The first phase of my scheme started when Gem and I came home from school. I said, "I'm going to ask Henry for something."

"Okay. I will let Mom know."

Gem went home. I knocked Henry's door. He answered. "Jemina or Gemini?"

"Jemina."

"Ok, this is going to take me a while to get used to." He took a breath. "So, what can I do for you?"

"The real question is, 'What can I do for you'?"

"What do you mean?"

"How much do you like my mom?" Henry read my mind.

"Hold it, missy. I just moved here."

"Henry, please. My mom did everything she can for Gem and me."

"Jem, I don't even know what she wants in a man. Besides, what about your dad?"

"She's divorced."

"But, still..."

"Mom needs this."

"Does she know about this?"

"No."

"I don't think it's a good idea."

"The least you can do is ask."

He rubbed his head and sighed. "All right. Who will watch you and your sister?"

"I'll ask Rylee."

"When could I ask your mom?" I smiled as I hand him the phone.