It seemed Kelan Benedict's warning had opened the Cochan family's eyes to the possibility of Jessica's potential, especially as a peace offering to Kelan. Over the past few weeks, Cynthia had suggested divorce from Conor more than once. Each time Mr. Cochan was away on business, Cynthia would invade their apartment and try to broach the topic with Jessica. Jessica, however, staunchly refused to be a trophy for Kelan. But Conor knew deep down that it was not out of love for him that she clung to their marriage, but simple fear of Kelan. One night, during one of Cynthia’s invasions of their apartment, she ordered, “Conor, be quick and finish the dishes and get out! Jessica and I have things to discuss.” As Conor dejectedly took to his task, he heard his wife start in on an old refrain. “Mother, let me marry Nyman, and then I will consider divorcing Conor,” Jessica pleaded, still feeling like she was walking on eggshells with her mother. “Silly girl, the Banks family could never s

Conor had the driver drop him off at the Cochan Mall on the southeast end of the city’s central square. Mr. Miros was waiting for him near the stone lions at the mall entrance. “These will make amazing stock photos! Many ads can be made with something like this!” exclaimed Miros. “That is excellent Mr. Miros!” “Just call me Peter, after all, we are about the same age. It just feels weird to be called Mr. Miros all the time,” he chuckled. “Fair enough. In that case, call me Conor.” Conor shook hands with Peter and then pointed down a side alley. “If you come over this way, I think you will be impressed.” Down the side of the mall, a huge mural had been graffitied onto the wall, depicting massive dragon wings. If one stood before them, you could almost feel as if the wings sprouted from your shoulders and prepared to sweep you into the sky. “This… This right here will sell the world over,” Peter exclaimed, already snapping photos. Conor walked up to the wings, placing his hand i

An hour later, Peter walked in to find the chair empty and Anthony grinning from ear to ear. “You brought me a challenge, my boy, and I do love a good challenge.” “Where is Conor?” he asked quizzically. “O Conor, Dear, come show us that devilishly handsome self of yours.” Conor stepped out from behind a screen near the rear of the shop and Peter was taken aback. Conor was thrilled as he watched a riot of emotion play over Peter’s face. “So, what do you think?” Conor asked, giving a bit of a spin. His shaggy hair had been neatly trimmed with a waved part to the right. His dark hair glistened as a light breeze from a nearby fan teased it. His beard had also gone from a scraggly unkempt thing to a sharp-looking close cut. “If your wife wasn’t pleased with you before, she might have to pause any arguments just to take it all in! Or at least be willing to give you a shot, just on looks alone!” Peter chuckled. Conor was pleased. The idea of improving himself and making Jessica happy w

The apartment “I am telling you, Jessica, he has already proven himself a failure. It's time to move on.” “Mom, I think he is really trying. You saw how he cleaned up and made dinner. He is working hard” “Jessica, it's been, like, two days of this new Conor. Are you really going to forget over three years of failures because he trimmed his hair? He just wants time in bed with you and you know it.” “It’s not like he has gotten any in a few years…” Jessica muttered humorlessly. “But he is trying to improve. I don’t see any reason to discourage his new attitudes. He has been working at the GrizlHut now for over two months. He seems to really be working hard.” “Just… don’t open yourself to just be hurt again. I don’t see him being able to be worthy of you, no matter how much effort he puts in.” “I know mom, but… I want to give him the chance.” “Nyman is not going to wait for you forever, dear. If you really want him, you need to be prepared to make the separation sooner than later.

The next day was more drudgery at the GrizlHut. Working with Cara was a boon, but overall, the work was boring, hot, and very greasy. Conor wished he could shower three times a day or more. But he stuck to his promise to Jessica and even volunteered to make deliveries that evening for the extra tip money. “In what car, Conor?” Pops asked. “You have been walking to work for weeks!” Conor stared at the ground realizing how stupid the idea had been. Cara poked her head in. “Conor… you can drive right?” Conor looked at her and nodded. “Are you sure? You are not without a car because of accidents?” “No accidents.” Cara stared hard at him as she considered. “Don’t make me regret this.” She fished her keys out of her pocket and held them out to Conor. Just as he was reaching for them, she pulled them back and gave him a hard stare, “You bring my car back in one piece tonight, and with a full tank of gas, you hear?” Conor nodded and she slowly handed him the keys. “If you damage my ca