“Hello again, Mr. Watts.”
“Good afternoon Ms. Williams.” He opened the passenger's door for her. Drew waited until she was closer, and gave her a peck on the lips.
“So, where are we going?”
“How much time do you have?”
“At least two hours.” Her heart skipped a beat. She was curious as to what he had in mind.
With a devilish smirk, he closed the door and walked around to the driver's side.
“Ready to enjoy the ride?”
Jasmine had no idea what he was referring to, but she was down either way.
“Yes, whenever you are.”
After a quick glance, he pulled out into traffic.
They spoke briefly about her upcoming move to the new office, but rode in silence for most of the drive. When they made it to the restaurant, Jasmine was astonished by the scenery. Drew had chosen a spot overlooking a lake.
“What an amazing view.” She looked over at him.
“No, I don't own it,” he said reading her mind.
After placing their order, they sat down at one of the tables on the pier.
“You look tired, Drew said.
“Yeah, it's the move. For the last two weeks, I've been trying to meet with all my patient's by this Thursday. We're closing the practice for a few days afterward.”
“You should do something relaxing this weekend.”
“Like...?”
“We could drive down to Virginia Beach, I have a home there.”
Jasmine stared out towards the lake. It was one thing to sleep with Drew, however, going away with him was much different.
“Do you need an answer now? Or can I think about it?”
“No, take your time.”
Back at the clinic, Jasmine tried her best to concentrate on seeing her patients. Her mind kept shifting to Drew's invitation. The thought of going away with him, was both exciting and scary. Things were moving a little faster than what she was used to. But then again, she was trying something new. She needed help to make her decision. She decided to text Tessa and Lisa.
Jasmine: Hey, can you guys meet me after work today?
Delivered 3:30PM
Lisa: I Can't, working 12hr shift today.
Received 3:40 PM
Tessa: Me too.
Received 3:42 PM
Jasmine: How about tomorrow?
Can you meet me at the bookstore?
Delivered 3:45 PM
Lisa: Sure. Is everything OK?
Received 3:48 PM.
Jasmine: Yeah, I need you both,
to help me decide something.
Delivered 3:50 PM
Tessa: What's the address?
Received 3:55 PM.
Jasmine: 5565 Lane Blvd.
Delivered 3:58 PM.
Pushing thoughts of her weekend to the side, she finished seeing the rest of her patients.
That evening when Jasmine returned home, she was beat and ready to crash.
“Finally.” Sitting on the sofa, she kicked off her shoes. “Crap!” She remembered her contact lenses were supposed to be delivered that day.
With a shuffle, she made her way to the door and retrieved them with the rest of her mail. After making a sandwich, she headed upstairs and got ready for bed.
Around two in the morning, Jasmine's sleep was once again interrupted by her reoccurring nightmare. Unable to go back, she went downstairs for a glass of water. Entering the kitchen, she turned on the light, and saw someone peeping through the window. In a panic she called the police. Still afraid, she called Drew, and he picked up on the second ring.
“Jaz?” His voice was groggy.
“Sorry to wake you. I saw someone looking through my window. I called the police, and they're on the way... I'm scared.”
Drew sat up and pushed the covers back. “No it's fine. Don't be sorry, you did the right thing. Are all your doors locked?” Drew was getting dress while he talked to her.
“Yes,” she said, nodding as though he could see her.
“Is the alarm set?”
“Yes.”
“I'm on the way. I'll stay on the phone with you, until the police get there.”
It didn't take long for them to arrive. There had been a squad car patrolling the area when she called. While Jasmine was giving the officer her information, Drew pulled in her driveway. When he walked through the door, she jumped into his arms and hugged his neck.
“Did they catch the guy?”
“No but they found some footprints.” She caught a whiff of his scent, and her body began to react. Remembering they were not alone, she let go of his neck and fixed her robe. “They dusted the window for prints as well.”
“There's been some recent burglaries. We have a couple officers patrolling this area. Hopefully we can catch this guy soon. In the meantime, keep your doors locked and your alarm set.” The officer gave Jasmine a copy of the police report. “Give us another call if you see anything suspicious.”
Once the police left, she locked the door and set the alarm again.
“What now?” she asked looking at Drew.
“Now we go to bed.” Drew grabbed her hand, and led the way.
Chapter Nine
Tough Decisions.
A t seven o'clock, Jasmine attempted to sit up and silence her alarm. Drew's arm around her waist, prevented her from doing so. She studied his face, he was still asleep. For a moment, she forgot how he got there. Then she remembered the man at her window. Drew came over without a question, that meant a lot to her.
Drew opened his eyes, as though he could feel her staring.
“Hi,” she said.
“Good morning.”
“Thank you for coming over.”
“Anytime.”
Jasmine smiled. Reaching over she silenced the alarm and turned her attention back to him. He was watching her.
“What time do you have to go in?” he asked.
“My first patient is at nine.” Getting out of bed, she removed the satin housecoat and walked over to the closet.
Drew watched her. She was wearing a peach colored lace camisole, with matching boy shorts.
“I like your night clothes.”
Jasmine looked down at her body, then at the wolfish grin on his face.
“Thanks. Perhaps you'd like to help me pick something out for today.”
Drew stood, and joined her in the closet.
For the first time she noticed what he was wearing. A pair of gray sweat pants and a white t-shirt. Jasmine's eyes immediately glanced downward, he was rock hard. Like an arrow, his erection pointed straight ahead. She wondered what his dick looked like. It had been so long since she'd seen and touched a real one. Quickly, she turned back towards the closet.
“Here, I like this.” Drew held up a dark purple dress.
“Are you sure?” she frowned. “It reminds me of Barney.”
Drew laughed. “Then why did you buy it?”
“I didn't.”
“Who did?” Drew thought she was going to say a lovers name. Perhaps the reason why she felt obligated to keep it.
“My mom.” Jasmine saw the relief in his face.
“Oh, well I doubt you'll look like Barney.” He walked over to her. “Here, you should wear it.”
“Alright, if you insist.”
He wrapped his arms around her, and brought her closer to him. Their bodies touched. Staring at her, Drew caressed her face. He glanced at the clock by the bed.
“I better go. I have business associates flying in from Japan.” He began to play with her camisole, sliding the strap on and off her shoulder.
“Thanks again for coming over this morning, I'm...”
He silenced her with a peck on the lips. “You're welcome and you don't need to be sorry.”
She nodded and bit her bottom lip.
The corners of his mouth curved into a smile as he squeezed her ass.
Jasmine's heart rate increased. She didn't want their f
irst time to be a quickie.
“I think you better go, we don't want you to be late.”
Drew slid the strap back up her shoulder, “I think you're right.”
Jasmine arrived at work on time, despite her eventful morning. Throughout the day, she caught herself smiling, reminiscing about Drew's arm around her. She thought of calling, but remembered his overseas business associates. By five-thirty, she was heading to the bookstore to meet Tessa and Lisa.
When she walked inside, she saw Rafael working behind the counter. She waved and he reciprocated. Jasmine took her seat at one of the tables. Shortly after, he brought over her usual order.
“Thanks Rafael.”
“Rough day?”
“Humph, more like a rough week.” Jasmine turned her head towards the door, at the sound of Lisa's and Tessa's voices.
“What's the emergency?” Tessa asked.
“Can you sit first?... Rafael, these are my friends.” Before she could finish her introduction, Tessa held out her hand.
“Hi, I'm Tessa.”
Both Jasmine and Lisa laughed.
“And I'm Lisa.”
“You guys should try one of Rafael's danishes, they're very delicious.”
“I'll try one,” Tessa said, eager as always.
“Me too, with a cup of green tea. Please.”
“Coming right up.”
Tessa stared at Jasmine. “I see why you come here every week, he's cute.”
“Never mind him, I need help on deciding something. First I have to tell you both, about my morning.”
Jasmine told them about the intruder and how Drew came over and stayed until morning.
“Sounds like things are moving along just fine to me,” Tessa said.
“He invited me to go out of town, this weekend.”
Tessa shook her head. “So what's the big deal?”
“I've only known him a week.”
Tessa shrugged. “How well do you really know anyone for that matter. I'm sure there are things the three of us, don't know about each other.”
“I don't want to get too involved, too soon.”
“You're reading too much into it. Obviously you like him and you plan on giving up the cookie. Whether you sleep with him here or on the moon, It doesn't matter.”
Jasmine shifted her attention over to Lisa, who'd remained quiet so far.
“What do you think?”
“I get where you're coming from. I also understand Tessa's point of view. I think what matters here is one, do you feel safe going away with him?”
“Yeah, I don't think I'm in danger.”
“OK, good. My only other question is, do you wanna go?”
“Yes, I do.”
“Then go. So what if you end up bound and gagged,” Tessa said, interrupting Lisa.
Lisa rolled her eyes and shook her head. “I think you should go too, minus the bound and gagged part though.”
“Honey don't knock it until you've tried it,” Tessa said.
All three women started laughing, as Rafael returned.
“Here you go ladies.”
“Thanks Rafael, what do I owe you?” Tessa asked, batting her eyes.
“Nothing, it's on me.” He winked and walked away.
That night when Jasmine arrived home, she realized she hadn't spoken to Drew since morning. By eight-thirty, still no call from him. She dialed his number and got the voice mail.
At nine o'clock, she gave up on hearing from him. After securing her locks, she set her alarm. Peeking out the window, she saw a dark green car with tinted windows, parked across the street. She figured it to be an undercover police officer. Shrugging it off, she went to bed.
The next day, while fixing her coffee, she noticed the car from the night before was gone. After eating her breakfast, she dressed and headed to work. When Jasmine entered the front door, she didn't see Mrs. Potts behind the desk.
“Mrs. Potts?”
Jasmine figured she must have stepped away and proceeded to go inside her office.
“Oh, Ms. Williams. Something came for you this morning,” Mrs. Potts said, emerging from the back. She was holding a basket in her hands.
It was an edible arrangement, with a card attached.
“Thank you.” Jasmine took the basket and went inside her office.
Sorry for yesterday, I'll make it up to you.
Drew.
Jasmine read the card, smiling she placed it back on the basket.
Jasmine: Thank you, the fruit looks delicious.
Sent: 8:30 AM.
She expected him to text back, but instead he called.
“Hi, thank you again for the fruit.”
“You're welcome. Have you decided about the weekend?”
Unintentional, she began to play with the fruit basket. “Yes, I have.”
“And?”
“I'll go.”
“Great, I'm happy to hear that. How's work?”
“Not bad, what about you?”
“I'm, I'm on my way to New York.”
“Oh. When will you be back?”
“Friday, is everything OK?” He heard the change in her tone.
“Yeah, everything's fine.” Jasmine was disappointed and felt a little foolish for missing him. “I better go, my patient will be here soon. Have a safe trip.”
“Okay, I'll call you tomorrow,” he said before hanging up.
She had no right to be bothered or upset that he left for New York. She was certain, a man like Drew didn't answer or explain himself to others. He didn't have to, he could come and go as he pleased. On top of that, Drew seemed to be guarded and a very private person.
Jasmine didn't know much about him, except for what was on the internet. She considered spending the weekend with Drew, as an opportunity to learn more. She wanted to peel back his layers and discover what lied underneath. Jasmine noticed Drew's interest in learning about her.
She wondered if the tables were turned, would he be as willing to provide her with information. The knock at her door, put her thoughts of him on hold.
∞
It was six o'clock when Drew left his office building downtown in Richmond. After he hung up the phone with Jasmine, he barely got any work done. His thoughts bounced from her and his upcoming visit with the Baxter's that evening. He wasn't flying to New York until afterward.
On the drive to Nina's parents, he wondered how they'd been holding up. When he talked to Nina's mother, she sounded cheerful and in good spirits. With the recent anniversary of Nina's death, he hated the idea of inflicting unnecessary pain on them.
Drew turned into the circular driveway. He remembered the first time he met the Baxter's. He walked on eggshells the entire evening. He was nervous and unsure if they would approve of Nina dating a white guy. In the end, the Baxter's welcomed him into their family without hesitation.
After walking up the steps, Drew rang the doorbell and waited for someone to answer.
“Drew!” Mrs. Baxter said, embracing him on the steps.
The short framed woman had aged well. Drew could see Nina in her.
“Please, come in. John, Drew is here.”
John Baxter walked out from his office. At six-three, Drew found him intimidating the first time they met.
“Good evening sir,” Drew said, holding out his hand to the gray headed man.
Bypassing his hand, he hugged Drew and patted him on the back. “Good evening son.”
It had been a year since he spoken to them, and even more since he seen them. he harbored a sense of guilt for not keeping in touch.
“I'm sorry I took so long to reach out to both of you,” he apologized.
“Nonsense, you've been busy. We understand that,” Mr. Baxter said.
Drew smiled.
“Come on, I baked a sweet potato pie. You can have the first piece,” Mrs. Baxter told him. She took Drew by the arm, and guided him into the kitchen.
It was Drew's favorite dessert, especially from her. There
were many Thanksgivings she would bake him his own pie. Sitting in the Baxter's kitchen, brought back memories he'd forgotten. Together over pie, the three of them shared fond memories of Nina. It was nice to laugh with them again, he thought.
“Nina always had a strong will. Even as a baby,” Mrs. Baxter said.
“Oh, how so?”
Sharon Baxter gave her husband a careful glance. When he nodded she turned back to Drew.
“Nina was a twin.”
Drew couldn't believe what he'd just heard. “What?”
Mrs. Baxter shook her head. “I went into labor three weeks early, due to complications. My doctor tried to save them both, but only Nina survived.”
“Nina never told me that.”
“She never knew. We never told her she had a twin sister. We figured it would just upset her.”
“Wow, I can't believe she had a twin. I'm so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing that with me.”
Drew glimpsed at his watch, he had been there for two hours.
“I better get going, I have to fly to New York tonight.”
Mr. and Mrs. Baxter stood to walk him out.
Drew looked towards the top of the stairs. “Before I leave, do you mind if I went up to Nina's room?”
“Not at all,” Mrs. Baxter said, gently gripping his arm.
He climbed the stairs and paused briefly in front of the door. Mixed emotions filled his chest, as he walked through. He pictured the teenage version of Nina, coming home from school. Everything was the way she'd left it. Her trophies sat on a stand and her awards hung from the wall. He sat down on the bed and buried his face in his hands.
Drew glanced around the room. He replayed Mrs. Baxter's words in his head. “Nina was a twin.” Instantly he thought of Jasmine. Could she be Nina's sister? That wouldn't make sense. The baby hadn't survived or had she.
He looked to the right, a vanity with a mirror sat next to the bed. He visualized Nina sitting on the bench, combing her hair. Drew walked over and opened the drawer. Inside he found a stack of pictures. They were of Nina and her friends. As he flipped through them, he found one with him and her. It had been taken the year they met, their first Christmas together.
New Hearts Old Flame Page 9