“Because you're not like the others.”
“Were they prostitutes?”
Drew chuckled. “No, at least not the way you're thinking.”
“Either they are or they're not. There's no in between.”
“Sometimes there is.”
“So tell me then.”
“You wouldn't understand.”
Jasmine didn't respond, instead she walked over to the tub. After turning on the shower, she stepped inside.
Drew followed.
She kept her back to him, hating what she was feeling.
“I can't give you happy ever after.”
Jasmine closed her eyes. “I didn't ask you to.”
He grabbed her shoulders, and turned her around. Drew sensed her retreating, and pulled her closer. “I care a lot about you. Probably more than I should.”
She searched his face. So many questions popped into her head. She wanted to ask, but Jasmine doubted she would get the answers. She needed to change the subject. Things were getting too real for her.
“How did you know I was home?”
“It's after nine, where else would you be?”
Jasmine leaned back and stared up at him. She wiggled out of his arms, and turned around to reach for the sponge.
“I have a life, you know. As a matter fact, I was out with Tessa and Lisa tonight.”
Drew took the sponge out of her hand, and started washing her back.
“Jake told me you were home.”
“Who?”
“Jake. He's parked across the street.”
“Wait, you know who that is?” She looked over her shoulder at him.
“He's head of my security.”
Jasmine squinted. “There was another car, before we went out of town. I noticed it, the night after I called the police and you.”
“That was Conrad.”
She turned back around to face him. “So you have people watching me?”
“Not necessarily you, but the house and your surroundings. After the intruder, I became concerned.”
Her features softened. “I guess it's OK. At least until they catch the guy. Thank you.”
Drew kissed her shoulder. “You're welcome.”
After Drew left, Jasmine laid awake in bed. Despite her attempt at keeping things light between them, she was hooked. He cared about her, only he couldn't love her. He hadn't said those exact words, but that's what Jasmine heard. He claimed things were different with her. She asked herself why? Maybe it would be better if Drew treated her like the others. At least then, she knew what he wanted from her. Jasmine was falling for a man, who could never love her. Unlike what Chanel thought, Drew was capable of loving someone. Only his heart had already been claimed.
∞
Drew was beyond pissed. He would no longer tolerate Chanel's behavior, she had crossed the line.
“Well, hello lover.” Chanel seductively purred into the phone.
“Stay away from Jasmine. I'm not asking you, I'm telling you.”
Chanel knew the consequences of overstepping her bounds. Drew was a powerful man, she didn't want to be on his bad side.
“I'm sorry. It won't happen again.”
Drew hung up, and his thoughts went back to Jasmine. He didn't want to hurt her, but he couldn't stay away either. Things between them surpassed complicated. He couldn't blame Jasmine, it was his own fault. When the phone rung Drew frowned, he wasn't in the mood to talk. Then he saw Jake's name.
“What's wrong? Is Jasmine okay?”
“Yes, she's fine sir. Ryan took over, shortly after you left. I called to inform you, the DNA test results will be ready tomorrow.”
“Thanks.”
Finally, the question Drew asked himself since he learned Nina had a twin, would be revealed.
That night he tried his best to fall asleep, but he couldn't get comfortable. His mind was racing, by two o'clock he managed to close his eyes.
∞
Thursday was Jasmine's favorite day. It was her book club meeting night. The need for normality in her life, was greater now more than ever. Especially considering the last conversation she and Drew had. Her knowledge of Drew's preference, for a sex only relationship, should have sent her running. However, she grieved for him, when she considered the pain he'd gone through.
On the drive to work she forced herself not to call him. She was growing accustomed to hearing his voice. Instead, Jasmine went about her day and focused on her patients. In her profession, she couldn't afford to let her own issues interfere with her work. When she received a text from Drew, she purposely took her time responding. It was her way of showing some kind of restraint, and control over the situation.
Drew: How's your day going?
Received: 12:05 PM.
Jasmine: Good.
How about yours?
Delivered: 12:30 PM.
Drew: Not so bad. Can I see you tonight?
Received: 12:32 PM.
Jasmine: Sure.
I'll call you when I leave the book club meeting.
Delivered: 12:34 PM.
Drew: OK. Tell everyone I said hello.
Received: 12:36 PM.
Chapter Fourteen
Double Take.
J asmine didn't reply after Drew's last text. Instead, she ate her salad and read her book. At six o'clock, she finished up with her last patient's session and headed over to the coffee shop. When she walked inside, she saw her group sitting and discussing the book.
“Did you guys start without me?”
“Hey, Jaz.” Malcolm said, smiling as she took a seat. “Why didn't you bring your friend, Drew?”
“He's working. I'm afraid it's just me tonight.”
“That's OK, maybe next time.”
“Yeah.” She flashed a quick smile. “Maybe next time.”
They were only thirty minutes in, when she excused herself. Jasmine had never been so distracted. Despite the fact she'd read the content, she couldn't follow along. As she stood in line to purchase her second cappuccino, she thought about Drew. It was a guarantee they'd have sex when he came over that night. She wondered if he was really into threesomes, as Chanel implied. If so, what else did Drew like?
She thought about her patient's with sex addictions, and fetishes that caused them to seek her professional help. Could Drew's sexual desires be that severe? By the time the meeting ended, Jasmine had only caught half of the discussion. Her mind was elsewhere. She found herself checking her phone several times, for a text from Drew.
“So does everyone remember what we're reading next week?” Amanda asked.
Jasmine snapped out of her trance and nodded. She vaguely heard the title.
“Goodnight Jaz.” Another group member said, as she walked out behind her.
“Goodnight.”
As Jasmine approached her car, she called Drew.
“Hey, I'm on the way home, if you still want to come over.”
∞
Drew opened the door to let Jake in. All day he'd been anxious, and waiting for the DNA results. From the moment he laid eyes on Jasmine, his mind went through several explanations, regarding her and Nina's physical similarities.
After meeting her, he learned there were many beyond her appearance. Speaking with Nina's parents, gave him an option he never considered or knew existed.
It was absurd, yet he felt compelled to have the testing done. He wanted to read the results, before he saw Jasmine that night. That's why he didn't answer, when she called. He couldn't talk to her, not until he put his mind at rest.
“Good evening sir.” Jake handed the results over.
Drew stared at the envelope.
“Is there anything else, you need?”
“No, that'll be all. Thanks, Jake.”
“Good night.” With a nod, he walked back to his car.
Drew went into his office and fixed himself a drink. His desk sat only a few feet away, but he took forever to reach it. His fingers tingled with curiosity,
as he ripped opened the package. Drew read every number on every line. His hands shook, and the pounding of his heart echoed in his chest. His eyes zoomed in on the probability for relatedness.
Drew leaned back in the chair. Apparently knowing, would prove to be harder than he thought. The pounding in his head amplified. His vision became blurry. With his eyes close he reached for the drawer. It wasn't wise to take his medication while drinking, but he had no choice.
With his eyes squinted, he walked over to the wall. After turning out the light, he made his way to the sofa in his office. Drew laid back and placed the pillow under his head. But the truth didn't go away.
Diane Williams, had stolen the Baxter's baby. By some twisted fate, she managed to hide a living fetus from them, and the doctor. It was insane, Drew didn't know what to do. He couldn't be with Jasmine tonight. He needed to stay away, from Nina's sister.
∞
At ten o'clock, Jasmine came to the conclusion, that Drew wasn't coming. Shaking her head, she turned out the light. She considered he probably had a logical explanation, but that didn't take away her irritation. That's what happened when you let people in, she thought. You depend on them, you need them, and you want them. She was guilty of all three.
This is not the same.
Jasmine told herself, when the only other time someone stood her up, came to mind.
Friday morning, Jasmine checked her phone. She had no missed calls, no text messages, nothing from Drew. Her irritation turned into concern. He could be hurt or badly injured. Jasmine pushed her pride aside and called again, but she got the same results.
“Drew it's me Jasmine. Are you okay? Please call me back.”
After leaving the voicemail, she proceeded to get ready for work. As she drove, her thoughts remained on Drew. She contemplated going to check on him, only she didn't know where he lived. She wondered if he might be at Stallions. The ringing of Jasmine's phone, captured her attention.
Hitting the Bluetooth button, she answered. “This is Jasmine.”
“Hey.” Drew's tone was flat, with a sound of uncertainty.
“Hi, is everything OK?”
“Yeah, everything is fine. Something important came up last night.”
“Oh, well I'm glad you're OK. I got worried, when I didn't hear from you.”
Drew cleared his throat. “Sorry about that, I should have called.”
An uncomfortable period of silence occurred.
“I just wanted to apologize for yesterday evening. I have to go, there's some stuff I need to deal with,” he said.
Jasmine expected more. Sure, he'd given her an explanation, but it was vague. Also, there was no mention of calling her back, or future plans of them spending time together.
“Yeah, yeah sure. No problem.” After another period of silence, Jasmine spoke again. “Well, thanks for calling me Drew. Goodbye.”
“Goodbye Jasmine.” His reply was like a whisper.
As she pulled in to the parking lot of the clinic, she meditated on his words. With a master's degree in psychology and a PhD in life, Jasmine learned how to listen for the unsaid. Something changed within the last twenty-four hours. He was distant, and pulling away. Something she often did herself. She thought of their conversation on Wednesday, about Chanel and his lack of commitment. Could this be his way of telling her it was over?
You knew what you were getting into.
Jasmine wouldn't allow herself to mope. She walked inside and started her day.
After work, Jasmine went out with Tessa and Lisa. She intentionally neglected to mention, the current status of her and Drew.
“Where's Drew? You two don't have anything planned for the weekend?” Tessa asked.
“No. He's attending an out of town business meeting.”
“Did you remember to invite him to the party next weekend?” Lisa asked.
Jasmine shook her head and gave her a half smile. Tessa notice her unforthcoming behavior, and tried to call her out.
“Uh oh. Are you hiding something? Are things not going so well?”
“Things are great. I'm just having fun, remember.”
Before Tessa could respond, someone called her name.
All three woman looked in the direction of the man's voice. It was Carlos, the guy she met at Laurel's reception.
“Hey... Carlos,” Tessa said weakly. “Um, excuse me...” She glared at them, with shock in her eyes.
Jasmine leaned over and whispered to Lisa. “Looks like lady mantis, left one alive.”
“I heard that!” Tessa said before walking away.
Lisa stood from the table. “I better go check in with Avery. When I left, he was installing a swing on the front porch.”
“Go, I'll be fine, ” Jasmine said, still smiling.
While Tessa and Lisa were gone, she continued to eat her fries and think of Drew. No matter how short of time she'd known him, his imprint would remain embedded on her.
“Where's your crew.” Damien's voice came from behind her.
Jasmine looked up, as he took a seat at the table.
“They're here, both had to step away for a second.”
“What's going on? You look deep in thought.”
“I had a busy week.”
She could tell he wanted to ask her something else. Particularly something about Drew.
“I take it you're going to Avery and Lisa's party next weekend,” he said.
“Of course, are you?
“Yes, I planned on going... Is Drew coming?”
Jasmine chuckled. “I'm not sure. Why do you ask?” Damien's fascination with her and Drew's relationship was unclear.
“Just curious.”
She wondered if Damien, planned on asking her to go. If that was the case, the answer was no. He didn't come off as a sleazy guy. Nonetheless, she didn't want him thinking it was open season between her legs.
He fixed his mouth to speak, just as Tessa came walking back towards the table.
“Some people can't take a hint,” Tessa said, referring to Carlos.
Jasmine nodded, hoping that Damien would take that as his 'hint'.
Damien stood, he gave Tessa an awkward smile as he waved.
“Oh hey Damien, I didn't see you.”
“Yeah. Well, enjoy your evening.” He walked away.
Tessa shot Jasmine a look. “Was it something I said?”
Jasmine shrugged. For once, she gladly welcomed Tessa's female chauvinistic behavior.
When Jasmine arrived home, she was surprised to find Drew's security parked across the street. Apparently he was still concerned for her safety, that part hadn't changed. She thought about calling him, at least to say thank you. She decided against it, figuring she would spare herself from the awkward conversation. Jasmine knew where it would lead. Somehow she would end up asking the same questions, that all women ask when a man pulls away.
On Saturday, she spent the morning tidying her house and doing laundry. She spoke with her mother, who reminded her of the upcoming banquet. Jasmine had promised to attend and assist her with setting it up.
“Yes mom, I remember. It's two weeks from tomorrow, correct?”
“Right. I have to make sure you don't forget. You seemed to be spending all your free time at the office lately.”
No ma, I've been spending time getting laid!
She couldn't tell her mother that.
“Don't worry, I'll be there mom.”
“I'm sure you will. Are you getting rest? You sound tired.”
Jasmine couldn't talk about that either.
“It's just because of the move. I'm sure everything will go back to normal soon.”
Her mother seemed to believe her and let the issue go. Later that evening, she received a text from Tessa.
Tessa: Stallions tonight.
Received: 5:30 PM.
Jasmine rolled her eyes and sighed. She didn't want to go out that night, especially to Stallions.
Jasmine: I'm busy.
De
livered: 5:33PM.
Tessa: No you're not.
Received: 5:34 PM.
Jasmine: Why there?
Delivered: 5:35 PM.
Tessa: It's the hottest spot in Richmond right now.
Why not ?
Received: 5:36 PM.
Tessa: I'll meet you there at 8:30.
I'll call Lisa.
Received: 5:37 PM.
“Argh!” Jasmine groaned in frustration.
She didn't want Drew to think she was chasing after him. Chanel had already covered that. Slouching, she began to sulk. She wanted to see him, but she wanted him to come to her. With a grunt, she forced herself off the sofa and went up to her room.
Jasmine couldn't push the issue of not going, then Tessa would realize something had changed between her and Drew. And like always, she would assume Jasmine had ended things. As she searched her closet, Jasmine wondered if out of consideration, she should text Drew. At least to let him know, she was coming to Stallions. Picking up her phone she sent the text.
Jasmine: Hey, my friends and I
are going to Stallions tonight.
Delivered: 5:45 PM.
She waited a few minutes, to see if he would text back. When nothing came through, she continued to search her closet.
At eight o'clock, Jasmine headed to Stallions. She was nervous, Drew never responded to her text. She wished Tessa had chosen somewhere else. She did a quick glance in the rear view mirror, and checked her make up. When her phone rung, Jasmine hit the button.
“I'm on my way Tess. I should be there in Fifteen minutes.”
“It's not Tess.”
She could feel her heart pounding in her throat. Her stomach became queasy and her voice vanished momentarily.
“Hi. Did you get my text? Of course, you got it. Why else would you have called.” She cursed in her head. She was acting bitchy and her emotions were showing.
New Hearts Old Flame Page 13