CHAPTER 56

We got back to Jackson's apartment around 9:30. He flipped on the lights and we both stood in the doorway, just sort of staring. The walls were an ugly off-white and the carpet was dingy… but it had its positive qualities. Such as the lovely… Okay, I've got nothing, but at least it had running water. There was a cheap futon from Wal-Mart and a TV on a flimsy stand. His bed was probably the most expensive thing in the entire apartment.

"It's not home," he complained. "It's weird that my parents aren't right down the hall."

"They're only four miles away."

He nodded. "You're right. I'm such a baby."

"No you're not." I kissed his cheek, pulling him inside. "Tomorrow we'll clean it up… but we have other things on the agenda tonight."

He smiled down at me. "I may not have much, but I have a bed… a