In a split second, a thousand thoughts ran through her mind and an idea came to her. “Oh, Kyla, hello.” Jasmine made sure her voice was calm. Then she yelled over her shoulder into an empty room, “Jefferson, Kyla’s on the phone.” Jasmine heard Kyla’s moan and then the dial tone droned in her ear.
Jasmine hung up the phone and collapsed onto her couch. She kicked off her shoes and sighed. The hours that she had sat in front of Jefferson’s house had made her return home discouraged. But Kyla had just turned that around.
If Jefferson wasn’t with Kyla, then they hadn’t worked anything out. But, she had a feeling that she had to move her plan into overdrive. She had to get Jefferson back in bed. Just one more time and then, he would be hers.
Eighteen
* * *
Jasmine jumped. Her hands groped the table and picked up the phone. “Hello,” her voice was groggy with lack of sleep.
“Jasmine, you sound awful.”
Sitting up, she peered around the room through tired eyes. “What time is it?”
“It’s after eight. Still not feeling well, huh?”
Jasmine shook her head. “Uh, no. I didn’t have much sleep, Rose.”
“Well, I guess you won’t be in today . . .”
“I’m really tired . . .”
“It’s that awful flu. Well, stay home and rest. I guess I’ll have to handle the presentation from here.”
“I’m sorry . . .”
“Don’t be. You probably caught the flu from me. Call me later if you’re feeling better.”
Swiveling her stockinged legs onto the floor, she held her head. She didn’t know what time she’d fallen asleep. She stumbled into the kitchen, dumped a spoonful of instant coffee and water into a cup, then put the drink in the microwave. The hot cup felt good against her hands. At least I don’t have to think about work, she thought. She went back into the living room and the mirror above the mantel caught her eye. Her eyes were puffy and the makeup she hadn’t taken the time to remove was streaked across her face. She looked sick. She had to stop sleeping on the couch.
Jefferson would be at the clinic by now, she thought as she sipped her coffee. But today, phone calls wouldn’t do. She left her cup on the living room table and went upstairs to get dressed.
“Wow! You were up early,” Alexis said as she joined Kyla in the dining room. “I heard you out here before I even got up.”
“I’m sorry, did I wake you?” Kyla looked up from her Bible.
“Oh no. I was up; I’m just surprised that you were.”
“I’ve been up all night it seems. I’m going to see Jefferson this morning.”
Alexis grinned. “Finally! Kyla, this is all going to work out. I know it doesn’t seem that way right now . . .”
Kyla held up her hand stopping Alexis. “I’m going to see Jefferson . . . so that we can begin talking about getting a divorce.”
“What? How did you move from not talking to him to getting a divorce?”
“I called Jefferson last night . . . and he wasn’t home. Then I called Jasmine and found out he was there.”
“I don’t believe it. What did he say?”
“He didn’t say anything. I hung up before he could get to the phone.”
Alexis frowned. “And he didn’t try to call you back?”
Kyla shook her head. “No.”
“That doesn’t make sense. He knows you’re staying here. Something’s not right.”
“All I know is that he was with her last night.”
“Kyla, don’t jump to conclusions. You’ve tried and convicted this man before he’s had a chance to present his case.”
“He doesn’t need a trial. The evidence is obvious.”
Before Alexis could respond, the intercom rang and the concierge announced that Brian was on his way up.
“I’ll just go into the bedroom and leave you guys alone.”
“No, don’t do that. We’re going out to breakfast. Why don’t you join us?”
“No, I don’t think so.”
Before Alexis had a chance to protest, the doorbell rang.
“Good morning,” Alexis smiled as she opened the door.
“Hey, honey.” Brian kissed her. “Hey, Kyla.”
Kyla forced a smile. “How are you, Brian?”
“I’m doing good. I just left your husband.”
“You did?” Alexis asked, her eyes darting between Kyla and Brian.
“Yeah, he fell asleep on my couch last night. We stayed up pretty late talking. You know,” he said turning to Kyla, “he’s pretty shaken up by all of this.”
Kyla sank down in the chair. “He was with you last night?”
“Yeah,” Brian frowned. “Why?”
“Kyla thought Jefferson was with Jasmine,” Alexis explained.
“No way. He doesn’t even want to be in the same state with that woman. I can vouch for where he was. He didn’t plan on staying, but, like I said, it got late and he slept on the couch.”
Alexis turned to Kyla. “I hope this sends you a message. Jasmine is willing to do anything.”
Kyla didn’t respond, but breathed deeply. She felt surprisingly relieved as thoughts swirled in her head. Jefferson hadn’t been with Jasmine and he was feeling as bad about all of this as she was.
“Brian, let me go get my things. I’ll be ready in a moment.”
When Alexis left the room, Brian sat down at the table with Kyla. “So, how are you really doing?”
“I guess a little better now that I know where Jefferson was last night. But I’m still confused. I have so many mixed feelings.”
“That’s understandable. But Jefferson is sick about all of this too. He loves you and wants a chance to prove it. I’ve known him for a long time and I’ve never seen him like this.”
“Well, some might say the same thing about me.”
Brian laid his hand on top of hers. “I know you’re in pain, Kyla. But don’t you even want to try to work this out?”
Kyla felt her eyes begin to water. “I’m afraid.”
“Of what?”
“Of being hurt like this again. I wouldn’t survive if Jefferson ever . . .”
Brian leaned back in his chair and exhaled. “You need to tell Jefferson that. Tell him how you feel and then listen to him.”
“Is everything all right out here?” Alexis walked into the room tentatively.
“Yeah, we’re fine. You ready?”
“Uh-huh. Kyla, are you sure you won’t join us? We’d really love the company.”
“I think you two can get along without me. I’ll be fine. I have some things I have to . . . work out.”
Kyla closed the door behind them as they left and went to the balcony. The tears that fell today were ones of relief. Without any more thought, Kyla went inside and picked up the phone.
“Hi Shannon. This is Kyla. How are you?”
“Fine, Kyla. I haven’t spoken to you in a few days.”
“I’ve been . . . away. Is Jefferson available?”
“Yes, I think he’s just finishing with a patient.”
“I can call back . . .”
“No. He said to put you through immediately if you called. Hold on a second, please.”
Kyla sat and tapped her fingers atop the end table as her heart pounded harder with each passing second.
“Kyla.”
She stood at the sound of his voice. “Hello, Jefferson.”
“I’m so glad you called . . .”
“I just wanted to know,” she started as she shifted her feet. “Can we get together today?”
“Of course. I just have to see if there is anyone here who can cover me.”
“Oh, no. I don’t mean right now. I don’t want you to cancel anything . . .”
“I don’t mind.”
“I would prefer if we got together this evening. After you’ve finished.”
“Okay . . .” Jefferson said, still wondering if he should clear his calendar. “It looks like I�
�ll be finished by six . . .”
“Then I’ll meet you sometime after that. Let’s just meet . . . I’ll meet you at home.”
There was an uncomfortable pause. “Kyla, I can’t wait to see you.”
She waited a beat. “I’ll see you later, Jefferson.”
“Okay, and Kyla? I love you.”
She hung up the phone.
Jasmine looked in the mirror. She was ready to go. Yesterday she had played it safe, but there was no way she was going to sit around today.
As soon as she opened the car door, the smell hit her. She’d forgotten about the two-day-old casserole that sat in her car overnight. She sucked her teeth. It would take days for the foul odor to evaporate from her car. Taking the dish inside, she returned with air freshener and sprayed it liberally throughout. She forced a smile. There was no way she was going to let anything put her in a bad mood this morning.
Within minutes, she pulled into the parking lot of the clinic. She’d been inside only once before, during the grand opening, and she smiled now as she parked next to Jefferson’s Range Rover. Quickly, she got out of her car, walked past the security guard, and went into the building. Not knowing where Jefferson’s office was, she stopped at the receptionist’s desk.
“I’m here to see Dr. Jefferson Blake.”
“Is he expecting you?” The young girl’s braids swayed and Jasmine wondered why she was yelling.
“Yes, he is. I just need to know where his office is.”
“I have to call his assistant.”
“Why can’t you just tell me where his office is?” Jasmine snapped.
The young girl’s eyes got wide. “I’m sorry. I have to do it this way.” Her voice seemed to get louder.
“Is there a problem here?” The security guard came over to the receptionist.
Jasmine’s eyes wandered up and down the gray-suited guard. She smiled, and moved forward to stand closer to the man. “Uh, no. There’s no problem, officer . . .” she squinted to look at his name tag, “there’s no problem, Officer Daniels. I just need to know where Dr. Blake’s office is.”
The girl looked at the guard. “I was just telling her that I have to call Shannon first. I’m just following the rules.”
“Go ahead and dial,” the guard said.
As the girl spoke into the phone, Jasmine smiled at the guard, but he looked away and Jasmine was sure that it was the gray at his temples that stopped him from reacting to her. She tapped her foot as she tried to make out what the girl was saying, and she finally hung up the phone. “Shannon will be right down. You can have a seat if you want.”
The guard motioned to Jasmine. Turning, she swayed her hips as she moved slowly towards the seat. When she looked back, he had already turned away, not taking any notice of her. Jasmine sucked her teeth.
Another young woman in a chocolate brown suit came down from the second floor and walked straight to Jasmine. “Hello, I’m Shannon Gray, Dr. Blake’s assistant. May I help you?”
Oh, no, Jasmine thought. This is the woman I’ve been fighting with on the phone. “Yes, I need to see Dr. Blake, please.” Jasmine tried to keep her voice calm.
“I’m sorry. Dr. Blake’s calendar is completely full today. Is there someone else who can help you Ms. . . .”
Jasmine knew she was asking for her name. “I only need to speak to Dr. Blake for a few minutes. I’m sure if you told him I was here, he’d find a way to squeeze me in.”
“All right.” Shannon frowned. “I’ll tell him. And you are . . .”
Jasmine inhaled. “Mrs. Jasmine Larson,” she said holding up her chin.
Jasmine watched as Shannon’s eyes narrowed. “Yes, Mrs. Larson. I’ll let Dr. Blake know.”
Jasmine’s eyes followed Shannon up the stairs. From the reception area, Jasmine had a complete view of the octagonal-shaped building and she kept her eyes on Shannon as she walked around the railing, finally stopping outside one of the offices. As Shannon knocked and went inside, Jasmine smiled. She wouldn’t have to go through all this the next time.
She picked up a magazine and flipped through the pages, her eyes constantly darting up. She stood as Shannon came into view and proceeded down the stairs.
“I’m sorry, Mrs. Larson. Dr. Blake said he won’t be able to meet with you.”
Jasmine blinked rapidly. “This is important. I have to speak to him.”
“He asked that you call him at home.”
“I’ll just sit here and wait,” Jasmine said as she returned to the seat and picked up the magazine she’d been reading.
Shannon sighed. “I’m sorry, but he’s with a patient and has a full schedule for the rest of the day.”
“Is everything all right?” The guard came over again.
“I’ve just been explaining that Dr. Blake cannot see Mrs. Larson today . . .”
“And, I said I would wait,” Jasmine said, raising her voice slightly.
“I’m going to have to ask you to leave the building.”
Jasmine raised her head slowly and glared at the security guard. “What?”
“You can call Dr. Blake for an appointment, but if you don’t mind . . .” Officer Daniel’s voice seemed to get deeper.
Jasmine stood, grabbed her purse, and under her breath, cursed them as she stomped from the clinic.
“Are you okay, Shannon?” Officer Daniels asked.
“Sure. I’m fine.” With purposeful steps, she went back to her office. She’d been trying to figure out how to take care of this since the phone calls started yesterday. She tried to speak to Jefferson, but he had brushed it aside. He didn’t want to talk to her about it. And Shannon understood. Especially if she was right about what was happening. But now, it was clear to her that Jasmine wasn’t going to disappear, and if Jefferson didn’t know what to do, she did.
Alexis was beaming. “Kyla, I’m so glad. Things will be fine after you talk to Jefferson.”
“I don’t know, Alexis, and I don’t want you to get your hopes up. I’m just going to talk to him.”
“Well, that’s a start. I have a feeling that Jefferson will do the rest. What time are you meeting?”
“Sometime between seven and eight at our house. I wanted to let you know where I’ll be . . .”
“Hopefully, you’ll be there all night and tomorrow and the next day and the next day. Call me tonight.”
“I will. But I hope you and Brian will get out, now that you won’t have to baby-sit me.”
“That’s a thought,” Alexis laughed. “Maybe I’ll cook dinner for him or order in as we sit anxiously and wait to hear from you.”
“Whatever. Have fun.”
Alexis was still smiling as she hung up the phone. Finally! She had to let Brian know. As she reached for the phone, it rang.
“Ward speaking.”
“Alexis? This is Shannon Gray, Dr. Blake’s assistant.”
“Yes, Shannon.” Alexis immediately sat up in her chair. She knew Shannon well from the years she’d worked for Jefferson. And though she’d spoken to her often, she was sure this was the first time Shannon had ever called her.
“I feel a little strange calling you. And I probably shouldn’t . . .” Shannon hesitated. She knew she was doing the right thing. Alexis would know what to do. “I just wanted to let you know that Dr. Blake is having a problem . . .”
Alexis frowned. “What kind of problem?”
“Well, Jasmine Larson keeps calling him, even though he’s made it clear that he won’t speak to her while he’s at the office. But, the thing is, she showed up at the clinic this morning. I had to have security escort her out.”
“Did she speak to Jefferson?”
“No, he wouldn’t see her. But, Alexis, I think this has gotten a little embarrassing for Dr. Blake. The only reason I’m calling you is because I’m afraid of what she’ll do next. Like follow him to the hospital or follow him home, I don’t know what . . .”
Follow him home. Oh no, Alexis thought. If she followed Jeffer
son home today and he was meeting Kyla . . .
“Shannon, do you have Jasmine’s number?”
Shannon exhaled. “Yes. I hope you know that I don’t believe in getting involved in Dr. Blake’s personal business, but when I tried to speak with him about Mrs. Larson, he just brushed it aside, saying it wasn’t very serious. But, I think this is very serious now.”
“You did the right thing. Thanks for calling me.”
Alexis stared at the telephone number. Maybe I should call Jefferson myself, she thought. But then she shook the thought away. He had enough to deal with. She’d handle this. It was time for Jasmine to meet one of Kyla’s real friends. Alexis put on her jacket, grabbed her purse and rushed out the door.
The windows shook as Jasmine slammed the door. She threw her purse on the couch and screamed. What was she going to do now? There was no use calling Jefferson. Shannon would never put her through. At least she had left that note on his car. He’d call her once he read it, but that might not be until tonight.
The doorbell rang and she frowned. No one knew she was home, except Rose and . . . Jefferson. She ran to the door.
“Hello, Jasmine. May I come in?” Alexis asked as she walked past Jasmine.
“What do you want?” Jasmine stood at the opened door.
“May I sit down?” Before the words were out of her mouth, Alexis had already sat down on the couch. “We have to talk.”
Jasmine slammed the door. “I don’t know what you want, but I have nothing to say to you. I would prefer it if you would just leave my home.”
Alexis’ eyes surveyed the room, then she smiled as she stared at Jasmine. “We can either have a nice friendly chat or this can be nasty. It’s your choice.” Her smile disappeared.
Jasmine swallowed hard, but she was not about to let Alexis intimidate her. “What do you want?”
“I have just one question for you. What is your basic malfunction?”
“What are you talking about?” Jasmine knew what Alexis wanted, but she had no intentions of discussing anything with her.
Alexis’ voice seemed to drop an octave. “Jasmine, I was trying to do this nicely, but it’s not possible. So, let me say what I came to say. Leave Kyla and Jefferson alone.”
Temptation Page 20
