“I don’t know. I was at the shelter the same time as Josie, and now she’s got this great business, and Sarah went from a worse situation than mine to having her own hairdressing clients. Roni has dance, Finlay has catering, and Penny has her ice cream shop. I’m not jealous or anything. I’m happy for them. They’re inspiring. But it made me realize that I don’t have anything of my own.”

“What do you mean? Like a job? You want to own a business?”

“Not specifically. I don’t know what I want. That’s the problem. I love my job at the bar, and I can’t imagine my life without it. But I think I’d like to do more. I’d like to do something that helps others. Something I can be proud of. I just don’t know what that might be.”

“Lior told me he’s tried to get you to teach with him.”

“I know, and I love working out with him. But while those classes help, I know they don’t teach what women really need to know. Not like what you’re teaching me. I wish I was good enough to teach that to women. That would be helpful, and it’s something I’m really passionate about. But I only just started learning.”

“Isn’t that what goals are for, baby? You’re making great progress. If you want it bad enough, you’ll get there.”

“Maybe one day, but I still can’t teach it alone. The only reason it works is because you and Lior are there to work through scenarios with me.”

“You mean to scare the shit out of you until you get so pissed you tear us apart?”

She grinned. “I am getting good, aren’t I?”

“Damn right you are.” He slid his hand to the nape of her neck. “I’m here, baby girl. Lior’s here. You keep kicking ass every week, and who knows what’ll happen.” He pulled her into a slow, sensual kiss, their connection so strong, he knew it was the right time to share his news. “But I think there’s something bigger you need to figure out first.”

“What’s that?”

“You know that recon mission I went on today?”

“Yeah.”

“It was for you. I found your mother.”

“You found her?” she asked incredulously.

“Yes, and I’m sorry for going behind your back. I didn’t want to give you false hope in case I couldn’t track her down.”

“That’s okay. You found her!” Tears dampened her eyes, and she threw her arms around him. “I didn’t think I’d ever see her again. Where is she? How is she?”

He wiped her tears with the pad of his thumb. “She’s in Annapolis, and she’s safe. She works in a garden center. But, babe, she’s married. Her name is Michelle Kline-Braham.”