“Well, good night Drew.” Jasmine turned to open her car door.
“Jaz wait.”
She turned back around to face him.
“This weekend, are you busy?”
“No, not really.”
“I was hoping you would accompany me to a fundraiser, on Saturday.”
“I'd love to. Do I need to dress formal?”
“Yes, a simple evening gown will do.”
Jasmine laughed. She had been to enough formal events to know, an evening gown was never simple. Drew reached out and stroked the side of her face. She noticed the serious look in his eyes, they almost appeared troubled and worried.
“I have a ton of meetings tomorrow. I'm not sure if I'll have a lot of free time.”
“OK, I understand.”
Drew smiled and kissed her again. “Good night Jaz.”
“Good night Drew.”
Friday's were a lot like Monday's at the clinic. Busy, with a non-stop pace. Jasmine was thrilled when Tessa called, and said they were going out for drinks. She hadn't spoken to Drew at all that day, she figured he was still in his meetings. It would have been a lie, if she said she wasn't looking forward to Saturday. Clearly, she was interested and willing to see where things went with him.
As the evening approached, Jasmine was more than ready for happy hour. It was six- thirty when she headed over to Blue Tavern.
In an effort to be heard over the loud music, Jasmine leaned over towards Lisa. “I forgot how packed this place gets on Friday's.”
Before Avery's and Lisa's wedding, they would come there often. It was their spot to unwind. Like old times, the three of them sat at the bar.
“What have you been up to?” Lisa asked.
Jasmine found it laughable, how Lisa pretended she hadn't heard about Drew. Better yet, plus one as Avery liked to call him. At that moment Jasmine realized she had never called Drew by his name around Avery.
“I had an interesting week,” she said with a sly smile.
“Yeah I figured that much. Avery told me that you were bringing a, 'plus one' to the party. He also said, you've been going to lunch with him.”
“He tells you everything, doesn't he.”
“Most of the time, but he figured you'd fill me in on the rest.”
Over a glass of wine and a bottle of water, she spent the next forty-minutes bringing Lisa up to speed.
“I need a bathroom break.” Jasmine looked at both women, however, Tessa's attention had shifted elsewhere. Giggling like a school girl, she was preoccupied with the green-eyed cowboy, sitting next to her. Jasmine wondered what Carlos would think about it.
“I need a break too.”
Together Jasmine and Lisa walked towards the bathroom.
“I hope there isn't a line,” Jasmine said.
“And I hope Tessa is still at the bar, when we come back,” Lisa added.
Coming out of the restroom, Jasmine bumped into Damien.
“Look who came back. That's twice in one week.”
“I'm here with the girls this time.”
He leaned on the beam coming from the ceiling. “Where's Drew?”
“At Work.”
“Are the two of you dating?”
Jasmine was a little uncomfortable with his question, but since she considered him somewhat of a friend, she answered.
“Where just friends.”
Damien tilted his head to the side, he looked at her unconvinced. “Friends?”
“Yeah. By the way, how do you know him?”
“He didn't tell you?”
Jasmine shrugged. “He said through business?”
“What, you don't believe him?”
“I was hoping you'd go more into detail.”
“He's a silent partner, he invested in my bar.”
Jasmine didn't know why, she hadn't figured that out on her own.
“So he owns some of your companies stock?”
“Yeah.”
“Hey Damien, long time no see.”
“What's up Lisa?” Damien gave her a friendly hug.
“Nothing much, we're just having a girls night.”
“Where's Tessa?” he asked.
“She's over by the bar.”
Jasmine touched Lisa's arm. “We better head back to check on her.”
“Well it was great seeing you again Jaz, you too Lisa. Tell Avery I said hello.” Damien walked away.
When they got back, they found Tessa right where they left her. Still talking to the green-eyed cowboy.
Lisa shook her head. “That woman is like the energizer bunny.”
As Jasmine laughed, she felt her phone buzzing in her pocket. “It's Drew.”
“Go ahead, I'll keep an eye on this one.”
Jasmine walked outside. “Hi, I didn't think we would get the chance to talk today.”
“Yeah me neither, but I wanted to hear your voice.” Drew closed his eyes, the words were out before he could stop them.
The smile that Jasmine wore widen. “Me too.”
“I planned on stopping by, but I'm stuck at the office.”
Jasmine started to tell him, to come over whenever he finished. In the end, her virtuous side won.
Drew sighed. “I need to get back, I'll see you tomorrow.”
“Okay.”
Jasmine hung up the phone. She was diving head first into the rabbit hole. She couldn't stop herself, she was caught up in Drew.
Instead of lounging around on Saturday, Jasmine spent the morning preparing to go out with Drew. After two hours at the hair salon, and another hour getting a mani & pedi, she searched her closet for something to wear. There was no need to buy a new dress, she had plenty of evening gowns. She and Avery, had both endured countless fundraisers and luncheons.
Jasmine had become a pro at small talk and laughing at bad jokes. She browsed through her choices and found her sleeveless emerald colored gown. It was one of her favorites, mainly because it showed off her best assets.
At two o'clock, she received a text from Drew.
Drew: What's your Address?
Received: 2:00 PM
Jasmine: 3310 west 22nd st
Delivered: 2:02 PM
As she finished getting ready, Jasmine realized she had never invited anyone over, except for her friends. She became slightly nervous about Drew coming to her house. She was certain he lived in a mansion or even a penthouse. People like him always did.
It was a quarter till five when the door bell rung. She opened it to find Drew standing with a bouquet of pink roses, looking strikingly handsome. Jasmine could feel her nipples hardening. She wanted this man bad. She pictured herself pulling Drew inside, and throwing him to the floor.
“Thank you, they're beautiful.” She smelled the roses, when he handed them over. “Please come in.”
Drew walked through the entrance and followed her into the kitchen. He watched as she put the roses in a vase, and filled it with water. She looked delectable, like a tasty treat. The emerald satin gown she wore fit like a mold around her body.
From the moment she opened the door, he'd been watching the way it clung to her curves.
“Your home is inviting, it fits you.”
“Thanks, would you like me to show you the rest?”
“Yes, please.” Drew eyed her up and down. He wanted to see what she wore underneath her dress.
Jasmine walked past him, into the living room.
“Are these original hard wood floors?” Drew looked down, admiring the stain of the wood.
“Yes the whole house has hardwood floors. I refinished them myself.”
Drew raised an eyebrow. “You did this?”
“Yeah, when I first moved in.”
“This looks professionally done,” Drew said pointing at the floors. “How did you manage a buffer? You're so tiny.”
“I'm not that tiny.” she protested, placing her hands on her hip. “Come, follow me.”
They made their way upstairs, Jasmine show
ed him the bedrooms, including hers.
“Is this where the magic happens?”
“No, at least not yet.”
His eyes lit up with excitement.
Jasmine could tell she surprised him with her reply. She enjoyed his reaction.
“We should probably get going,” she said.
Drew checked his watch. When he looked back up, he caught her staring at him. Jasmine tore her gaze and headed for the stairs, with Drew following behind her. Outside, the town car waited in the driveway. After greeting Stanford, she got in and scooted all the way to the end.
“Are you thinking about jumping out?”
Jasmine chuckled. “No, why would you think that?”
“You're sitting on the edge, come closer to me.” He patted the space next to him.
She stared at Drew's hand on the seat, then at his face. The so called 'magic', was going to happen in the backseat, if she didn't pull it together. Scooting over, she placed her hand inside her lap.
“Much better.” Drew laid his hand on top of hers.
Jasmine turned her attention towards the front. The slightest contact from Drew had put her into a frenzy, and there was still an entire evening to make it through.
Chapter Seven
An evening with Mr. Watts.
T hey drove up to a set of iron gates, and a gentleman approached the car. After he exchanged a couple of words with Stanford, he allowed them to proceed. As the car drove down the white brick road, they passed acres of well manicured land. Jasmine could see the mansion coming in to view, behind the trees. A massive stunning structure stood, just as she figured. Every light seemed to be on, inside and out.
As they approached, she observed the guest being helped out of limousines and expensive cars. When their turn came, Drew got out first. Jasmine held out her hand, so he could assist her out of the car. Together, they walked up the stairs, towards the front entrance. She noticed a middle-aged, attractive couple standing at the door. They appeared to be greeting everyone.
“Good evening Drew,” the man spoke first. “I see you're accompanied by a beautiful woman this evening.”
“Yes, this is my date. Ms. Jasmine Williams.”
As Jasmine extended her hand to the hosts, Drew continued the introductions.
“These are my friends, Dr. Neil Mitchell and his lovely wife Rachel.”
“We're delighted you could join us this evening,” the woman said, with a thick southern accent. She seemed genuinely pleased Drew had brought a date.
“Thank you.”
“Please go in and enjoy yourself,” Dr. Neil said.
The inside of the house was immaculate, like a showpiece decorated to perfection. A massive chandelier hung in the foyer. Expensive paintings, lined the walls. Beautiful sculptures and carvings were displayed on stands. Some items were encased in glass. It was a museum of fine arts. Jasmine figured the ones tagged, were for the fundraiser. People appeared to be looking at them, and writing numbers down on a card.
“The art on display is exquisite. What organization is the fundraiser for?”
“Heart to Heart. It's an annual event. Mitchell and his wife, raise money for children with disabilities and special needs.”
“That's very kind. Is there a particular reason they chose disabled children?”
“Yes, their son Braxton.”
Jasmine sympathized for them. She knew how hard it could be, caring for a child with a disability. Many times, she observed families struggle with the expenses for operations, medical supplies and even child care. There were also the times money wasn't the issue. The child's disease or condition, was too much for the parents to manage. The emotional strain proved to be painful for both the child and the caregiver.
As they walked around the room and viewed the items on display, one of the servers approached them carrying a tray of champagne. Drew removed two glasses and handed one to Jasmine.
“Hors d'oeuvre sir?” Another server asked.
“No thanks.”
Jasmine shook her head no, when the server turned towards her.
“Do we need one of those cards?”
“Only if you want to bid on something. I don't bid, I simply write a check.”
“Of course you do,” she mumbled to herself.
While the guest continued to arrive, Jasmine and Drew continued to make their way around the room. She listened as he conversed about different subjects. They ranged from business to politics. Eventually, she made a break for the lady's room.
Squeezing Drew's arm, she whispered in his ear. “I'm going to the bathroom I'll be back.”
“Do you need me to show you where it is?”
“No, I can manage.”
Drew nodded, never missing a beat in his conversation.
She made it ten feet away, and realized she was lost. Finding a server, she asked for directions.
Jasmine entered the lounge area of the bathroom first. She studied the marbled tile splashed over the walls and the ceiling. She had been transported to an elegant hotel. The mosaic floor gleamed like a mirror underneath her. She noticed a tall blonde, standing at one of the sinks. Her appearance was striking. She could have easily passed for a model.
“Hi, I'm Chanel,” the woman said, looking into the mirror.
“Hi, I'm Jasmine.”
“You're here with Drew, right?”
“Yes,” she said, before reapplying her lipstick.
“Are you his secretary?”
Jasmine found herself annoyed by the woman's assumption. “No, I'm his date.”
“Date?” Chanel gawked at Jasmine comically. “Drew Watts doesn't date.”
Jasmine placed her lipstick back inside her purse. “And yet, I'm here.”
Chanel looked her up and down, before casting a fake smile and walking away.
Bitch!
Jasmine was in disbelief. Not only was she disrespected, but the woman had sized her up. After gathering her thoughts, she left the bathroom in search of Drew. She made her way through the room, to where she'd left him. In route, she ran into Rachel.
“Jasmine are you OK? You seem upset?”
She wasn't aware of the scowl on her face. “Yes, I'm fine.” Jasmine softened her features and hoped she didn't come off as sarcastic.
Rachel took Jasmine at her word and smiled. “Are you enjoying yourself?”
“Yes I am.”
Rachel leaned a little closer. “Please don't take this the wrong way, but I'm stunned that you are here with Drew.
“Oh, why is that?”
“We've held this fundraiser, for the last five years. Drew has never brought a date.”
Jasmine wasn't sure where the conversation was heading. She was having deja vu of her chat with blondie back in the bathroom.
“I'm glad he invited me to accompany him this evening. I understand and support your cause,” Jasmine said, trying to save face. She didn't want to upset the woman in her own home, but she refuse to let another person disrespect her.
“That's right, Drew said you're a nurse practitioner?”
“Yes. I own a private practice, with my friend Dr. Grant.”
“Smart and beautiful. Drew better keep you.” Rachel laughed and touched her arm.
Jasmine began to relax. It was obvious, Rachel and Chanel weren't friends.
“We should get together one day, maybe go shopping,” Rachel suggested.
“That sounds great.”
Jasmine wondered how Rachel would fit in with her friends. Tessa would probably come across as intimidating, and scare her. She and Lisa would bond over being wives of doctors. She laughed on the inside at her analysis.
After talking with Rachel, Jasmine resumed her search for Drew. She walked toward the back of the house. Where the auction had been held, earlier that evening. From a glance, the room appeared empty. Jasmine almost didn't go in. Then, she heard the faint sound of voices coming from within.
Stepping inside, she spotted Drew and Chanel in the
far corner of the room. They were close, too close for her. Drew appeared upset, she could tell by his face. Chanel attempted to put her arms around his neck, but he blocked her advances. Jasmine took a step further, and listened as they talked. Neither one of them seemed to notice her.
“What we had is over.” Drew's voice was stern and uncaring.
“You don't mean that!”
“Yes, I do.”
“Give me another chance.”
“Stop, before you make me angry.”
Chanel retreated taking a step back. “So what?... You want her?” She shook her head and placed her hands on her hips. “She won't be able to give you what you need.”
“Oh and you think you can?”
“I know I can.”
Drew tried to leave, but Chanel stopped him placing her hand on his chest.
“I know what makes your dick hard and what your body craves.”
Chanel tried to move her hand downward, but Drew grabbed it.
“Don't.”
Jasmine's eyes widen. She'd seen enough, it was time to make her presence known.
“Hey, there you are.” she said, trying to remain calm.
Both their eyes, darted in her direction. Drew left from standing by Chanel and walked toward Jasmine.
“I was just about to look for you myself. Are you ready to go?”
“Yes, who's your friend?” Jasmine asked, pretending she hadn't already met Chanel.
Drew glanced over at Chanel. “An old acquaintance.” He didn't give either of the women time to respond. “Let's go find Neil and Rachel,” he said. Drew grabbed Jasmine's hand, and turned his back to Chanel.
Embarrassed, she walked away.
After saying their goodbyes, Drew and Jasmine walked outside. Stanford had pulled the car up and was waiting by the curbside. As they drove towards her house, Jasmine's mind raced with thoughts about that evening. Staring out the window, she recalled how hurt Chanel looked when Drew introduced her. What would happen once she and Drew slept together?
How long after that would he move on. Would she too just be an acquaintance? Relationships were much like roller coasters. Your adrenaline runs high, as you brace yourself for the unknown. Then at some point the excitement is over, the ride stops and you get off. Somehow, Jasmine had managed to put her self back on the ride.
New Hearts Old Flame Page 7