I'll Do Anything
Page 11
I wanted to ask Jasper what he intended on doing now, for work, to fill in for the lapse at Olympus. Now wasn't the time, however. Even I was preoccupied with thoughts of Asia and Kaia, and I wouldn't be able to concentrate on anything else until we knew the baby would be okay.
For two agonizing hours, we heard nothing. Jasper alternated between pacing and slouching in a seat. Sometimes he hunched forward, elbows on his knees, gaze pinned on the floor while he rubbed the center of his palm with his thumb.
I didn't have to ask what was on his mind. The same thing that was on mine, I was sure, above and beyond whether Kaia was all right. Jasper hated being separated from the baby at a critical time like this because he couldn't be positive she wasn't his daughter. Asia's reply in the patient room that Jasper wasn't the dad hadn't reassured me anymore than it had reassured Jasper. Of course she wouldn't announce it right then if Jasper was the father. It would have been a potentially explosive declaration.
Other patients arrived and were taken into the back with family members, leaving just a few stray people in the waiting area with us.
When the emergency doors swooshed open again, I didn't bother to look over.
“Any news yet?” a familiar voice asked.
I snapped a startled look aside and up at the same time Jasper did.
Adrian stood there, dressed sharply in a black and white suit, an enormous vase of flowers in his hand.
Jasper surged to his feet, eyes narrowing, fingers curling into fists. “What the hell do you think you're doing here?”
“Adrian--” I cut my greeting off when Jasper spoke over me and got to his feet. I stood, too, and put myself between them.
“Stand down, soldier,” Adrian retorted to Jasper. “I'm on a mission of peace.”
“Yeah, excuse me that I don't quite believe you.” Jasper's cheeks flushed with anger, his posture turning more aggressive by the second.
“Hey now, hey,” I said, still standing between them. I flattened a hand against Jasper's chest. “Let's keep it cool.”
“I wanted to check up on your friend and bring these. That's not a crime,” Adrian said, lifting the vase of wildflowers as a gesture.
“What's your motive this time, huh?” Jasper asked, pressing into my hand.
“No motive. You don't have to like it, Jasper. I don't care either way. But I am leaving these for your friend, and I'm already here, so give me whatever update you have.” Adrian set the vase on a small table at the end of the row of seats.
“I'll give you an update--”
“Jasper,” I said, trying to get his attention off of Adrian. Or at least off the urge to throw a punch. The muscles under my hand flexed and twitched as Jasper stepped into me like he might push me all the way back into Adrian and keep going.
“Jasper? Finley?”
Asia's voice broke through the tension. I glanced aside. Asia, eyes rimmed red and slightly puffy, looked between us with confusion.
“It's nothing, don't worry about it,” I said to Asia. Everyone's attention shifted. Jasper eased the pressure on my hand and Adrian's focus fixed on the teary-eyed mother. “How is Kaia?” I asked.
Asia wrung her hands, the traditional sign of stress and worry. “The preliminary tests came back good. It doesn't look like she suffered any permanent damage from the seizure. The doctor said it happens sometimes with fevers. They're going to keep her over night though, for observation.”
“Well, that's good news, right?” I said.
“I think so. I'm hopeful. Kaia's sleeping right now and her temperature has come down a little.” Asia smiled a shaky smile.
“Excellent. I'm glad to hear it, Asia. This is--” Before I could finish, Adrian stepped in and extended his hand.
“I'm Adrian Cassano. I stopped by to tell you not to worry about the job. You've got an interview any time you want one.”
Asia's mouth opened in a small 'o' of surprise. She slid her hand into his and traded shakes. “Thank you. That means a lot.”
“That's what Jasper and I were coming to tell you this morning,” I explained belatedly. “Adrian had agreed to see you today, but of course we didn't realize all this would happen.”
“Sure, it's not a problem. These are for you and your daughter. I hope she continues to recover well.” Adrian handed Asia the arrangement.
I hadn't ever seen Adrian so well mannered. In all honesty, I wasn't sure I trusted his generosity. In my experience, Adrian usually expected something in return.
“You didn't have to do that. But thank you. Kaia loves flowers. It'll cheer up her room.” Asia admired the many colored blooms and tucked the vase into the crook of her arm. “I have to get back. I just wanted to come out and let you know what's going on.”
“We appreciate the update. I'll have to leave at some point, since I've got work,” I said. I wasn't sure what Jasper would do.
“I'll come out with another update in an hour or so,” Asia promised. With a sheepish smile, she headed back to the door.
Jasper waited until Asia disappeared into the hallway before rounding on Adrian. “I'll pull your spine out through your nose if you even think of hurting her.”
“You know, Jasper, I also came here to tell you that you've got your job back if you want it—maybe that's not a good idea.” Adrian smirked and pivoted on a heel.
“He wants it,” I said to Adrian's back. This wasn't the time to antagonize either one of the men.
Jasper hissed his displeasure at my interference and I frowned over my shoulder. Once Adrian was gone, I faced Jasper. “You like your job, and you report to Ramsey anyway. Just accept it and let him go.”
“He's an ass,” Jasper said, voice gruff with discontent. “I loathe the thought that he'll put Asia through the same crap he puts everyone else through. Yeah, she needs a job, but why do I have the feeling that he'll use it to his advantage if he ever finds out she's my wife?”
“Soon to be ex-wife,” I stressed. “Let's just hope he'll treat her differently. I mean, he did show up here with flowers. Asia's a nice girl. She doesn't strike me as the same as the other showgirls at Olympus, most of whom are rude and obnoxious. That might be the saving grace here.”
Jasper met my gaze. “It better be. Otherwise, he'll deal with me whether he likes it or not.”
Chapter Ten
Jasper and I got to see Kaia a half hour before I had to leave. In a room of her own in the pediatric ward, with ducklings and puffy clouds and half moons painted on the walls, Kaia looked peaceful in sleep and much better than when we'd first greeted Asia at the apartment door. Ensconced in an enclosed bed with tubes and wires running everywhere, the little girl looked almost angelic with her pink cheeks and smooth skin. Stable through the previous hours, it appeared Kaia was definitely on the mend.
While I let Asia know that she could call us any time, for anything, I caught sight of Jasper running a gentle finger along Kaia's arm, a thoughtful look on his face. I didn't draw attention to it or to him; I let him have those few precious seconds of solitude and reflection. If Kaia was his child, he deserved to say his private goodbye without interruption.
Finally, after confirming that Jasper would stop by for another update later, while I was at work, we departed the hospital for Olympus.
“Maybe you should have stayed,” I said, once we were in the Camaro. “I could have taken the bus.”
Jasper brushed his fingers along each side of his lips in a distracted, considering manner. “As far as wishing Kaia well—I do. I'm glad she's recovering and seems to be over the fever and hopefully the seizures. As far as her possibly being my daughter, then yeah, I sort of feel like I should be there. I'm torn though. I still don't think Asia would lie about it, yet every time I look in Kaia's eyes, I wonder if she got the blue from me. And I'm a little afraid I'll outright ask Asia if I'm around her too long, which isn't good considering she's got enough going on right now.”
“It's not a great situation no matter how you look at it. But you're g
oing back to check in later. Maybe just go a little earlier. It won't seem obvious. And maybe, just maybe, Asia will offer more information on her own without any prompting from you. Like bring up who the father really is, mention her dating him or whatever happened after you left. Then you'd know and wouldn't have to be the one to bring it up.” I tried not to make it obvious that I watched him rather than the city.
“Yeah, yeah. I could go an hour early or something.” Jasper gripped the wheel, then relaxed his hold. “You want me to pick you up tonight, right?”
“It depends. Let me know what's going on. If everything is still calm and she's okay, then get me. If not, shoot me a text and I'll take the bus.”
“You got it.”
“Thanks for keeping your temper in check in the waiting room.”
Jasper snorted. “If you hadn't been there, I might not have. He's got some nerve bringing her flowers. He's never even met her.”
Jasper's vehemence made me wonder if he was experiencing a pang of jealousy. “That surprised me, too,” I admitted. “I didn't realize Adrian had a caring bone in his body.”
“He doesn't. Don't let him fool you. He's as much of a prick now as he ever was.”
Clearly, there was no love lost between the men. “At least you have your job back.”
Jasper shot a wry look my way. “Do I? We'll see.”
“I don't think he would have said so, if not.”
“He says a lot of stuff he doesn't mean.”
“He probably realized he over reacted by firing you. Plus, it's a good job. You've liked it there so far. We don't have to deal with Adrian much anyway.” Usually. Then there were times like now, when I saw him far more often than I wanted to.
“Like I said, we'll see. I'll talk to Ramsey.”
I couldn't argue with that.
Arriving at the casino, Jasper dropped me at the curb and I waved before he drove away. I didn't go inside until the Camaro disappeared around the corner.
My roller-coaster emotions made it difficult for me to concentrate leading up to the show, but once I was on stage, I managed through the routine with gritted teeth and no errors. If anyone would have asked, I would have expressed surprise that I could remember the steps amidst so much turmoil.
Just when I thought I was done with the horror of dancing, the choreographer requested we stay for an extra hour of rehearsal. I wanted to protest but got through the monotony with no complaints.
Sore from days of wobbling around on heels my ankles weren't used to, I shot Jasper a text to let him know he could leave the house and come pick me up.
Stripping out of the jewels and feathers, I hung the scraps up on a hanger and changed into my beloved jeans and a tee shirt. Getting the make up off took more time than anything else. Ignoring the chatter of the other dancers, I threw away eight spent make up towelettes and checked my phone when it chimed with Jasper's reply.
Busy. Take the bus? Walk?
Had it been ten or eleven o'clock, I might not have minded taking the bus. This late, after an extra hour of rehearsal, I wanted the most expedient route home. The bus had ten stops between here and the other end of town and I wasn't in the mood for the stop and go. Walking with my ankles hurting like they were wasn't an option either. It would take me at least a half hour trekking the back streets before I reached our neighborhood. It wasn't exactly safe, either, at one a.m.
Could use a ride, I texted back. He hadn't said a thing about Kaia taking a turn for the worse. How busy could he be?
With Asia.
I wanted to remind Jasper that he couldn't stay the whole night in the hospital. He was there for an update, not to be there when the sun came up tomorrow. Maybe he and Asia had gotten into a discussion about Kaia's parentage.
Talking about Kaia? I typed.
Nah. Just talking.
Then come pick me up. Don't want to ride the bus. Ankles hurt.
Had a drink or two.
They were drinking now? I knew the hospital didn't serve alcohol, which meant he'd gone off site to one of the nearby bars or convenience stores. For some reason, my patience snapped. I thought I'd been pretty damn good about all this since his wife had appeared on the scene. The last time he'd gotten drunk with Asia, they'd ended up man and wife.
Visit a chapel again? Renewing some vows? I couldn't help it. The scathing words all but typed themselves onto the screen.
No answer.
I didn't think there would be. So what did this mean? He couldn't drive home, either, if he'd had a couple drinks. Did he intend to hang out in the waiting room, or Kaia's room, if the nurse's allowed it? Had Asia confessed and admitted he was the father after all?
Suddenly, I could have kicked myself for being so nice and accommodating. What was wrong with me? Yes, I had wanted and needed to help. No, I wouldn't have denied anyone in the same circumstance my time and compassion. But had I gone too far? Had I been too passive, too understanding, too forgiving? And how would I feel if Jasper was confused about his feelings and emotions and was spending more time in Asia's company because he was drawn there, no matter how much he said he loved me? Drunk or not, he'd married her for a reason. Moved in with her for a reason. Tried to make it work for a reason.
Stalking out of the staging area, I marched down the hall, pushing my phone into my pocket. I followed the labyrinth of corridors until I exited the casino via the employee entrance.
I bumped into a body as I took the first step away from the door, grunting from the impact. Looking up, senses filled with a familiar cologne, I found myself nose to nose with Ramsey. Jet black hair combed back away from his face, green eyes luminous in the spillover light from the eaves, Ramsey Cassano was as striking as he'd ever been. I hadn't seen him in a few weeks, even though he was on the premises of Olympus all the time. He must have returned early from his trip.
“Sorry, I didn't know anyone was there,” I said, taking a step to the side.
Ramsey caught me with a steadying hand at my hip, a smile taking sudden hold of his mouth. “Finley. It's been a little while. How are you?”
Once upon a time, I would have melted a little being this close to him. Before I recognized my feelings for Jasper, I'd wanted nothing more than to sink myself into a one night stand with Ramsey, to give in to the friction we often generated between us. These days, he was my boss as well as my friend, and the former lust I used to feel in his presence had waned to a simple appreciation of his good looks.
“I'm all right. How about you? Back early from your trip?”
Ramsey let the door close and stood with me to the side, out of the way in case any other employees were coming or going. “Word gets around. Yes, I've returned early.”
I smiled and hoped it looked more natural than it felt. It wasn't Ramsey's fault that I was angry at Jasper. “I was looking for you yesterday and ran into Adrian instead. That's how I knew.”
“Did you need something?” Ramsey asked, forever cordial and polite. He tilted his head a fraction and slid a hand into the pocket of his slacks. The color of his suit was blue-black, like a bruise, and shimmered just faintly in the moonlight. By contrast, the shirt beneath seemed ultra white to the point it almost glowed.
“Actually, Adrian took care of it. There was someone I'd wanted you to meet, a possible interview for a job. She's a nice girl and in need of something soon.” There I went again, touting Asia's attributes when she was taking up my boyfriend's time. Or rather, I corrected myself, Jasper was taking up her time. I reminded myself not to take my frustrations out on her. She'd been extremely nice and pleasant so far.
Interest flickered through Ramsey's eyes. “Adrian, hm? Well, if you still need help with it, then let me know. I'm curious since you've never referred anyone that I know of.”
“It's a...special circumstance. But honestly, though I should probably ignore her and stop being so nice, she's been nothing but sweet and kind and I couldn't just turn my back on her.” I must have needed to get that off my chest.
What could I say? Ramsey was right. I laughed quietly. “Hey, you call it as you see it. You're not wrong.” Now I had to explain the semantics and found myself embarrassed to do so. “She's Jasper's wife.”
Any and all amusement fled from Ramsey's expression. “What?”
“Yeah. She showed up at our house a few days ago with divorce papers. Jasper married her a while back, when he'd gone off to college. You know how it happens. They got drunk, then thought it would be a good idea to say I Do. But it was a mistake from the outset.” I hoped Ramsey didn't ask me where Jasper was right then.
“I didn't see that coming,” Ramsey said, his voice a murmur. “How are you doing with it?”
I glanced aside, at the parking lot and the street. “Well. You know how I am. I'm trying to be pragmatic about everything, and she really has been very nice, though I won't deny that I'm having moments where I'm questioning my sanity in offering her so much help. Trying to get her a job here, where she'll be exposed to me and Jasper.”
“That wouldn't be easy for anyone, I think. There will always be the question of their attraction—because there had to be at least that for them to get involved in the first place—and whether time in each other's company will re-ignite old feelings.”
Leave it to Ramsey to be on the same wavelength as me. I met his gaze again. “Exactly. Although Jasper has reassured me multiple times that he left her because of me, that he doesn't want anyone else. I believe him—but I also know my limitations about relationships and honestly, I have no idea what he wants for the future for us. The devil on my shoulder says what if I can't give him the longevity he wants, and he realizes he can get it from her?” I didn't bring up Kaia and our concern that she might be Jasper's. Not yet.
“If Jasper feels about you the way I think he does, then he'll want what you want from the future, because that means he gets to be with you no matter what. You two have been friends a long time, so he knows what he's getting into.” Ramsey paused, then said, “You want to come up to my office for a little while?”