Coming Full Circle

by Liz Andrews

  “Wow, gorgeous guys and they pay, too. You’ve hit the jackpot,” Stephanie observed. Jasmine definitely agreed with her. While the men stayed at the table to wait for the waitress to return with the credit card receipt, Stephanie and Jasmine strolled to the front of the restaurant.

  “Sorry about the reunion thing. I kind of forgot about the fact they weren’t attending.”

  “Don’t worry about it,” Jasmine assured her. “Besides, I was expecting a lot more from you quite frankly.”

  “I thought about it, I really did.” Stephanie smiled indulgently. “But you know what, you three look good together. I’m not going to mess with such a good thing. Now if they break your heart…”

  “Watch out,” Jasmine finished.

  “Exactly. In the meantime, enjoy all the good loving.”

  “How do you know what we’ve been doing?”

  “Please, you’ve been wearing a smile a mile wide since you walked in here two hours ago.”

  Jasmine knew she couldn’t hide her happiness. “They are wonderful, in the bedroom and out.”

  “Where are things going from here?”

  “It’s the million dollar question.” Jasmine shrugged. “I’ve decided to take a wait and see attitude.”

  “Okay, I’ll probably kick myself for asking, but why?”

  “I’m sure it sounds crazy, but I don’t want to seem pushy.”

  “Hello, you’re sleeping with them. They said they were interested in more than a one-weekend stand. What’s wrong with you asking where they see this relationship going?”

  Stephanie had the knack of getting right to the heart of the matter. “Maybe because I’m worried about what the answer will be.”

  “I see.”

  “No, not the ‘I see’. Anything but that.” It was Stephanie’s typical response when she really didn’t agree at all.

  Instead of responding to her sarcasm though, her friend remained serious. “Those guys care about you.”

  “Yeah, I know.” But deep down, she didn’t know for sure, because they never said the words.

  “Talk to them.” Stephanie crossed her arms over her generous breasts and stared at Jasmine intently. “I mean it. Don’t let them think you don’t care.”

  “Of course I do.”

  “Then tell them already.” Her friend gave a little nod before dropping her arms to her sides.

  Jasmine knew Stephanie was right. She didn’t want to lose them simply because she never told them how she felt. “Fine.”

  “What’s fine?” Chase asked as he walked up behind Jasmine and wrapped his arms around her.

  “Why, me, of course.” Alex joined them, slung his arm over Chase’s shoulders and bent his head toward Jasmine’s ear. As odd as they probably looked, the three of them together was exactly where she wanted to be.

  “Are there any more like you two back home?” Stephanie asked with a joking laugh.

  “Nope, we’re definitely unique,” Alex said.

  “Damn, I was hoping to pick up a couple of hot dudes for myself.” There was a wistful look on her friend’s face before it disappeared altogether behind her normal mask of sarcasm. “And you guys should consider yourselves special, because you’re both getting a hug goodbye.”

  Jasmine knew this was a seal of approval for her two guys from Stephanie. Her friend didn’t allow just anyone to get close to her. Alex stepped forward first and hugged Stephanie. He whispered something in her ear, but Jasmine couldn’t hear what it was and Stephanie’s expression didn’t give anything away. Then Chase released her to push Alex aside and hug Stephanie, too.

  “Take care of our girl when we aren’t around,” Chase teased.

  “Will do,” Stephanie assured them.

  After the guys received their hugs Jasmine stepped forward and hugged Stephanie. “Thanks for all your advice.”

  “You’re my best friend, what else would I do?” Stephanie released her and gave her a little shove. “Go on, get out of here.”

  The three of them headed out to the parking lot. It wasn’t until they were in her car and on their way back to her apartment that Alex spoke again. “I thought you were warning us against a barracuda. She was great.”

  “Hey now, she was being nice because she knows I like you guys. If it had been anyone else there, she would have eaten you alive.”

  “You like us, huh?” The question came from Chase in the backseat. She wanted to have this conversation, but she’d been hoping they could do it in her apartment. And damn it, they were close, only a few blocks away.

  Oh well, best laid plans and all that.

  “Yep, I do. I like you both, a lot.” Jasmine couldn’t see Chase without turning around, but she tried to glance at Alex from the corner of her eye to see if he had any reaction. She couldn’t discern anything however. She drove into the parking lot of her apartment complex and hunted for a parking space.

  Chase chuckled though. “Hmm, you want to go steady?”

  It sounded like a great plan to her. She opened her mouth to say so when Alex exclaimed, “What the hell is she doing here?”

  The she in question was Alex’s mother, Doris Landry, standing next to her car as if she were waiting for them. Somehow Jasmine was certain their conversation was going to be delayed.

  How dare she show up here?

  Fury filled Alex at the sight of his mother. He had finally put the incident at his parents’ house yesterday out of his mind, only to have everything rush to the forefront once again.

  “Alex, don’t do anything rash,” Chase advised.

  “Don’t worry. I don’t plan on speaking with her.” In fact, he was going to walk right past her. He was done trying to have a relationship with people who couldn’t accept him, or his choices.

  Jasmine parked in a spot a few feet from where his mother stood. Shifting the gears into park, Jasmine turned toward him, compassion filling her face. “Are you sure that’s such a good idea?”

  “You want me to continue to listen to her crap?”

  “Maybe she has something else to say. Give her a chance.”

  “Why?” He couldn’t understand her empathy.

  “Because she’s your mother.” Jasmine looked as if she was fighting back tears. “My mom is gone now and I’d give anything in the world to talk to her again. No matter what she was saying to me.”

  Alex sighed and turned back to look at his mom once again. He noticed the lines around her eyes and mouth. The tension she was under was more than obvious.

  “Fine, I’ll listen to what she has to say. But if she starts to insult anyone—”

  “I’ll throw her out of the apartment myself,” Jasmine lied. His kindhearted woman would do no such thing, but her ability to see the good in everyone was one of those adorable qualities he wouldn’t ever change, even if he could.

  Knowing it was probably a mistake, Alex opened the door and exited the car. His mother took a step forward, her purse clutched in her hand, her face full of anguish.

  “I was hoping we could talk.”

  Alex nodded, unable to trust his voice at the moment.

  Jasmine’s inability to be discourteous kicked in. “Hello, Mrs. Landry. If you would like, you can speak in my apartment.”

  “Thank you very much.”

  “How’s your family doing?” Jasmine asked, as the four of them walked toward the apartment.

  His mother proceeded to tell Jasmine about his sister and her husband’s recent vacation to Mexico. The forced politeness disturbed him. He had agreed to listen to his mother, nothing more. Alex wanted it over with sooner rather than later. When Jasmine unlocked the door, he had to force himself to hold back and allow the women to enter the apartment first when he really wanted to stride inside and take out his anger by throwing something.

  Before he crossed the threshold Chase grabbed his arm. “Be open minded, for all of us.”

  Alex shot Chase an incredulous stare. His lover was the one who’d always advised him not to vis
it his parents. Now Chase is encouraging contact? It seemed like a contradiction. When he opened his mouth to ask him why the change of heart, Chase only shook his head and walked into the apartment, leaving Alex to trail after him.

  “I think you two should speak alone,” Jasmine said. Taking Chase’s hand, she took the other man into the bedroom and shut the door. His mother’s face looked as shocked as he felt. It was as if both of them were hoping for the buffers of Chase and Jasmine. And they were both going to be disappointed.

  Alex sat in one of the chairs, idly drumming his fingers on the arm. His mother took a seat on the couch, but didn’t speak. Finally he asked, “What did you want to talk about?”

  “I’m sorry your visit ended badly.”

  Ended badly. Is that how she seriously was going to describe his father’s inane homophobic suggestions? “You can blame your husband for yesterday’s fiasco.”

  Her lips thinned. “He’s your father. Don’t be disrespectful.”

  Alex shook his head. “Mom, I was respectful for years, when you both refused to accept who I am, and the fact Chase is the man I love. But I kept trying to keep the contact alive. Which was the reason I came to see you both yesterday. I wanted to tell you about Jasmine being in our lives.”

  “And I’m glad you did. But, Alex, when you drop a bomb on someone you need to give them time to adjust.”

  “Pop had enough time to be able to insult me.”

  “He…you have to understand how he was raised.”

  Alex shook his head. “Make all the excuses for him you want, Mom, it doesn’t change the fact he hates me and everything about my life, and he’s never going to change.”

  “He doesn’t hate you. He loves you. You’re his son.”

  “Actually, Mom, you better check with him, because after yesterday I think he’s officially disowned me.”

  His mother shifted her gaze from his and Alex knew his father most likely said something close to that effect. And it didn’t hurt as much as he thought it would. At this point he had finally accepted the fact his father was an asshole. Alex would never be able to gain the man’s approval and he was tired of trying.

  He’d always put his mom in the same category as his dad, considering them as one unit. But his mom’s arrival here suddenly put a new spin on things. Alex’s initial anger at her had faded somewhat and now he was feeling a little guilty. She hadn’t understood why he and Chase were together, but she never insulted them, either.

  He took his mother’s hands in his and she turned back toward him, despair written on every feature. Alex never wanted to be the reason she was in pain. “Mom, me and Pop, it’s a lost cause. Don’t drive yourself crazy over it.”

  “I wish…”

  So did he, but wishing wasn’t going to solve anything. And neither would his mother stressing herself out. It was what it was, and the sooner they both realized it, the better. “Don’t worry about it, Mom.”

  “I have to worry about it. You’re my son.”

  “That’s not going to change because I don’t go over there anymore.”

  “But I don’t want you to isolate yourself from your family.”

  Alex let go of her hand. “Sometimes we don’t get what we want.”

  “And sometimes we do.” Doris sat up straighter. “The next time you come to town, I want you to stop by and see me.”

  “But Pop won’t like it.”

  “As you said, we don’t always get what we want.”

  “And Chase and Jasmine? Are they invited too, because I won’t come if they’re not.” If it sounded as if he was drawing a line in the sand, it was because he was. Alex was no longer willing to live half a life.

  “Of course they are. It’ll be nice to catch up with them.”

  His eyes widened, caught off guard by her sudden acceptance. “What brought this change about?”

  “I realized something important when you left yesterday.”

  “What’s that?”

  “It’s better to gain a son than to lose one. Uhh…and I guess I’m getting another daughter too.”

  “Hopefully.”

  She cocked an eyebrow. “Is there a doubt?”

  “It’s early yet in our relationship.” He and Chase needed to talk to Jasmine and put all their feelings on the line. Until then, he couldn’t call her theirs yet.

  “But you love her.” She didn’t ask, but stated it as fact.

  “Yes I do, we both do, but how did you know?”

  “Your father mentioned it, but I suspected after your visit.”

  Alex didn’t want to begin another discussion involving his father, so he concentrated on Jasmine instead.

  “So, do you have any advice on how to get the girl?”

  His mom laughed, sitting back on the couch for the first time since she arrived and looking relaxed. “I think you boys have done pretty well on your own.”

  “She hasn’t really told us how she feels about us.”

  “She jumped to your defense out by the car and invited me inside when she had no reason other than she was doing it for you.”

  “I suppose you’re right.”

  “Of course I am,” she said proudly. “So why don’t you bring Chase and Jasmine out of the bedroom and we can become reacquainted.”

  Alex nodded and walked back toward the bedroom. He half suspected to discover Chase and Jasmine fooling around, but he was surprised. When he opened the door, Jasmine was wrapped in Chase’s arms, but they were just snuggling together watching television.

  “How did it go?” Jasmine asked, sitting up from her reclining position.

  “Okay, better than I expected.”

  Jasmine smiled in obvious relief. “So you made up?”

  “I guess you can say that. She wants to talk to you.”

  “Jasmine?” It was the first thing Chase said since Alex had walked into the room.

  “Both of you.”

  “What are we waiting for?” Jasmine stood and headed toward the door. “Come on already.”

  Alex held out his hand and hauled Chase to his feet. “You heard her, let’s go.” Jasmine walked into the living room with the two men following after her.

  When his mother noticed Chase, she jumped to her feet and embraced him in a hug. “I want to ask for your forgiveness. I wasn’t opening and welcoming to you and I’m sorry.”

  Chase looked a little shell-shocked for a moment, but he took it all in stride. “I accept your apology. Let’s start anew.”

  “Thank you.” Alex’s mom turned toward Jasmine with a smile. “You have a lovely apartment.”

  “Thanks. Can I get you something to drink? I have soda or iced tea.”

  “An iced tea would be great.”

  “Alex?” Jasmine shot him a look, telling him in more than words he was in trouble for not offering his mother a drink sooner.

  “I’ll get it.”

  “I’ll help.” Chase joined him and together they walked into the kitchen. “So is this how it’s going to be?”

  “Doing what Jasmine wants to do?”

  “Yeah.” Chase nodded.

  “Pretty much.”

  Chase smiled then. “Feels damned good, doesn’t it?”

  “Sure does.” In fact, Alex was more than happy to do whatever she asked, as long as she stayed in their life forever.

  Chapter Ten

  When Chase noticed Jasmine’s phone number on the caller ID he clicked the talk button in anticipation. It had been two weeks since their trip to visit her and he missed her like crazy. “Hey, beautiful.”

  “Hi, Chase.” Instead of excitement, her voice sounded weary.

  “What’s wrong, baby?”

  “Oh, Chase, it’s been a day from hell. My boss dumped a bunch of work on me and as much as I’d love to tell her no way, I’m afraid to make her mad right now. We received word today the newspaper is considering layoffs.”

  “Is your job in jeopardy?” Although he would never hope for her to lose her job, he w
ouldn’t be disappointed either. Chase knew how much she wanted to leave the corporate world and do some freelance work. Of course, without a job holding her in Middlebrook, she would be free to live anywhere.

  “I don’t think so, but there’s no way I’m going to be able to get away this weekend. I’m so upset, but I’m going to have to cancel my trip.”

  Chase knew he should be supportive, but he and Alex had been looking forward to her visit. “Maybe you can come next weekend instead.”

  “I can’t. Next weekend is the reunion, remember?”

  Actually, he’d forgotten. Ever since he and Alex decided to forgo the event, Chase put it out of his mind. Disappointment left a bitter taste in his mouth. This long distance relationship thing was for the birds. He absolutely hated waiting for days on end to see Jasmine.

  “Do you have to attend?” Even as he asked he knew the answer. As a member of the planning committee he knew she would never skip out on her responsibilities.

  “Unfortunately.” She released a weary sigh. “I’m sorry, Chase. This sucks.”

  “Yeah, and not in the hot sexy way, huh?”

  She laughed at his attempt at a joke, but it was hollow at best. “Shit, my boss is walking this way. I’ll give you a call later, okay?”

  “Alright, baby, I’ll talk to you soon.” Chase ended the connection and set the phone down.

  “Who was on the phone?” Alex walked into the office toweling off his hair. He was wearing a pair of jeans, but he hadn’t taken the time to fasten them and the denim rode low on his hips. He padded over to his chair and sat down. “Well?”

  “Jasmine.”

  “Oh yeah? When is she getting here?”

  “She’s not coming.”

  Alex looked shocked for a moment. “Why? What happened?”

  “Long story short, she has to work.” Chase leaned back in his chair, rubbing his hand along the back of his neck. “And the fucking reunion is next weekend so she can’t come then, either.”

  Chase watched a myriad of emotions wash over Alex’s face. He knew how the other man felt.

  “I don’t think we can keep doing this.”