Chapter Twenty-One

Margo calls Ward to explain that Jinx has started methadone. Ward insists any drug involvement will damage her custody case and advises strict secrecy during the remaining 730 home visit, telling Margo to lie by omission and keep the relapse to herself.

With JB’s visit imminent, Margo tells Jinx she’s seeing someone. Jinx objects, fearing JB’s intentions, but softens after reading JB’s portrait of his mother. Their talk turns to Jinx’s past infidelity and his escort Viper; Jinx admits his cheating came from loneliness more than sex, apologizing for past harm.

JB arrives at the apartment with flowers, meets Jinx and Bodhi, and handles Jinx’s intimidating presence respectfully. Overwhelmed and nervous, Margo hustles them out for their date but falls on the stairs, badly twisting her ankle.

To salvage the evening, they skip the restaurant and go to JB’s extravagant haunted-mansion Airbnb. JB tends to Margo’s ankle, they order wings, joke, and navigate first-date awkwardness.

As dinner ends, Margo initiates a kiss. The chemistry is immediate, turning the derailed evening into a tender, promising start despite the legal pressure and secrecy looming over her home visit.