I smile and say, “Thank you, that would be nice.” He looked shocked as though he was expecting a fight. I know Jessie will be home when I get there so I feel fairly confident that nothing will happen between us.
We get home and Jake swiftly retrieves everything out of the car for me. The elevator ride was a little uncomfortable, but it was quick, which was a godsend. Jessie was a little stunned when we both walked in.
“Well hello, Mr Bennett, how are we? How did the interview go with that waitress?”
She looked smug and I wanted so much to wipe it off her face. I was behind Jake and frantically whizzing my hand in front of my neck to tell her to cut it out. Unfortunately, Jake notices something and turns to look at me. I smile, but I could tell he knew there was something up.
“It went well. She remembered a lot of detail, so that helped.”
Jessie smiled, “I bet she remembers a lot about that lunch.”
I rolled my eyes and sagged my shoulders. I couldn’t believe Jessie was doing this to me.
Jake, bewildered said, “Am I missing something here?”
I glared at Jessie not to say anything, but I kind of knew that wasn’t happening.
“I think Ana thought you made quite an impression on her.”
She raises her eyebrow and Jake looks over to me smiling.
“Really? So how did that make you feel, Ana?”
I took a deep breath, “I really hate you, Jessie.” They both start laughing and I don’t seem to find any of it amusing at all.
“Where would you like me to put these? Somewhere close to, Mr Brator, perhaps?”
I almost died with embarrassment. Jessie was having hysterics on her chair and Jake looked rather pleased with himself. I felt my face flush a bright pink, and I could tell Jake was loving every minute of it.
“I thought you would figure that one out. When did you guess in the end?” Jessie asked.
“Straight after I left and went back to my office. Although I must say, I wasn’t too thrilled about the idea. You always know where to find me if you need me,” he said with a cheeky grin.
“Yeah, Ana, remember our conversation?” Jessie said, laughing again.
“Please shut up,” I say, through gritted teeth.
“Okay, I’m sorry. Where would you like these?” he said, motioning to the presents.
I was about to ask him to leave them in the corner of the room when Jessie interrupts, yet again.
“If you go down the hall, the last door to your left is Ana’s bedroom. You can stick them in there.”
He turns to leave and I mouth the words “I hate you,” as he does.
“Ana, whereabouts in your room do you want it?”
My eyes are now bulging and Jessie motions for me to go. I start shaking my head and she just pushes me to my bedroom door. I thought there was no way this was going to happen, but Jessie is determined to back me into a corner. She is so in so much trouble later. It is plainly obvious she is on team Jake.
I’m practically thrown in my room before Jessie slams the door shut. Jake stands there smiling, clearly happy about what is transpiring here. I motion for him to leave the items on the floor by my bed and wedge myself up against the door as much as possible. I need air. Where’s the oxygen in this room gone?
He walks over to me and my breathing becomes erratic. He leans in, and I think he’s going to kiss me when he places his hand on the door. I stand there frozen, looking into those deep green eyes of his. He lingers for a moment inches away from my lips, and all I can do is wait for that rush of bliss he sends through me every time he kisses me. I look at his lips and wet my own in sweet anticipation.
“Ana?”
He simply purrs my name and it heads straight to my groin. “Yes?” I ask, barely able to get that simple word together and out of my mouth.
“You have your body pressed up against the door and I can’t get out.”
Oh no, double and triple shit. Way to go, Ana!
“Sorry,” I shout as I jump out of the way. He heads out of the door and Jessie is sitting on the sofa watching the TV.
“That was quick,” she shouts.
“Jessie, shut up please.” I was still mad at her.
“Listen, I’m going to have to go as I promised I’d take Matthew out to a game tonight. Listen, I want you to promise me you will call if ever you need me, okay?”
I look into those imploring eyes of his and nod my head. How can I ever say no to him. I’m trying, but it’s just so hard.
It is only when he leaves that I let my breath go. I’m about to walk back to the living room when the doorbell buzzes. I’m thinking it must be Jake, but instead I find the guy from the flower store again.
“Hi, Ana. I feel I know you by now considering I’ve been turning up every day with some flowers for you. Someone obviously loves you very much.”
He beams at me and I take the clipboard to sign it.
“He seems to have an eclectic taste in flowers. Today we have Star of Bethlehem.”
I smile and say thank you.
“No problems, I’ll see you tomorrow.”
I stop in my tracks, “What do you mean, see me tomorrow?”
He smiles and turns round. “We have an order for everyday flowers for you. The guy is determined to win your heart. He’s given us an order for this week and said that he will ring the following week with another order.”
I can’t believe this, he isn’t going to stop.
“Okay, thank you.”
He smiles and heads down the hall to the lift. I’ve never seen these types of flowers before. They’re rich in an orange color and look absolutely beautiful. I quickly move towards Jessie in the living room and her eyes bulge when she sees them.
“I definitely think we need to go vase shopping.”
I start laughing and open the first of two envelopes.
‘My beautiful, Ana, these are the Star of Bethlehem. They represent hope. I have hope for us still. Please say you’ll be mine again, and I’ll make you happy for the rest of your life. Yours, Jake.’
The tears spring again. “Oh, I hate you, Jake Bennett!” I shout.
Jessie reads the note and smiles. “He’s trying so hard for you.”
It is then I remember what she did.
“Yeah, Miss Team Jake, I know exactly what you’re thinking. Why did you do that to me just then?” She looks a little embarrassed and so she should be.
“I thought maybe I could give you a gentle nudge in the right direction.”
I huffed, “Nudge! You practically threw me in the room with him. Not clever, Jessie.”
She looked down. “Sorry, Ana. I was just trying to help. What happened in there anyway? You weren’t in there long at all for anything to happen I suppose.”
I shake my head, “No, I just completely made a fool of myself. I was practically heaving at the door, and all he was doing was trying to get to the doorknob. It was highly embarrassing.”
Come to think of it I was starting to feel a little neglected. Why didn’t he want to kiss me or make any kind of moves? I was suddenly very disappointed and worried.
“Uh-oh, I know that look. You’re wondering why he didn’t make his play aren’t you?”
I look at her biting my lip and she starts laughing.
“You’re so easy to read at times. So come on, show me what the other envelope has inside it.”
I open it up to reveal a pair of diamond star studded earrings. They looked beautiful.
“What is it with Jake and stars?”
I start smiling my best cheeky grin and she says, “Ah, does he make you see stars when you come?”
I’m shocked that she instantly knew. I can’t believe how clever this girl is. She is never one to be underestimated.
“Jessie, how could you possibly—”
“Know?” she interrupts. “It’s a gift I think.”
I try to find another vase and all I could come up with at such short notice was a jug,
so I had to put them in there. I took them in my room and sat down looking at the car seats. I could still smell Jake everywhere and it was making my head spin.
I give a thought for Matthew and how he’s getting on. It sends a pang to my stomach, and I realize this is my body’s way of saying that I miss him. I pick up the phone deciding to text him.
‘Hi Matthew, how are you? Fancy a meal tomorrow night with Cindy?’
I’m not sure if he’ll answer straight away if he’s going out with Jake, but he quickly does.
‘Sure thing. Looking forward to it. Pick you up at 7pm.’
I text back ‘Great,’ and I head back to Jessie.
Suddenly my stomach was complaining and I thought a take away might be in order. I need to get some wrapping paper while I’m out anyway. Jessie agrees and we pick a local Chinese a few blocks away.
Chapter 14
Saturday night came very quickly considering I had a lie in all morning and did some housework. I felt better that I was doing something to show how grateful I was to Jessie for letting me stay here. Jessie was at a loss for the weekend as Jerry was away in New York until Sunday, so I asked her to come out with me tonight. She seemed pleased and we quickly got ready. We weren’t sure where to go, so I suggested Dino’s which Jessie was ecstatic about. She really likes it there, I can tell.
We sat in the same restaurant seats as last time and the same waitress comes to serve us. After our orders, I turn my head to spy Matthew who was sitting opposite me.
“I must say, you’re looking rather dapper this evening, Matthew, and you get bigger every time I see you. Are you working out or something?”
He does look great. He’s wearing a pink polo shirt and his well defined muscles are now slightly bulging. Pink seems to be the rage with men these days. Sometimes some of them wear pink so bright it hurts your eyes, but power to them. Some look really good in it.
“Yeah, I have been working dad’s gym out a bit. Sometimes I need to let off some steam.”
It reminded me of the conversation Jake and I had in his car. I must talk with him about this, but I can’t in front of Jessie and Cindy. It wouldn’t be right. I try to change the subject by talking to Cindy. “How are you getting on, Cindy?”
She smiles sweetly and replies, “Fine thanks. School is back on and it sucks, but I had a great summer with Matthew, so I can’t really complain.”
She looks over to him and smiles. I can tell straight away they’re in love. I’m not sure if the ‘L’ word has been mentioned, but I will be sure to find out later.
“You two are just so damn cute together. How long has it been now?” Jessie asks.
“About six months,” Cindy said.
“Well, make sure you invite me to your wedding when it happens.”
I look at Jessie in shock.
“What? It’s going to happen, I can tell.”
Matthew’s eyes bulge and Cindy just smiles. Oh dear. “I think it’s a little too soon to be talking about that, Jessie. They’re only seventeen and not even left school yet.”
Our meals arrive and we quickly get tucked in as we’re all super hungry.
“You see, you’re wrong there, Ana. My mom and dad met in high school and have been together ever since.”
I feel a little pang for Jessie as I know how much she misses her parents. They live in Kansas and she thought it would be better if she pursued her career in Virginia, so that’s why she left. She loves it here, but I know she misses her family a lot.
“Jessie, that’s a once in a lifetime thing. Very rarely happens.”
She smiles cheekily and my stomach churns. I know she’s just itching to go for the kill.
“You mean like you and Jake?”
And there it is. Matthew stops chewing his food and looks at me expectantly. This is not the sort of conversation to be having in front of his son.
“Jessie, please drop it. This isn’t the time or the place, okay?” She shrugs her shoulders and carries on eating. Matthew is still looking at me, his eyes pleading. I didn’t want this to happen and I certainly didn’t want it happening in the middle of the restaurant.
After all the food is cleared, Cindy gets up to use the restroom and Jessie follows. I thought now was as good an opportunity as ever to bring up Jake’s heartache.
“Matthew, I spoke to your dad the other day. He’s hurting. I think you need to be a little easier on him, okay? He loves you so much and he’s really trying hard.”
He wipes his mouth and puts his napkin down. “You see that’s the thing, Ana, he’s trying so hard with me, but what about you? He hurt you badly and now you’re sitting here defending him.”
Oh boy, I didn’t want an argument with him. I grab his hand. “Matthew, I love you and you know that right?” He nods his head. “Well, believe it or not, your father has been fighting for me. He’s been a pain in the ass about it to be honest.” I chuckle and Matthew joins me. “Despite what has happened, I also love your father, too, and I don’t like to see him in pain. Could you try to be more gentle with him in future? I want to ask you as a request from me. Can you do that for me?”
He nods his head again and squeezes my hand. I notice his eyes watering and it quickly sets me off.
“I just miss you so much. I always wanted a sister—well a little sister to be honest—and you and I have always been so close. When you left it was like I lost my right arm and I’ve been hating dad for making me feel this way. I admit, I have been hard on him. I do feel guilty about it, but I just get so angry when I think about what happened. Now it turns out your mom’s not really your mom, and she never even carried his baby. I hate her for that. She ruined everything and dad just went along with it. I just get so mad, but I will ease off him a bit. I’ll do it, especially for you.”
He tries to wink at me, but he is obviously finding it hard with the tears still there.
He wipes his eyes and laughs. “Sorry, I’m such a wuss.”
I tug at his hand, “Listen you big lummox, you’re anything but, okay? I won’t have you putting yourself down. It’s okay to get upset; it shows that you’re human after all.” I beam at him trying to make a joke, which seems to work.
“I missed you calling me that,” he chuckles.
I always used to think he got a bit miffed when I called him a big lummox, so I was surprised he said that. I was about to tell him that I’m always here for him when Jessie and Cindy returned to the table.
“Everything okay? Do you want us to leave you another five minutes?”
Cindy looked concerned and I smiled at her. “No, it’s fine, we just had a little chat that’s all. It’s all good now, isn’t it, Matthew?” I look at him for reassurance and he nods his head smiling at Cindy. She relaxes a little, but still looks worried. I love the fact that she is so concerned over him. She obviously loves him very much. Matthew can decide what he wants to tell her later, but at least for now I’ve said my peace. I’m happy to hear that Jake’s life will be made easier now with Matthew towing the line a bit.
We walk to the car park and I move in for a hug with Matthew. “Thank you for coming out with me tonight and bringing Cindy with you. She’s a lovely girl, Matthew. Make sure you take care of her.”
He tightens his hold. “Don’t worry, I fully intend to.”
I pull away and look at him. “You know, you’re welcome over at any time. I miss you, too and I want you to know that I’m just a phone call away, or a twenty minute drive if ever you need me.” He nods his head and I pat his face. I give Cindy a big hug and she eagerly hugs me back.
I turn back to Matthew remembering his birthday. “Listen, I definitely want to see you on Thursday at some point. I have a little something for your birthday. Would it be possible if you can come round?”
I hope he doesn’t ask for me to come to him as that would mean being in the same house as Jake. I certainly don’t need that now after the blunder I made earlier.
“Sure thing. I can pop round about six, is
that okay?”
I smile, “Perfect.”
Chapter 15
I was so glad when the following Saturday came around. In the week leading up, I had done my graph and presentation, gave Matthew his presents—which he was thrilled about, and set about trying to avoid any situations which involved Jake and I being alone.
All had gone quiet with Alan and I was starting to feel a little better about that. Maybe he got bored and decided to leave me alone. At least, that’s what I had hoped.
Michael did find a lead to an apartment in Reston but by the time they got there, he was gone. I think he knew people were onto him so decided to flee. I should imagine he’s hiding now and that’s good for me because at least I’m being left alone.
My mum—or should I say auntie—paid me a surprise visit on Wednesday to let me know that she had been in touch with the father of her baby. It turned out that he had been searching for her ever since, and was quite happy about the news that he was going to be a dad. I was quite surprised at that. It’s not the normal reaction when a woman turns up at your doorstep out of the blue, and announces that she’s carrying your child.
She asked me how I was doing and then got on the subject of Jake—which I felt very uncomfortable about. She noticed of course and asked me if there was anything I should tell her, but I denied it. There was no point now after what’s been going on, and I still had that raw memory of what she said to me that day in Jessie’s kitchen. That was something I would find hard to ever forgive her for.
The flowers and stars still kept coming for me—much to Jessie’s annoyance. I got some Forget-Me-Nots, which I think speak for themselves, some pink Geraniums, which mean comfort, Hyacinth’s, which mean sincerity and the last bunch I got yesterday were lilac syringa’s, which means first love. That was a hard one to take. He was trying to tell me I was his first love and of course who wouldn’t be happy to know that? I had star jewelry hanging from every nook and cranny on my body and I must admit, I loved his tenacity.
Jessie and I took the hour’s drive to Fredericksburg and I was pleasantly surprised with the hotel. We got there earlier than everyone else just so Jessie could keep herself busy with the organizing of it. It turned out that thirty-four people were due to come tonight, so I was highly impressed with Jessie’s powers of persuasion. It would normally be very difficult to get people to drive all this way just for an event. There seems to be a lot more males than females going, but I think it has something to do with the fact that Jessie managed to hire a couple of pole dancers for the evening. I’m actually looking forward to them showing me some moves, and who knows, once I get some drinks down me and get brave, I may even try a little manoeuvre myself.
Take it Deep (Take 2) Page 11
