed. "I''ll definitely go next time."


    "Mhm."


    The next day, the car Thorne sent to pick up Jasmine arrived very early. Charlene didn''t mind Jasmine''s absence, but Helena was visibly disheartened.


    After Jasmine left, Charlene and the others gathered their things. Just then, Irma Henderson contacted Helena. Hearing about the pic she expressed interest in joining them for a change of pace.


    When Irma arrived, she didn''t bring up Thorne. She frowned upon noticing Jasmine wasn''t there, but probably not wanting to ruin the mood, she kept her thoughts to herself.


    Spring was in full swing, and the weather was perfect. After spending half the day enjoying the scenery, Irma''s mood had vastly improved.


    At noon, as they walked into the


    Thet


    restaurant for lunch, she couldn''t help but sigh. "It really is nice getting out Without all that frustrating


    mess, I feel so much better


    Though Irma hadn''t mentioned Thorne, everyone knew from their conversations on


    the way that she''d been deeply upset over his rtionship with Vestately.


    The Ross family easily deduced that the "frustrating mess" referred to Thorne and Vesta.


    Irma had merely spoken out of habit. She hadn''t meant to bring up Thorne, and she immediately realized her slip of the tongue was a bit inappropriate.