Forsaking All Others

by Linda Hudson-Smith

  Wearing a serious expression on his face, Weston made direct eye contact with Jessica. “Now that we’re on this subject, I want to ask you something. What’s the chance of us getting together after we leave Aspen?”

  Jessica shrugged. “We live on separate coasts. I don’t know how we’d manage it. California to New York is at least a five-hour flight, one way.”

  “What if I agree to do the traveling? Can I visit you in L.A.?”

  Jessica looked surprised by the questions. “You’d be willing to do that?”

  “In a New York minute.” He grinned. “No pun intended. What about it?”

  “I’m okay with it if you are. I have a guest bedroom. Just let me know when.”

  “We’re on!” Weston was obviously pleased by the outcome of his probe.

  Jessica fished out a melted marshmallow from her cup. She then held the tiny morsel up to Weston’s lips. After taking the tidbit from her hand, he licked her finger in a provocative way. “Sweet, so sweet. Think I can get another one?”

  Jessica repeated the act. This time he drew her finger into his mouth and sucked on it gently. His eyes connected soulfully with hers, causing her to blush. “I think it’s time for us to make up. What do you think?”

  Jessica responded to Weston’s question by offering up her lips to taste. He quickly accepted the sweet offer in the spirit it had been presented. Kissing her had already become his most favorite thing to do.

  Jessica’s cell phone abruptly interrupted the intimate moment. After identifying the caller, she thought about not answering. She then thought better of it. It could be something important. She really cared about her friends. And Jarred might be having a hard time over the bad breakup with Melanie. She wanted to be there for him.

  “Where are you?” Jarred asked Jessica, sounding rather anxious.

  “You already know where I am. What’s up?”

  “You’re not with your family, because I just called there.”

  “And? What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “Nothing, really. I just wanted to make sure you’re okay. It bothers me that you’re in Aspen with some guy who doesn’t value you as a person. Please tell me you are not off somewhere alone with him.”

  “Why does that matter to you one way or the other?”

  “I just told you. I’m really worried about you being around someone who has a history of being mean to you. Is that a sin? It’s also very late.”

  Jessica’s heart instantly softened toward Jarred despite the fact he had just interrupted a very intimate moment. “No, it’s not a sin. Please don’t be concerned. Everything is under control. I’m a big girl. Okay?”

  “I guess. When are you coming home?”

  “You already know that, too. The dates still haven’t changed…and they won’t. Is something going on that I don’t know about? Are you missing Mel?”

  “Not in the least. It’s you that I’m missing. It’s you.”

  Jessica was a bit stunned by Jarred’s candid remarks. She didn’t want to read more into what he had meant by it, but it sounded like he missed her in a way different from the norm. She didn’t want to entertain this. Besides, it was a ludicrous notion. “You’re just lonely. It’s the holidays. I understand what you’re feeling. You need to get with the crew and stop isolating yourself.”

  “Maybe you’re right. Call me before you shut down?”

  “In the morning. Like you said, it’s late.”

  “Good enough.” Jarred disconnected without further comment.

  Wondering what was really up with Jarred, Jessica scowled, flipping her phone shut. Her best friend was acting terribly strange. Breakups caused a person to feel lonely, but Jarred had said it was the best thing. If that was the case, why was he acting so weird? Jessica wished she had the answers.

  Feeling the intensity of Weston’s eyes on her, she looked over at him and pointed at her cup. “It’s cold now. Refill, please?”

  Weston nodded. The last thing he wanted to do was move away from her side. The phone call had him more than curious. Although Jessica hadn’t referred to the person by name, he was sure it had been the same guy who’d called before. Who was he, anyway? He wanted to ask her about it, but since he didn’t know how to go about it, he’d let it ride. The last thing he wanted was to come off as jealous and insecure.

  Once Weston had poured a refill, he carried it over to the coffee table in the living room. He then went back for Jessica, reaching for her hand. Moving from the kitchen to the living room would allow them to sit closer together. The setting was also more comfortable. He needed to have Jessica right up under him. The odd phone call had Weston feeling a tad insecure, something he wasn’t used to.

  Weston brought Jessica in close to him. As he put his arm around her shoulder, his lips met tenderly with her cheek. “The firelight is pretty, isn’t it?”

  “Beautiful. I love the roaring colors. I can sit and stare into a blazing fire for hours on end. It has a way of mesmerizing me. Many people have misconceptions about California living, mainly because of the weather. I have two stone fireplaces in my town house. And I use them both, especially the one in the bedroom.”

  “Real wood or gas logs?”

  “Both. I prefer to use the gas log. Cleanup is difficult with wood. I don’t want my place to smell like unpleasant ashes, either.”

  “There are ways around it, but you have to clean it after every use. My housekeeper’s husband sweeps out my fireplace after each use.”

  Jessica raised an eyebrow. “Housekeeper? What size place do you have?”

  “A pretty good-sized one. Four bedrooms and a nice-size loft.”

  “Hmm, sounds really nice. Maybe I’ll get to see it one day.”

  “I’d like that. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? Right now?”

  Jessica closed her eyes for a second. “Paris. Definitely Paris.”

  “Have you been there?”

  “I wish. One day, though.”

  “We can go there right now.”

  Jessica looked perplexed. “Come again?”

  “Close your eyes, sweetheart. Let me take you right into the heart of Paris.”

  Obedient to Weston’s gentle command, Jessica closed her eyes. As his hand tenderly squeezed her shoulder, she laid her head against his chest.

  “We’ll visit the Eiffel Tower first,” Weston soothed, “then the Arc de Triomphe. Later on we’ll tour the Louvre, where Mona Lisa hangs out.”

  “Sounds fantastic!”

  Weston reached down and took off Jessica’s shoes and then had her stretch out on the sofa. Grabbing hold of a throw pillow, he placed it on his lap, summoning her to lay her head there.

  Jessica obeyed Weston’s commands again.

  Weston looked down into Jessica’s eyes and smiled broadly. “Once upon a time there was a beautiful young princess named Jessica, the fairest woman in all the land. But she was awfully lonely because there weren’t any guys good enough for her. She was the kind of woman who set her standards high, worthy of such…and so much more. You see, Jessica deserved the very best in a man because she was a wonderful woman.

  “Then one day Prince Weston, who lived far, far away, stopped by a remote palace for a brief respite for himself and his steed. When he asked the groundskeeper for water for himself and his powerful animal, he was told to see Princess Jessica, the mistress of the castle. He found her out in the Garden of Love, looking sad and feeling downright lonely.

  “Princess Jessica told him she’d been praying for her Prince Charming to come along before his arrival. She asked if he was the one. His passionate kiss gave the answer.

  “Prince Weston was the one, the one and only.

  “Prince Weston then offered to take Princess Jessica for a ride on his magnificent white steed. When she asked him where to, he told her Paris, the magnificent City of Light.”

  Chapter 5

  With both families seated near the Christmas tree in the Harringto
n town house, holiday sounds by Nat King Cole played softly in the background. The tree lights and fireplace were in service. Dozens of red and green candles burned brightly, adding a dash of cinnamon and spice scents to the fresh pine.

  The two families were having a grand time viewing photos from past vacations. Many pictures had been taken when the kids were younger. Jessica moaned at how pudgy she had been in her preteen years. Weston wasn’t happy about the numerous photos clearly capturing his acne.

  Jennifer gushed over all of the pictures of her, especially those including Samuel. Her parents had started taking him on family trips after they’d been dating a couple of years. Jennifer would’ve been miserable without him. Sahara and Roman had closely chaperoned the young couple, carefully monitoring all their activities away and at home.

  To share something special with Jessica, Weston excused himself and asked her to come along. The couple entered the unoccupied bedroom and it surprised her to see the spacious room filled with toys and other presents. She turned questioning eyes on him. “What’s all this? How did it get here?”

  Weston picked up a sweet-looking baby doll and hugged it to himself. “Our dads helped me out when you ladies were shopping. I need some help wrapping these presents. Can I count on you?”

  With no children in their group, Jessica gave him another puzzled look. “Of course, but who are these gifts for?”

  Weston’s eyes suddenly glistened with moisture. “We’re taking them to an orphanage. Something I do every year. I delivered gifts to orphanages in Harlem and the Bronx before leaving New York.”

  Jessica was totally bowled over by Weston’s altruistic spirit, her mouth agape. “What a glorious and loving gesture. Why do you do this?”

  “Just something I truly enjoy. When I’m home, a couple of my buddies and I dress up like Santa on Christmas Eve and then make a visit to the orphanages to pass out presents to children and employees. We leave the majority of the gifts for discovery on Christmas morning.”

  Jessica rushed across the room and threw her arms around Weston’s neck. She then pinched him. As he reacted to the pain, she laughed heartily. “Sorry, but I had to make sure you were real. You amaze me. I can’t express how I feel about this. God is no doubt smiling on you.”

  “God inspires me. All the glory goes to Him.”

  “I’m so impressed. Well, enough of this. Let’s get these presents done so you can deliver them. Where are the wrapping paper and ribbons?”

  Weston opened the clothes closet and pulled out large bags of decorative Christmas paper and a bunch of assorted bows. “Think we should ask the others to help?”

  “Duh! If we don’t, it’ll take us a few days to do it all. I think everyone would love to help. It’s a worthwhile cause. Let’s go ask.”

  Weston pulled Jessica to him and gave her a warm hug and kiss. “I knew I could count on you. Thanks, sweetheart, just for being you.”

  “You’re the one who deserves the thanks. You keep earning favorable points with me. I never dreamed you’d turn out to be this special.”

  “I know why that is. Sorry I was so mean to you. Do you think maybe I had a serious crush on you and didn’t know how to show it?”

  “I guess that’s possible, but we’ll never know for sure. It’s a really nice thought.”

  “It is. I can show how I feel about you without scalping you, leaving you without a shadow of doubt.”

  “Another nice thought. Let’s get the others before we get into some serious showing and telling. I have the desire to kiss you breathless.”

  “Oh, please hold that thought until later, since I plan to take you up on it. We have a lot to show and tell each other.”

  Just as Jessica had thought, the others were eager to help wrap the packages. An assembly line was quickly established. Weston, Roman and Jacque opted to measure and then cut the wrapping paper. Jessica, Sahara, Sandra and Jennifer wrapped the gifts. Once gifts were handed to Samuel, he placed the bows on them. Boy or girl name tags were also added by Samuel to show the gender intent.

  The variety of toys Weston had picked out was sure to delight all the boys and girls. Baby dolls, stuffed animals, footballs and basketballs, board games and a host of other entertaining items would make someone’s day.

  Jessica would love to see the smiles on those little faces.

  The sudden chiming of the doorbell had Jessica scrambling to get up. Since no one was expected, Weston got up and went with her as a safety precaution. These days no one ever knew who might be on the other side of a door.

  The moment the door was opened a group of men and women began to carol softly. Weston instantly called for the others to join them. Jessica, forgetting about the presence of everyone else, laid her head back against Weston’s chest, overwhelmed by the Christmas carolers. Normally her family and their neighbors were a part of the caroling festivities back home. Like the special gift-giving, it was something the Harringtons loved to do.

  One of Jessica’s favorite holiday tunes, “The First Noel,” was sung beautifully. She couldn’t be happier about her decision to join her family. Though she had remained undecided up to the last minute, she was aware of how much she would’ve missed out on. Although she loved spending time with her friends, what she missed most was the group shopping sprees they took.

  “Shop until you drop” was their motto during the holiday season.

  Each female in Jessica’s circle hosted a girls-only breakfast, brunch, luncheon or dinner during the holiday season, beginning on the fifteenth of December and ending Christmas Eve. The guys did something similar, but their events were held in the evenings. The two groups joined together for the last event, a potluck dinner held at the home of the host person for that year.

  Once Jessica realized she and Weston were giving the others cause for further speculation, she moved slightly away from him. Before she got out of his reach, he grabbed hold of her hand. Squeezing her fingers was his way of letting her know he understood. Jessica fleetingly contemplated making their feelings known to the others, but then she thought better of it. There’d be no peace for either of them if their families got the idea they were falling in love.

  Falling in love. What an interesting choice of words, Jessica mused.

  Jessica had to wonder if she was falling in love with Weston. It didn’t take her long to deliberate. Even though she suspected she was already in love, she wouldn’t allow herself to admit it. The reality of such a magnanimous occurrence was scary.

  Once the carolers moved on down the outside corridor, Roman closed the front door. His offer to fix drinks and snacks was met with loud shouts of approval. Jessica quickly offered to help her father. After Roman nodded his agreement, she followed him into the kitchen, where she retrieved a box of assorted crackers, a summer sausage, apples and two blocks of cheese.

  While Jessica cut the snacks into bite-size cubes and slices, Roman began mixing up a variety of drinks. Preparing a pitcher of strawberry margaritas came first; Jessica’s preference. Since Sahara loved apple martinis and Sandra loved cosmopolitans, he planned on mixing those, too. His choice in drinks was a white merlot or a zinfandel, which Jennifer and Samuel also liked. Scotch on the rocks was Jacque’s.

  Roman suddenly realized he didn’t know Weston’s drink. “What does Wes like to drink? I see how cozy and comfy you two have gotten with each other.”

  Jessica rolled her eyes. “Why ask me? How would I know?”

  Roman chuckled. “If you both would stop trying to prove you don’t like each other, you’d do a better job convincing us. You aren’t fooling a single soul. You guys can barely keep your eyes and hands off each other.”

  Jessica’s cheeks flushed with color. “That’s simply not true.”

  Roman took Jessica into his arms. “It is true…and we all know it. Stop fighting the feelings, honey. It is okay to be attracted to each other.”

  “What’s not okay is for you guys to put so much pressure on us, Dad. Wes and I could become
great friends if everyone wasn’t expecting anything more to develop. We are enjoying each other’s company, but we’re both fearful of the high expectations. We’re not interested in our parents setting us up for marriage.”

  Roman looked concerned. “I can see you’re really upset about this. What can we do to make the rest of your vacation more enjoyable?”

  “Back off, Dad, please. You guys need to give us our space. I have enough pressure in my life without thinking about marriage. Actually, you and Wes’s dad are more on this kick than Mom and Ms. Sandra. Someone is always hinting about Wes and me. I’m totally sick of it.”

  Jessica hadn’t intended to go off like that. Her frustration had gotten out of control. Wasn’t it bad enough that she was falling or had already fallen in love with Weston? Where they lived was a major obstacle, a painful one. A long-distance relationship was impossible to maintain. She wished everyone else knew that. Jessica just wanted to enjoy the holidays and move on.

  Jessica looked up and managed a believable smile. “We only live on opposite coasts. I’m not moving to New York. He’s not moving to L.A. We have established that much. We both love where we reside. Compromise just isn’t in the cards for us.”

  Jessica didn’t feel it necessary to explain they planned on seeing each other beyond Aspen. It would only add more fuel to the bonfire. She couldn’t stand the stressful situation as it was.

  Regretful, Roman nodded. “I’ll tell everyone to back off. Good enough?”

  “It has to be. But if it doesn’t happen, I’m leaving. I didn’t come here to make a love connection.” Yet it happened. Big-time. “I came to relax and have a good time.”

  “That’s just what you’ll have. I’ll see to it. Okay?”

  “Okay.” Jessica smiled nervously as she gave Roman a warm hug.

  Weston walked into the kitchen as Jessica resumed her duties. He immediately noticed her discomfort. With Roman there, he decided not to ask what was wrong. Showing concern wasn’t an option, either, since their every move was closely scrutinized.