Not Always

by Ancelli

  Jazmine patted her shoulder. “I thought he wasn’t good enough?” She strode off, leaving Connie to stare at José.

  Another taste wouldn’t be that bad, would it?

  ***

  José passed through the two metal gates at the private school. He looked around as he strolled to the main office. The brick walls were filled with pictures and signs for activities the children were involved in. Kids walked the halls, dressed in preppy uniforms with a lion symbol on each white polo shirt. He reached the office door, swung it open, and entered the room where an older lady with glasses sat behind the counter. She looked up, and watched him with a frown on her face. He mentioned he was there to see Jewel, and at first the woman wouldn’t allow him to enter, until she called Jewel and then her attitude changed.

  “Yes, Ms. O’Neal.” Her lips thinned into a fake smile as she put the phone on its cradle.

  “Ms. O’Neal is actually expecting you. She’s in room 2C.” She stared at him. “It’s on the second floor, third door to your right, if you use the first elevators.”

  José smiled. “Thank you. What’s your name, doll?”

  Her lips curled into a genuine smile. “Betsy.”

  “Betsy.” He opened the office door. “I hope you have a wonderful day.”

  “You too!”

  The woman actually giggled. He walked out, headed toward the steps and took them two at a time, trying not to spill what he had in the picnic basket. He strolled through the hallway looking at the pictures of years of graduations, and then he stopped, staring at the wall of champions. The school’s football team had won four years in a row. There was a huge, silver trophy within the glass case. He sighed, wishing he could send Carlitos to a school like this. He remembered the days he’d played football in high school. He smiled when he saw Jewel in the faculty picture. Her smile was hypnotizing.

  He continued until he located her classroom. She was seated behind her desk with her back turned to him. The top was clean except for a few papers, nothing out of place. Each student desk held a computer, and instead of the old-school blackboard with white chalk, she had a projector and screen. Pictures drawn by the kids hung all over the room, and in the far corner he saw a pet frog and turtle.

  Jewel was so into whatever she was doing she didn’t even notice when he entered her classroom. He silently strolled up behind her.

  “I can’t believe you’re on Facebook.” José chuckled, making her spin around in her chair. “That’s what you do when you’re supposed to be teaching?”

  Jewel looked up at him, laughing and swiping at her cell. “The kids are on lunch break.” She observed the basket in his hand.

  “I hope you’re hungry?” José held up the basket. “I promised you lunch a couple of days ago.”

  “Sit.” She pointed at the chair right next to her desk. “I didn’t expect you to take off from work, but I’m happy you did.” She gave him one of those spellbinding smiles.

  “I get an hour lunch.” He sat next to her, placed the basket on her desk, and started pulling out containers.

  “Did Betsy give you a hard time?” Jewel asked, putting away her cell phone.

  “No, she’s just being careful. I totally understand with everything that’s been happening with people and guns.” He uncovered one of the containers.

  “That smells great. What is it?” Jewel grabbed a water bottle.

  “Glazed salmon, dirty rice, and broccoli.” He dished the food onto a plate. “It’s leftovers from last night.”

  “Jazmine cooked this?” she asked, surprised.

  “No, I did.” He presented the food to her with a flourish.

  “You cooked this?” She stared at him as he handed her a fork.

  “Yes. I used to be a cook at an inn, back home. Cooking is a hobby of mine. I think that’s why Jazmine keeps me around.”

  Jewel dug into the salmon, and moaned once the fish hit her mouth. He couldn’t help it; her moan made him feel uncomfortable, and he focused on the fork gliding past her lips. He had to stop himself from staring.

  “Oh my God, this tastes so freaking good! Why aren’t you eating?”

  “I’m not hungry.” He saw a section of newspaper on her desk, and picked it up. “What’s this?” he pointed at a correction someone had made with a pen.

  “Oh, just an ad Emma’s husband is putting in the paper for me,” she said as she continued to eat.

  “Emma?” he asked, curious.

  “My friend.” She took another bite.

  “Why the hell are you looking for a roommate? ” he asked concerned after he finished reading. “Is everything okay? I mean financially.”

  She covered her mouth with her hand. “Yes! The house is just too big.”

  “And you just now noticed that?” He arched an eyebrow.

  She sighed. “Actually, I was thinking of selling it, taking a weight off my shoulders, but Emma brought up the idea of getting a roommate.”

  “Aren’t you afraid of living with a complete stranger?” He eyed her.

  Rather than answer, she took her index finger and wiped the glaze from the container, licking it. José watched as she sucked her digit. Her full lips wrapped around her finger, as she sucked it in and out.

  José swallowed then cleared his throat. She grabbed the water, and took a gulp.

  “I’m looking for a place to stay. What if I become your roommate?” He leaned forward, getting closer to her.

  The water in her mouth landed on her desk. She rapidly grabbed a napkin and began cleaning the mess. “What?”

  “I need a place to live, and you’re looking for a roommate. I’m not a stranger. I think it’s perfect,” José said, as he helped her wipe up the spill.

  Jewel just stared at him.

  “If you’re worried about me being able to pay, you don’t have to. I’m making thirteen dollars an hour. I think I can afford half of your mortgage, utilities, and take care of my son.” He began picking up the empty bowls. “I won’t get in your way.”

  “I don’t know.” Jewel helped him place the dishes back in the basket.

  He finished packing up. “Jewel do you trust me?” He gazed at her, waiting for her answer.

  “To a certain point.”

  Jewel never withheld the truth, making him laugh. “At least you’re honest. Do you trust me enough to live with me? I’ll cook for you.”

  Her lips curled up, making her brown eyes sparkle. “You promise?”

  “I promise.” They gazed at each other. He shook his head, and two little boys ran into the classroom. José stood and began closing the basket.

  “Ms. O’Neal, is that your boyfriend?” the redheaded boy asked.

  “No, he’s my friend,” Jewel answered. “Boys, this is Mr. Martinez. José, this is Brian, and Julian.”

  “Nice to meet you, boys.” He shook their little hands, and wished he could have his son with him. That was the only thing he missed from back home, but everything was falling into place. He had a job, and now, hopefully, a place to finally call home.

  “Mr. Martinez, don’t you think Ms. O’Neal is pretty?” Brian asked, but he didn’t get to answer, because Julian chimed in.

  “Well, my dad thinks she’s beautiful. He said if he was single, he would rock her world.” Julian tossed out the words casually, with the inflection of an adult.

  Jewel covered her mouth, laughing. “Julian, your dad did not say that?”

  “Yes, he did. He didn’t know I was listening.” He turned to sit on his chair.

  José stared at the boys, and then at her. He didn’t find it amusing that the little boy’s father had been checking her out.

  “I have to go back to work.” He grabbed the basket.

  “Thanks for lunch, it was delicious.” She kissed his cheek, making the boys giggle.

  “You’re welcome. I’ll be by this weekend,” he said, leaving her with a look of disbelief, and then disappeared out of the classroom.

  Chapter Five

/>   “You’re what?” Javier asked José.

  “I’m moving in with Jewel.” José continued watching the game on TV, leaving his brother with his mouth agape. “I told you I was looking for a place to live.”

  “I know, but Jewel?”

  “She was looking for a roommate so it works out.” He took a gulp of his beer.

  “Roommates, nothing more.” Javier watched him, “You know what, it’s none of my business. You guys are two consulting adults.”

  José glared at his brother. “I don’t see her in that way.”

  “Man, I know you. Any woman is fair game.” Javier grabbed his drink off the coffee table.

  José chuckled. “You’re right about that, but I’m really trying to be a one-woman man.”

  “How’s that working out?” his brother asked with a smirk.

  “Fuck, dude, it’s hard but I think Connie could be that one woman.” José placed his bottle down. “I have a date with her tonight.”

  “You got her to agree to go out with you?”

  “I didn’t give her a choice. Trying to be a stand-up guy is harder than I thought.” He stood, strolled into the kitchen to dispose of the bottle, and returned. “I haven’t had sex in a fucking month. Hopefully, I get lucky tonight.”

  “One month? You’ve been here for over six.” Javier arched an eyebrow.

  José laughed. “I said, I’m trying.”

  “Just be careful. These women aren’t like the girls you’re used to banging.” Nicolas, Javier’s son started crying from his bedroom, and Javier stood. “Have fun…”

  ***

  José pulled up to Connie’s apartment. She lived in an upscale building on the upper west side of the city. He parked in the visitors’ space and looked up at the smoky glass structure.

  He stepped out and slowly ambled up to the double doors. He tried to pull them open, but they were locked. Glancing around, he found an intercom box, and pushed the button marked C. Browne on it. He had to admit he was a bit nervous, wondering if she was even home or ready.

  “Hello?” Her sultry voice echoed through the machine.

  “Hey, Connie, it’s José.” He paced.

  She started laughing, “I know. I can see you.” The door slowly opened up. “I’m in apartment 335.”

  “See you in a minute, beautiful.” He entered the building, and decided to use the stairs instead of the elevator. Finding her apartment, he rang the doorbell.

  José could hear steps coming from the other side of the barrier. He moved back as Connie opened the door. He eyed her from top to bottom. She looked fabulous.

  Her golden eyes were almost covered by her bangs, and her auburn hair was pushed behind her ears. The black shirt and tight blue jeans showed off her figure.

  “You didn’t tell me where you were taking me so I dressed casual.” She grabbed her purse from a table in the hall, not even letting him in.

  He stepped back, letting her lock the door. “In a rush?”

  “No.” She turned to look at him. “I’m excited!” She grinned.

  Connie’s smile was dazzling, making him feel better. He took a chance and leaned toward her and brushed his lips against hers. She surprised him by kissing him back.

  “Let’s go before I change my mind.” He took her hand in his, and walked them to the elevator. “You look beautiful.”

  “Thanks, you don’t look bad yourself.”

  He opened the door to the building, letting her out. “Where’s the taxi?” She laughed, looking around.

  “Funny.” He took her hand, walked over to the Mustang, and clicked the key to open it.

  “Is this yours?” she asked, getting in, looking at the interior.

  “No,” he closed the door, and walked over to the driver’s side, getting in. When he turned on the car, the music blasted from the speakers. “Sorry” He turned the knob to lower the sound.

  “Is this Jewel’s car?” She grabbed an ID from the middle console.

  “Yes.”

  Connie placed the ID back where she’d found it. “She didn’t have a problem with you taking another woman on a date?”

  He gave her a quick glance. “Jewel is a friend. She doesn’t care what I do or don’t.”

  “Where are you taking me?” she asked with a smile on her face.

  “Don’t worry, it’s somewhere really nice.”

  “You better not be taking me to the ghetto.” She looked out the window.

  He slowed the car down. “Connie, I know you better than that. I’m taking you to Rio’s Steak House.”

  Her eyes widened. “What? How did you manage to get a reservation? I heard it’s been booked for months!”

  “I know some people, and they owed me,” he smiled, “are you impressed?”

  “Oh yes.”

  Twenty-five minutes later they pulled up at the valet booth. The attendant opened the door for Connie and then him. “Thanks.”

  José tried to take Connie’s hand in his, but she pulled away as they entered the restaurant. It wasn’t his first time there. A couple months ago he’d agreed to help the owner out, when his executive chef had taken a surprising vacation without any notice. The restaurant was located downtown where people with money often dined out—nothing José was used to. The interior had a richly decorated, intimate atmosphere. The house lights were always dim, and everything on the menu was overpriced, to say the least, but José wanted to impress her.

  “Good evening, sir, ma’am,” the hostess said as they approached.

  “Hi.” José looked at the young hostess.

  “Do you have a reservation?” she asked, never taking her gaze off him.

  “Yes, it’s under José Martinez.” He smiled.

  At that moment, Connie’s hand entwined with his. He smiled to think she was making her claim.

  “Martinez.” Her finger pointed at the list in front of her. “Evan’s friend?”

  “Yes, the one and only.”

  She rapidly picked up two menus.

  “This way, please.” She led them through the crowd, and over to the table next to the window, with a tremendous view of the city. “He left instructions: only the best for you. Your waiter will be right with you.”

  “Thanks.” He pulled out the chair for Connie, waited until she sat, pushed it in, and then sat across from her.

  She gazed at him. “You know Evan Rio?” she asked, astonished.

  “Yes.” He picked up the menu. “We go way back.”

  “You’re full of surprises.” She picked up the menu. “These prices are high.”

  “Don’t worry about that.” He placed folio down, and took her hand in his. “This night is about you.”

  Connie rubbed his hand, glancing around. “Where do you know him from?”

  “Evan and I used to cook for the same restaurant about nine years ago.” They’d met when he was twenty. He’d just gotten out of jail. José had been locked up for possession of drugs and driving a stolen vehicle, all the result of following the wrong crowd. He’d been sentenced to two years, but released after a year for good behavior. Evan’s brother had been his probation officer for one year, and when his probation time was over, he’d hooked him up with a job at the restaurant where Evan worked, a popular inn near the city they lived in. “We worked together for three years.” After years of hard work, and being an excellent employee, the owners learned he’d lied on his job application about having a felony, and he’d been fired on the spot.

  “You were a cook. That’s interesting.”

  “Yes, he heard I was in town and he needed some help in the kitchen, so he called me.”

  “Wait, why aren’t you working here then? It’s much better than being a janitor?”

  He could see the curiosity in her eyes. “He just needed a one-time favor. He has a full staff.” He wasn’t going tell her it was because of the same reason he’d been fired years ago. “I happen to enjoy what I do,” he said sarcastically.

  “Right.” Connie
arched a thin brow. “How’s studying going?”

  “It’s coming along. Jewel has helped me out a lot.”

  She pulled her hand back when the waiter came up. Connie ordered roasted duck with raspberry glaze and baked potatoes, and he chose a simple meal of chicken and mashed potatoes.

  “This night is turning out to be better than I thought it would.” She raised her glass of red wine to her lips.

  He couldn’t stop gawking at her. “You’re beautiful.”

  She blushed, placing the glass down. “Thank you…”

  “Girl, I’ve wanted you since that night.” He touched her chin. “You have an effect on me.”

  “I have to admit, that was intense.” She puckered her lips when his finger grazed her lips.

  He released her chin and moved a bit, trying to adjust his sudden erection without her noticing. “But you’ve been playing with me ever since.” He gazed at her. “Is it because Jazmine and my brother caught us kissing?”

  She was about to answer when the waiter came over and placed their food on the table. “Enjoy.”

  Connie picked up her fork, and tasted the duck. “Mmm, that’s why this place is the best.”

  “Stop moaning like that, or we will have to leave early.” Out of the corner of his eye, he saw someone familiar pass their table. When he turned, it was Jewel, but she looked completely different. She had on a strapless blue dress. It barely came to mid-thigh, and damn—he didn’t know her ass was that big. She’d taken down her braids, and now her hair was naturally puffy with brown highlights, and her makeup was flawless in natural colors with a teasing hint of blue. José had to admit to himself, his sister-in-law was looking gorgeous. Some dude had his hand at the curve of her back, as the hostess guided them to their seats.

  “José…”

  He slowly turned his attention back to Connie.

  “Did you hear me?” She tapped his hand with her fingers.

  “I’m sorry, what did you say?” He was still thinking of how beautiful Jewel looked.

  “I said, thank you for a nice evening.” She took his hand in hers.