by Cherry Laska
She loved how it felt to be in his arms. “You needed me alone. Really? Why?” she asked coyly.
“I needed that kiss.”
“Needed or wanted?” she teased.
“Oh, I know the difference between need and want. I needed that kiss, but I want this one,” Joe said and kissed her. He left her seeing stars.
“If you want me to make my plane, you better stop doing that.”
“Oh, there is that difference between need and want again.”
90
ORLANDO, FLORIDA
BRIDGETTE WAS GOING TO THE prom with an eleventh grader named Brody. Chase and Trevor were going with their girlfriends. Their school had a combined Junior/Senior Prom and Graduation Gala. Jessica hadn’t liked the idea at first, but they used it to celebrate all the seniors’ accomplishments while also providing an inspirational push for the juniors, so she had come around.
Jessica volunteered to host the before party for pictures.There were hors d’oeuvres for everyone and cocktails for the parents. Sarah, another mom, had put up a fight. She was the president of everything and could be overbearing. She had insisted her home was perfect for the event with the ideal backdrop for pictures, but with three kids going to the prom Jessica made her case and won the honor.
The parents were all staging individual and group shots around the pool and in the garden with the lake in the background. The girls looked gorgeous in their dresses with their hair and makeup all done elegantly. The boys were so gallant and looked handsome in their tuxes.
When a few of the ladies complimented Jessica on the flowers and design of her garden, she didn’t bat an eyelash when she thanked them. She graciously accepted the compliment even though if left to her own devices, the garden would be a mish-mosh of half-dead plants. Usually she gave due credit to her landscapers, but Sarah was standing right there, and the woman always brought out the worst in Jessica. Donna, who knew Jessica had a black thumb of death and knew how overbearing Sarah was, caught her eye and winked.
Jessica noticed the appetizers needed replenishing. She and Lacey went to the kitchen to bring out another tray. Anderson followed her in. “Despite my earlier objections, I’m glad you had everyone here. I like seeing the kids all dressed up.”
Jessica could tell he wanted to say something but was struggling with it. He abruptly left the kitchen without saying a word. Strange, she thought.
“What’s with him?” Lacey asked. “And more importantly, what’s with you? I can tell something is going on.”
“I know. We need to talk. I have a lot to fill you in on, but don’t worry. Things are going to be as they should be. I’m happy.”
“Then I’m happy too,” Lacey smiled. “Just don’t keep me in the dark for too long.”
“Come on,” Jessica said, handing Lacey a tray.
A little while later they headed to the limos for a few shots there. Jessica could sense the kids were eager to ditch the grownups and head out for their big night.
“Mom, that’s enough pictures,” Bridgette said, giving attitude like only a teenage daughter could give. “Our reservation is for five thirty.”
“Let us get a few more pictures,” Sarah insisted. “This is one of the moments we live for. Moms don’t get to do anything exciting anymore.”
Trevor left his position from the posed group and opened the limo door. “Sorry, that’s all you get.”
“I think we’ve gotten enough pictures. Let them go,” one of the dads said, backing up the kids.
One group of girls in their dresses and the boys in their tuxes piled into the white, gas-guzzling Hummer Limo, while another group climbed the steps of the neon-lit party bus. Everyone had chipped in to rent them for the evening. The peace of mind was well worth the cost. Jessica was happy knowing they would all have a good time and felt confident that Trevor wouldn’t let Bridgette’s date have too much fun.
Sarah is wrong, Jessica thought, at least for me. She did love these moments, but they were not the only things she had going on. They waved as the kids pulled away. A smile crept over Jessica’s face as she flashed back to Paris—flying through the city on the motorcycle and later kissing on the Eiffel Tower. Just then, Jessica’s cell rang. It was Joe. She turned to walk back to the house.
“Hello.”
“Smoke, when can you get back to D.C.? There’s a situation we need to get on quickly.”
The excitement of a new mission rushed through her. She was already planning it out in her head. Graduation and the subsequent party were in six days. Everything was completely in place. As long as she was back in time to make sure Trevor didn’t forget to take his cap and gown on Friday, she’d be good. She just needed to clear all these parents out of her house within the hour, so she could catch the last flight.
“See you tonight.”
She thought, What excuse should I use? Sick friend? Friend’s cheating husband? I’ll make it work.
About the Author
CHERRY LASKA GRADUATED WITH A BS in Aviation Management/Flight Technology from Florida Tech and obtained her commercial, instrument, single and multi-engine land and rotorcraft pilot’s licenses. She also completed U.S. Army Officer Basic and Flight school as the Distinguished Military Graduate. Cherry served as an Aviation Officer attached to a Military Intelligence Battalion.
Following her military service, Cherry has held various paid and volunteer positions with an asset management company, an educational services company, a productions and consulting company, and youth sports teams.
She is a happily married mother of three and spends her days and nights writing, reading, cooking, and trying to improve her average golf game. She enjoys strong coffee, full-bodied cabernets, good food, and still has a need for speed.