by Tom Soule
“Speech, speech, speech,” someone shouted from the crowd. Kim, fully recovered, went to receive the microphone; she was surprised when the microphone was placed in Jasmine’s hand.
“What an honor! Five days ago, if someone had said I would be here doing this, I would have said they were crazy. But look where I am now! Thanks so much for this; this is for my grandfather, Mr. Stove,” Jasmine said.
So moved by the speech, the crowd chanted, “Jasmine, Jasmine, Jasmine.”
Kim’s smile could hardly conceal the anger she had; she had been outshone by this girl. Kim was no longer the town’s darling. Pissed, Kim stepped forward and Jasmine passed her the microphone.
When Kim announced that she would be donating the money to charity, the crowd reacted with weak applause. Jasmine signaled that she wanted to say more, so the host gave her his own microphone.
“I am going to veterinary school, so I will use my half of the money to pay my way!” The crowd cheered in happy support.
“Little darling, I think you need to keep baking!” the host praised Jasmine. Kim stood on stage, feeling like a background act the entire time.
Who the hell is this girl? Kim thought as Jasmine used her innocences and family legacy to charm the hearts of the town. Kim retreated, feeling as though she had just battled in a war.
Chapter 5
Two days after the competition, Sharon arranged a meeting with Jasmine so that they could decide how to split the money and work on the governor’s event. The girls assembled in the conference room. The room had three chairs with only one in front.
“It is such a pleasure being here,” Jasmine said excitedly. What started out so sweet rapidly turned into an interrogation.
“Where are you from?” Stacy asked, her eyes boring into Jasmine.
“I’m from New York, born and raised.” Jasmine said proudly. “Well,I was raised by my mother, who decided to head back to Florida. Before she left, she told me who my dad was and I hitched a ride here the first chance I got,” Jasmine explained to the girls. Despite Jasmine’s heartfelt story, the girls, still cold as ice, had no compassion for her.
“Oooh so happy for you,” Kim said rolling her eyes.
“I don’t understand. If your dad isn’t here, why stay,” Stacy pondered aloud.
“I feel like I’m already part of this town,” Jasmine explained.
“I thought you were from Yankeeville, New York,” Kim replied, chuckling with Sharon. Jasmine, still unaware of the girls’ intention to interrogate her, tried to change the subject.
“So, I was thinking, we could do a chocolate dip and...” Jasmine proposed.
“Wait, wait, slow down there. I have a proposition” Kim interjected. “I’ll give you the prize money and I will handle the Governor’s Ball.”
“I don’t know, I like the idea of working the ball,” Jasmine replied. Kim, already irritated, broke her pencil in frustration. Kim was very frustrated because it was her dream to host a large function with important famous people. Now that her dreams were coming true, she had no intention of share that dream with an outsider.
“Okay, let’s sleep on it and reconvene later,” Sharon said, trying to keep the peace. Once Jasmine left, Sharon came up with ways to include Jasmine, but Kim’s blood boiled at the thought of sharing the Governor’s Ball with Jasmine.
Sharon, thinking ahead, decided to hold an impromptu meeting with Jasmine without Kim. As Jasmine approached the Johnson Resort, she was adoring the surroundings.
Oh my lord, what a beautiful place, she thought as she looked around at the green lush grass and the picturesque paved path.
“Hi, Jasmine,” Sharon greeted as she entered.
“I cannot believe you work here,” Jasmine exclaimed, striding with glee toward Sharon. Soon after, Stacy strolled in. Stacy was already giving death stares. Every idea that Jasmine had, Stacy found a way to shoot down.
“I don’t know if chocolate fondue will work,” contended Stacy. “How much cooking experience do you even have?” At that, Stacy seemed to strike a nerve. Jasmine’s insecurities began to show and the girl pounced at the opportunity.
“You know, we have being doing this for a while and I have to agree with Stacy; you don’t really have much experience hosting big events like a Governor’s Ball,” Sharon said, agreeing with Stacy.
“I…I…” Jasmine paused. “No I can do this, I did win after all!” Jasmine said, her strength resurfacing.
With that response, Stacy turned red and left Jasmine and Sharon to handle the details for the Governor’s Ball.
Chapter 6
The next day, the sun gleaming through the morning clouds signaled that it would be a glorious day. Brimming with inspiration, Kim decided to make her way to the resort to conjure up another excellent dish. She was ready to fix a wickedly delicious masterpiece. Kim arrived at the kitchen unprecedentedly early, even before Sharon. She already had a few ideas in her head.
I need 8 eggs, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and a little dash of…something, Kim thought to herself as she locked her car. This will be an awesome treat. I’m sure of it!
Kim ran into the resort kitchen with great hopes, but they were quickly dashed when she spotted Jasmine, pulling out a batch of her soft, chewy oatmeal cookies. Kim stared with intense fury at Jasmine.
“What are you doing here?” Kim asked Jasmine, her tone accusatory.
“I thought Sharon--” Jasmine started, trying her best to explain. Kim cut her off before she could finish.
“Get out! Get out, now!” Kim snapped. Caught completely off guard, Jasmine grabbed her bag and stomped out of the kitchen. She started to cry as she left the resort.
At 8:30 a.m., Sharon slowly roamed in.
“Mmmmm, I smell cookies,” Sharon said, unaware of the earlier incident between Kim and Jasmine.
“How could you let that woman in here?” Kim asked Sharon angrily.“I cannot work with that woman.” Seeing Kim in distress made Sharon feel responsible. She knew she had to talk to Jasmine.
Sharon called Jasmine, but the call immediately went to voicemail. “Jasmine darling, give me a call when you get this message,” she said, hoping she’d hear back from the girl soon.
At that moment, Jasmine was speeding through town in Mr. Stove’s old wagon.
“Oh no, what’s happening?” Jasmine panicked as the engine sputtered and died in the outskirts of town. Upset and alone, she called the only friend she knew, the man she’d met on the train.
“Hi, I don’t know if you remember me, but I need your help,” she said, struggling to fight back tears.
“Yeah, give me a few minutes to get there,” replied Sam, feeling sympathetic. He arrived quickly. Upon Sam’s arrival, he saw a sad wrecked woman. She embraced his good company, melting into his arms when he offered a comforting embrace. After she’d calmed down, he drove her into town to get something to eat.
“What is this place?” Jasmine asked as they pulled into the parking lot of one of the local eateries.
“It is the best breakfast spot in town, The Rusty Grub. Let’s get the signature breakfast; it’ll cheer you up,” Sam insisted. After a few minutes of questioning old Rusty Grub, Jasmine tore into the signature egg-and-sausage, cheesy hash brown casserole. She had a look of love in her eyes, and not only for the food. There was a definite spark each time their eyes met.
In the midst of their intense silent connection, Sharon passed by the store and immediately spotted Sam and Jasmine sitting by the window; she quickly left before they could see her.
A new waiter at The Rusty Grub adored the chemistry between Sam and Jasmine.
“How long have you two being dated?” the waiter asked. In that moment, Sam realized he might have crossed a line with Jasmine.
“I have to go,” Sam insisted suddenly, getting up to leave.
“By the way, my name is Jasmine,” Jasmine whispered to Sam as he took his leave. In that moment, Jasmine was blissful.
Sharon was torn; she did
n’t know what to think of Sam and Jasmine. She also didn’t know if she should mention something to Kim.
What should I do? thought Sharon.
Chapter 7
At the pre-rehearsal dinner, days before the Governor’s Ball, Kim finally got her way. The entire staff was running the event to Kim’s specifications. Kim unleashed her army of waiters to impress her guests. The governor himself was present, with a well-decorated cherry pie cupcake, made especially by Kim, sitting on his plate. The governor enjoyed every bite of the treat; as a result, Kim earned herself a little extra time with the governor.
After a few toasts, two uninvited guest walked in, looking around the room suspiciously.
“Can I speak to Kimberly Johnson?” one of the men asked a nearby waiter. The waiter promptly approached Kim.
“Ma’am, that gentleman wants to speak with you,” the waiter said.
“Tell him I’ll be with him shortly,” responded Kim as she entertained the governor’s table. Minutes later the second man approached Sharon.
“Can you please answer a few question for us?” he asked.
“I’m sorry, I don’t have time,” Sharon said firmly. Steaming with impatience, the man revealed that he was a detective and had the authority to shut the party down if he didn’t get answers.
“I am Detective Mullings and over there is Detective Thompson. We are looking for Jasmine,” said Detective Mullings. Unsettled and uneasy about being questioned, Sharon offered to talk to one of the detectives in another room. While Sharon had a conversation with Mullings, Thompson continued to pursue Kim.
“Can you please not make a scene?” Kim asked Thompson.
“It appears Jasmine is missing and her house was vandalized. It is still unclear if there was a struggle,” Mullings explained to Sharon.
Kim started to get pissed off as she watched Jasmine, once again, becoming a theme of interest at an event.
“Ma’am, you can do this the easy way or the hard way. I think you need to take a ride downtown with me,” said Thompson. Kim was very resistant and felt offended. The detective reached for his cuffs, to show he was serious. At that pivotal moment, Jasmine burst through the door. The detectives both saw Jasmine and quickly apprehended her.
“Hey, that hurts! Why are you doing this?, Get off me! What’s this about?” Jasmine demanded, struggling as she was pulled from the room.
Once they arrived at the police station, the detectives explained that she had been missing for days and a missing report was issued to find her.
“I decided to leave and take a break in New York for a few days, but my phone got lost on the train,” Jasmine said. The detectives further explained that her house was vandalized and if she knew anything about it.
“I cannot believe it! This town is so lovely, I cannot think of a single…” she trailed off, a look of realization filling her eyes. “Kim! She’s been angry with me ever since I got here! She must have done it!”
“We got what we need,” said the detectives as they began to take notes for the investigation.
Once the detectives brought her home, fear set in. At least she had old dog, Sally, she thought as she cuddled the dog.
The next day, both detectives went back to talk to Kim about the vandalism. Instead of dealing with Kim directly, the detectives had to deal with Mayor Johnson.
“Hey, gentlemen, can I help you?” Mayor Johnson asked.
“No, sir, we just want to talk to your daughter,” the detectives replied politely.
“I think I’ll have to have a little chat with Sheriff King,” Major Johnson said, hoping to intimidate the detectives.
While in middle of the standoff between the mayor and the detectives, Kim strolled in. She decided to cooperate with the detectives. She told them she had no knowledge of the vandalism, and wondered aloud who would even suggest that she was involved. Detective Thompson slipped up and mentioned the victim.
That b.i.t.c.h.! Kim thought, convinced that Jasmine was trying to set her up.
Once the detectives left, Stacy had a breakdown.
“I can’t do this anymore!” Stacy insisted as she burst into tears. “I did it! I wrecked her house.I went there just to talk to her, and I had my dad’s golf club, and…. I know it was stupid, but I just wanted to scare her into leaving!”
Kim was shocked at the story. After a moment, she whispered, “Just keep quiet about it; we’ll take it to the grave.”
Once she had calmed down, Stacy left. Kim sighed, going to open the liquor cabinet.
“I need a drink,” she muttered to herself, pouring herself a glass of wine, wanting to forget about Stacy’s confession.
Chapter 8
Jasmine couldn’t even spend the night at the house. Looking at the wreckage, she couldn’t help but think that it looked like it had been hit by a tornado. Jasmine had simply had enough; she didn’t want to spend another day at that house. In spite of her strong convictions to leave, she again turned to Sam. When she called him, he was at war with himself. He didn’t want to pick up the phone, but he couldn’t resist the impulse.
“Sam, I really need your help. I don’t feel safe here,” Jasmine explained.
Feeling sympathetic toward Jasmine, Sam rushed over, in a hurry to save the day.
When Sam arrived at the late Mr. Stove’s property, Jasmine was outside with a few of her things and her dog on the porch.
“It will be okay, girl, it’s just you and me,” Jasmine reassured Sally. When Sam’s car pulled up, Jasmine ran off the porch and greeted him with a hug. Even Sally made the long walk from the porch to the car.
The next day, Jasmine woke up in a motel. It was comfy and small for her; however, it was clear the Sally wasn’t pleased. Sally whimpered a lot and had no familiar corners to turn to for comfort. Sally was in despair. Jasmine knew that despite being afraid, she had to be strong for Sally. She mentally began to prepare herself for the battle she had to face in the future.
Chapter 9
It was finally the day of the Governor’s Ball. Jasmine didn’t have a grand designer dress to display, but she had a blue chiffon dress that looked fancy enough. The motel was only a 10 minute drive from the Johnson Resort. She called a cab and was on her way.
The Johnson Resort was always grand and beautiful, but at night, and especially for the ball, it looked magical. The lights beamed into the sky like flashlights, blazing into the horizon.
“Wow, I cannot believe I’m a part of this,” Jasmine thought to herself. The resort had new elaborate decorations and art on display.
“This looks so amazing,” she thought as she slowly made her way through the resort. There were so many staff members present: one taking coats, others serving wine, and so on and so forth. The service was immaculate and of the highest quality. Once Jasmine spotted the governor, she had the feeling she was late to the event.
The girls had told her to show up at 10:00 p.m., which seemed like a rotten idea because the program itinerary scheduled the program for 8:00 p.m. The governor was surrounded, and Jasmine knew she would have a tough time getting close enough to greet him and shake his hand. He had a wall of patrons, all trying to get political favors. Speakers were making toasts left and right. It was all informal, but elegant.
Kim and the girls were very comfy, seated right next to the governor. Kim was laughing and enjoying his company. However, Jasmine was not getting this accommodation instead; a jolt of realization ran through her body.
Why is he here, and why beside her? she thought as she spotted Sam, hand in hand with Kim.Are they related? Thoughts turned over in Jasmine’s head. She was only trying to make sense of the relationship between Sam and Kim. Jasmine started to walk toward Kim’s table, but Kim had no intention of allowing Jasmine to be anywhere in her vicinity on her night of glory.
“So sorry, darling, this table is full; you may want to try another one,” Kim publicly stated her eyes on Jasmine. She was careful not to be rude with the many dignified guests around her.
/>
“Our event looks amazing, don’t you think, Kim?” Jasmine replied, wanting to let the patrons at the table know she was associated with the event. Kim’s eyes twitched with displeasure.
“Your small contribution was most welcome,” Kim said with a mean smirk. Clearly defeated, Jasmine saw that she was not welcome and no one cared to even notice her, unlike at the bakeoff. Throughout the entire exchange of words, Sam said nothing to Jasmine; he didn’t dare to even look her way.
Jasmine sat very far from Kim in the back of the audience, away from the limelight and attention. The feeling of unease churned more in Jasmine’s stomach the longer she was there.
“I want to give Ms. Kimberly Johnson a special thanks for hosting us and making my visit most productive. She’s a gifted young woman, only in her 20s and already wining accolades. She won first place last week at the Huntington Bakeoff. Let’s all raise a glass to Kimberly!” the governor proclaimed.
Enthralled with triumph, Kim had finally received the attention and spotlight she wanted. She was a star in the eyes of the dignitaries of the town and state.
On the other hand, Jasmine felt decimated. She felt like Kim had taken everything away from her. Her peace of mind at her home, her friend Sam, and now her honor at the town’s bakeoff had all been destroyed. It was too much. The final blow was still yet to come; Jasmine watched as Sam stood up and made a speech. He got down on one knee.
“Kimberly Ann Johnson, will you please do me the honor of becoming my wife?” Sam said to Kim, his tone emotional and sweet. He had been planning it for a while, and this was the perfect moment for the proposal. Shocked and ecstatic, Kim replied.
“Yes, yes, yes!” Kim announced dramatically as Sam placed an engagement ring on her finger. The entire congregation was over the moon, sending their love and praises. It was the perfect proposal. Both Sam and Kim’s entire families were present to witness the union. Kim was in seventh heaven. Tears of joy flowed down her cheeks.
