Jacqui shrugged. “Now, I realize he was giving my mother some precious time to herself, as well as spending time with me. Those Saturday mornings are one of the few memories from childhood that I cherish.”
“Your parents must be very proud of you,” Khizar said.
Jacqui smiled sadly. “I like to think they would be, but they died in a car wreck when I was seven.”
Khizar leaned forward. “I’m so sorry, Jacqui.”
“You couldn’t have known,” she waved a hand at him to indicate it was all right. “I think I started wanting to own a bakery because I thought I would feel closer to my parents there.”
“And do you?”
“Sometimes. But I also know when it’s time to let something go. I love owning my own business, but I think I may have to go work for someone else soon.”
Khizar seemed to search for the right words.
“I don’t know much about your country’s childcare system. What happened after your parents passed?”
“I was in the foster care system for a year or so, and then I was lucky enough to be adopted by a wonderful couple. They are my second set of parents, and I adore them.”
“And I am certain they are proud of you.”
Jacqui smiled. “They are indeed. And they fully supported my plan to open a bakery, even contributed what they could to the cause.”
“How did you raise the rest of the money?” Khizar was curious, but Jacqui felt like he was asking questions out of a sincere desire to better understand her life.
“My parents had a few valuables—their wedding rings, a sapphire necklace my father gave my mother, things like that. Nothing big, but together, it gave me just enough to buy equipment and supplies, and pay rent on the store for a few months.”
Jacqui went quiet and Khizar leaned forward to put his hand gently on hers.
“There’s something else of theirs, isn’t there? Something you wish you’d kept?”
Jacqui looked up at him, eyes wide.
“My father’s pocket watch. My mother gave it to him on their wedding day. It has the word ‘Always’ and their names and the date engraved on it. I didn’t sell it at first, but I didn’t have enough money, and pawning it was the only thing that would cover what I needed.”
“Is it something you can buy back?”
“I don’t even know where it is.” She laughed wryly. “Not that I have the money to buy it back right now, anyway.”
Khizar laid a hand on his heart and said intently, “I have never met another person as worthy of having a little good luck come their way as you are. I am so impressed with your bravery and cheer, especially with the number of challenges you’ve had to face in your life.”
Jacqui blushed and tried to deflect his praise with a small joke.
“Thanks, Mr. CEO. I appreciate that.”
“Really, Jacqui, I’ve had everything given to me in life. I admire your resilience.”
Then, Jacqui said quietly, “Thank you, Khizar.”
The server brought their appetizers and Jacqui decided to change the subject.
“What about you? Where do you call home? What’s your family like?”
“So many questions!” But he smiled as he said it. “I am from Nudushan, a tiny nation in the Middle East. Right now, I live and work in the capital city, Al Nud.”
Jacqui shook her head. “I’m so sorry, I haven’t heard of it,” she said as she picked up her fork.
Khizar waved off her embarrassment.
“Not many people have; they usually think we’re part of a larger country. It’s a true jewel of the region, though, and rather progressive as well. Because of our small population and rich natural resources, the country is able to support a healthy lifestyle for all our citizens.”
“I’ve never had the chance to travel outside the United States, but it sounds lovely.”
“It is a beautiful country,” he said. “And one that appreciates masters of their craft such as yourself.” Khizar lifted his glass toward her in a salute.
Jacqui had never found herself blushing quite so much in such a short amount of time. “And your family owns a jewelry company there?”
Khizar nodded. “Among other things. I, well, I’m a member of the Nudushani royal family. My uncle is the ruling sheikh.”
Jacqui, who had just picked up her glass to take a drink, almost choked on her wine. “You’re a prince?”
“A sheikh, but, yes.” He studied her expression. “I know Americans can be funny about royalty, but I hope that’s not a problem.”
Jacqui’s eyebrows climbed up her forehead.
“No, no problem. That’s just not what I was expecting.”