Not Always

by Ancelli

  José grabbed the key and opened the door. The lights automatically turned on. He ambled in. This was bigger than any of his apartments back home. José placed his bags on the table, and looked around. It had a kitchen. José grinned. The guest home had one full bedroom, a full bath, and a small office.

  José’s phone rang. He looked at the screen, and rapidly answered? “Hello. Is she okay?”

  ***

  Jewel read the text, then threw her phone.

  “Who was it?” Emma turned her baby girl on her shoulder. “Was that Phil?”

  “No.” She sighed. “If it was that prick, I think I would’ve broken the damn phone.” Jewel stared at the cell. “It was José.” Jewel wanted to answer back and beg him to come back home, but she was too stubborn. She wondered where he was. Was he all right? Did he miss her like she missed him? It had been four days without him, but it felt like months. She needed him back.

  “What did he say?” Emma patted her little girl on her back. “Well?”

  “He just wanted to make sure I was okay.” Jewel eyes teared up a bit. “And that he loved me.”

  “Jewel, José does love you. Give him some time.”

  “Time for what?” Jewel rolled her eyes.

  “To get himself together.” Emma carefully placed the baby in her cradle.

  “He left because of Phil.” She stood. “Phil doesn’t want to see me happy.” Jewel paced. Phil wasn’t going to win this battle. She was going to put an end to all his bullshit. She stopped, and stared at her best friend. “Sell the house.”

  Emma stared back at her. “What?”

  “Put the fucking house up for sale,” Jewel said in a stern voice. This was the only option. Just like José, she needed to make some sacrifices. He came before any house or money. She could always purchase another one. If Phil wanted a fight, then a fight he’d get.

  “Are you sure?” Emma watched her. “I know you’ve mentioned it before, but you always changed your mind.”

  “I’ve never been more sure.” Jewel fixed her hair, placing the wayward strands behind her ears. “Sell it. I need to break the hold Phil has on me.”

  Emma looked at her. “You’re giving him what he wants.”

  Jewel smirked. “Come on, Emma, you know me better than that. Phil isn’t going get what he wants.”

  “What are you up to?”

  “Can you please do this for me?” If she couldn’t have what she wanted, Phil wouldn’t, either.

  Emma searched her purse, then pulled out her cell phone and Jewel glanced over at her, wondering who she was calling. She ambled to the kitchen, listening to her friend talking on the phone.

  “She’s selling the house.”

  Jewel took a couple of breaths, feeling dizzy, and held on to the kitchen counter. She couldn’t afford to get sick now. This thing with José was hitting her harder than she thought. Emotions weren’t supposed to affect her like this. She was supposed to be strong. She would’ve been stronger if he’d left because he wanted to, or decided he didn’t want to be with her anymore, but to make this decision because he loved her? When you love each other you fight, not run. That was why she was mad at José. That was why she wasn’t answering his text. Why didn’t he call her instead of hiding behind a text?

  School started in a week and she couldn’t wait. The kids would keep her mind off José. And like always, Jewel would give her kids the best.

  Emma walked in behind her. “Are you okay, Jewel?”

  “Yes.” She moved toward the fridge and opened the door, grabbing a bottle of water. “I think I’m getting sick.” Jewel sat on the stool next to the island.

  Emma sat next to her. “When was the last time you saw a doctor?”

  “Does my mom count?” Jewel giggled. “I’ll make an appointment. I can’t afford to be sick the first week of school.” She took a gulp of the water. “Thanks for letting me spend the night.”

  “Please. We were in need of a slumber party.” Emma chuckled, stood up, and chose a bottle of white wine. “We need to celebrate.”

  “Celebrate?” Jewel observed her friend as she served them. Emma had that sparkle in her eyes, the one she usually got when she was up to something.

  “We’re celebrating the return of José.” She passed a wine glass, and lifted hers in the air. “To taking down Phil.”

  Jewel curled her lips into a smile. “I’ll drink to that.” She took she placed the glass to her lips, taking a sip. “Phil, it’s time you learned who is in control.”

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  “Mr. Thompson, Ms. O’Neal is here to see you.” Rebecca, the front receptionist, spoke into the phone, and then looked up at Jewel, giving her a dirty look. “He’ll be right out.”

  “Thank you.” Jewel watched as the young lady’s lips turned down and she twisted in her seat to continue typing. She looked familiar. Jewel could swear she’d seen the woman out with Phil. And the Department of Education had a strict policy about superiors dating employees.

  Jewel looked around the office. “Where’s Mrs. Sylvia?”

  “She’s on vacation,” the woman answered rudely. “You can have a seat.” Rebecca pointed to the waiting area right in the front of the office. It seemed like she wanted Jewel out of her sight. Jewel smiled, and moved to the chairs indicated. She sat with her legs crossed, thinking. She was so tired of all the unnecessary foolishness in her life. Today she would tie up every loose end she had with Phil. She’d received two more damn puzzle pieces in the last month. Curiosity had gotten the best of her, and she’d put the pieces together. There were only a few more pieces missing. The picture looked like a heart and flowers. Jewel was done playing with Phil. It had to be him. Who else would mess with her for over seven months? And besides, Chris had sworn it wasn’t him.

  She was deep in her thoughts when she heard her name.

  Jewel stared up at Phil. He was right in front of her with a huge grin on his face. That smile would soon fade. She shifted in the seat, leaned forward, then picked up her purse and stood inches away from him. He didn’t budge.

  “Jewel, it’s nice to finally see you. Let’s talk in my office.” Phil stepped aside, waving his hand.

  They passed in front of the reception desk and Rebecca rolled her eyes at them. Jewel shook her head. Phil would never learn: you don’t mix work with pleasure. Phil closed his office door behind them.

  “Have a seat.” Phil pointed at the black leather seat, and continued behind his desk, still with that damn grin on his face. He sat in his oversized suede chair. What the hell had she ever seen in him?

  Jewel didn’t move a muscle, just stared at him. “I’m good standing.”

  “Have it your way. I knew you couldn’t keep away.” He leaned forward on his elbows. “I noticed that thug boyfriend of yours is gone.”

  Jewel smirked.

  “You chose me. Great choice.”

  The fool had the nerve to wink at her.

  “What’s wrong baby? The cat got your tongue?”

  At that moment, Jewel decided to sit. Phil gawked at her legs as she crossed them. She felt uncomfortable in his presence, like he was undressing her with his eyes. Jewel shook of the uneasiness, reminding herself she was there for a reason.

  “I will never choose you.” Jewel glared at him. His smile disappeared, replaced by a frown. “It was José that decided we were through. It had nothing to do with me.” She eased forward. “I will never choose you, not even if you were the last man on this earth.”

  Phil flinched. Her words seemed to hurt him. He pushed back in his seat, peering at her. “What the fuck are you doing here, then?”

  “To give you this.” Jewel dug into her purse, and pulled out a white envelope. “But first can you stop sending me those damn puzzle pieces.”

  Phil’s brows arched in surprise. “What puzzle pieces?” Jewel took a deep breath, the truth was there in his face. He hadn’t been the one sending those pieces to her. Who the heck could it be? Phil cocked his head
. “What are you talking about?”

  “Nothing.” Jewel rose to her feet and slid the envelope over the dent in the mahogany wood. “You got what you wanted.” She lifted her lips into the biggest smile she could give.

  Phil jumped out of his seat, practically dancing. “Yes! You sold the house.” He opened the envelope, cutting himself. “Ouch! I need this money. I have so many plans. How much profit did we make?”

  “You mean me, it was my house. You didn’t invest one cent into it.” Jewel’s voice was stern. “I hope you invest the money well.” She spun around and was halfway out the door before he retaliated.

  “What the fuck is this, Jewel?” He held up the contents of the envelope in the air: a single dollar bill.

  “That’s your part of the profit.” She sneered at his angry face. Phil’s face was flushed and sweat formed at the base of his hairline. He balled up the envelope in his fist.

  “Bitch, what do you mean my part of the profit?” Phil slammed his palm on the desk. “You’re lying to me. You made double, triple monthly payments. Last time I checked, that house was valued at more than a half of what you owed.” He glared at her. She could see his chest heave up and down, like he was about to have a heart attack.

  Jewel moved closer to him, and pulled out another envelope. This envelope was thicker than the other one. “It’s all here in black and white. If you don’t think it’s authentic, let your attorney look it over. I actually sold it for a dollar over what I owed the bank. So I was very generous. I let you keep my half, too.”

  Phil gazed at her with disbelief in his eyes. “You fucking bitch! I could’ve bought that house.”

  Jewel pointed at him. “I’m not going take any more of your ‘bitches’. Don’t disrespect me because you’re a complete idiot. I advised you the house was being placed on the market.”

  “You’re going to pay for this!”

  “For what?” She ambled to the door, and looked over her shoulder. “For selling my house? I dare you to come after José or me. You’ve lorded your title here over me for the last time. Go to the board of directors at the school, and I will have them open an investigation on you.”

  “I can’t believe I ever loved you.” He dropped down in his seat, reading the documents.

  “I can’t, either.” She grabbed the doorknob. “You once told me I brought out the best in you. I wouldn’t want to see your worst. Stay out of my life.”

  “He’ll pay, turning you against me.” Phil watched her through red-rimmed eyes. “I’ll press charges.”

  Jewel offered him a sly smile. “I thought you would bring that up.” She took a few strides and stopped in front of him, opening her purse. “Go ahead, Phil, call the cops.” She dug deep inside the bag, watching him like a lion watches its prey. “I dare you.” Phil went to grab his desk phone, and Jewel held up her hot pink semi-automatic pistol, pointing it straight at his head.

  His eyes bugged out. He dropped the phone back on its cradle. “Are you crazy?”

  Jewel pursed her lips, thinking. “I do believe I’ve lost a few screws because of you.”

  “Put the gun down.” Phil slowly stood, as Jewel followed his movement with her pistol.

  “Go ahead, call and press charges against José.” She placed her index finger on the trigger. “But make sure you sleep with one eye open at night.” Jewel began to squeeze the trigger, knowing there were no bullets in the gun. She was taking great pleasure in seeing him grovel.

  “Please don’t!” Phil threw himself on the ground.

  “Who’s the bitch now?” Jewel chuckled. “Next time it will be loaded, and believe me, I won’t miss.”

  Jewel placed the weapon back in her purse, then smoothed out her clothes with her hands. Phil rose to his knees, leaning on his desk with sweat rolling down his face. She strolled toward the door like nothing had happened. Jewel placed her palm on the knob, turned, and pulled it open, then slammed it shut behind her.

  Rebecca got up, gazing from the door to Jewel.

  “It sinks in there.” Jewel sniffed the air. “I think he’s going need a change of pants. “He’s all yours.”

  Striding out, she swiped her cell to life, and dialed. “Chris, I need a favor.”

  “Anything for you.”

  “I need a reservation.” Jewel tapped the triangle button to the elevators. She tried making a reservation at the restaurant, but they told her there was nothing available until next month. Chris had connections, he could get her in. “To Rio.”

  “I’ll see what I can do.” She could hear him typing. “But I have a condition.”

  She sighed as the double doors slowly opened. “Forget it.” She wasn’t going play games with the men in her life anymore. Chris was a friend, and that would never change.

  “Wait, Jewel,” he blurted out. “I want to take you. That was my condition. To celebrate the sale of your house.”

  “Fine, then make the reservation for three.” She rested against the wall.

  “Three?”

  “Yes. Emma, you, and me.”

  “What about Emma’s husband?”

  She didn’t want him getting the idea that it would be a double date. “It was supposed to be girls’ night out. Yes or no?” Jewel didn’t know how many times she’d made it clear to him.

  “Yes. I’ll call you with the time. I know one of the hostesses. We’ll get in.”

  “Thank you!” she squealed into the phone.

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  Jewel glanced around, taking in the bold color scheme of the room as the hostess escorted a couple over to their table. She appreciated the way the servers catered to the customers, crumbing the tables in between courses, and replaced the linen napkins when the patrons left the table. The restaurant had beautiful, modern paintings hanging from the walls, crystal chandeliers cascading from the ceiling. Fine china and glassware sat on each table, along with a rose centerpiece. Jewel had never liked this place; it was too fancy for her taste. She wondered how José was coping, working in this environment. Every time someone came out to bus a table she would get excited, thinking it would be José. Each time she realized it wasn’t him, she got antsier. What if he wasn’t working tonight? She should’ve just called or texted him.

  “Are you okay?” Chris placed his hand over hers.

  “I’m all right.” She looked over at him, and then at Emma.

  “You don’t seem okay.” Chris squeezed her fingers. “Are you expecting someone?”

  “No.” She moved her hand from his grip, and picked up her fork and knife. “This food is delicious.” She tried changing the subject. Jewel sliced off a small piece of her mango steak. Her appetite had been getting out of hand. She would eat everything in sight, even if she didn’t like the taste, probably trying to fill the void of José, she figured.

  “Yes, it is.” Emma took another bite of her steak. “Chris, how did you manage to get reservations? Last time I tried, they said the soonest they had was next month.”

  “I have a few connections. I use to date one of the hostesses.” Chris took a sip from his drink, and watched Jewel across the table. “Jewel, are you sure you’re okay?”

  She placed her silverware down, and wiped her mouth. “Yes.”

  “She’s fine. Jewel’s just excited she sold her house.” Emma pushed her empty plate away. “It wasn’t on the market for long.”

  A man in a tailored suit entered through the Employees Only door, walking in to the dimmed room like he owned the restaurant. He was older, medium-built, with his black hair slicked back. He had a square face with a jaw-line that resembled chiseled granite and his nose was slightly up-turned. Yes, he was full of himself. His brown eyes met hers, and he started strolling toward their table.

  “Good evening.” He looked around the table. “I’m Evan Rio, the owner of the restaurant.” Jewel observed the man who’d given José a chance. Though he could’ve done more for him, she was still grateful. Because of him, José had a job. “I hope everything
was to your delight.” He smiled, showing his pearly white teeth.

  “Yes, everything was delicious,” Emma answered, picking up the menu.

  “Is there anything else we can do for you?” He stared at Jewel. Emma cleared her throat.

  “Actually, yes. We would like to give our compliments to the chef.” Chris leaned forward, peering at the man.

  “Of course.” Evan waved one of the servers down. “Go get Mr. King.” The young man marched to the kitchen. Evan turned back to the table. “Mr. King is our executive chef. Nothing goes on in the kitchen without him. He is the best of the best.”

  Jewel was itching to ask him about José; however, she decided against it. If it was meant for her to see him, then she would. If not, then she would have to wait.

  ***

  One of the servers rushed through the double doors into the kitchen. The entire staff stopped what they were doing and gazed at the young man. Servers weren’t allowed in the back area.

  “Kevin, what do you need?” Steven, the sous-chef inquired as the others turned back to what they’d been doing.

  “Where’s Tyron?” he asked, out of breath.

  “He’s in the walk-in.” José watched Kevin inspect the area. “What’s up?” José had been given a full-time position as a garde chef. He was responsible for cold food items, like salads and dressings, but Tyron would have him prepare specialty meals on the side. José knew what Tyron was trying to accomplish. Patrons were already praising him about how good their meals were.

  “Mr. Rio wants him to make an appearance.”

  “We can’t keep Evan waiting, can we?” José pointed with a butcher knife at the row of industrial refrigerators and freezers toward the back wall. “He’s in the one on the left.”