AJ's Salvation

by Sam Destiny

  “He is mine,” she just gave back as a way of explanation and then left. Jam cursed under his breath because each and every time she softened toward him, he managed to make her mad again.

  He could hear how she and Alessandro exchanged quiet words in the hall, ending with a quiet ‘love you’ and then Lesso came back in.

  “So how do we do this story thing?” Jam wanted to know, holding out his arms to show he was clueless.

  Alessandro picked a book from the shelf and then looked at Jam. “You sit on my bed like this,” he explained, pulling Jam over and positioning him until he had stretched out his legs on the bed and leaned his back against the headboard. “And I’m going to sit like this. You put your arm around me and hold the book.” Throwing his own legs over Jam’s, he cuddled into his arms until Lesso’s head rested right under Jam’s chin. The little boy was warm and soft, smelling of strawberry toothpaste and children’s shampoo. “And now you read,” Alessandro ordered, and Jam did as he was told.

  He opened the book, noticing the bigger letters. It was obviously a book for beginners. He started to read, but Lesso stopped him after less than a page.

  “Is that how you talk?” he asked, looking at him with wide eyes. Jam couldn’t hide a smirk.

  “That’s what your mom tells you when you read, right?” he asked, and Alessandro nodded.

  “You need to give life to a story. No one would read books if they were all like recipes. Your voice needs to go up and down, and then, before you know it, your voice creates a whole world around you,” he explained.

  “How long have you been reading with your mom?” Jam wondered, and Alessandro grinned.

  “She read to me before I could, and now, we do it together since I learned to read in school. She makes me read a lot, but you know what the best nights are? When she’s reading. I’m in the rocket when she does. She’s the best,” his son announced with so much love it made Jam want to squeeze him.

  “Then let’s create a world.” He grinned, starting again; this time he made sure he used his voice to his best abilities.

  It was close to midnight when Jam finally left his son’s room. Even though the boy had fallen asleep before Jam had even reached the middle of the book, he hadn’t been ready to let go. Just for the fun of it, and if he were honest with himself because he was curious, he finished reading the story and then had simply held his son. Aly had been more than right—holding your child was healing.

  Eventually, he moved his son carefully, covering him with blankets until he was sure he wouldn’t freeze. Then he kissed his hair, promising himself to make it up to his son one day. Alessandro deserved more time with him. Besides, Jam wanted to see him, read to him, and show him the world. For that, though, things needed to change, and so far, Jam wasn’t ready. After one last look at his boy, he turned off the light and closed the door.

  The house was dark by now, and there was only a sliver of light falling through the partly open door of Aly’s bedroom. Jam knocked softly, but once he pushed open the door a bit, he saw she had fallen asleep, her cheek resting on the pages of her paperback.

  Jam smiled to himself, moving over to cover her with a blanket and take the book away before leaving, when he had a different thought. Pulling off his socks and jeans, he slipped into bed next to her, placing the comforter around them before kissing her neck.

  “Jam,” she whispered, sleepy.

  “Healing properties, Aly,” he just gave back, and she moved, freeing herself from her top.

  “Take off that shirt then,” she demanded, and he hesitated before he did. He had left his hoodie downstairs, and now, he’d do something he hadn’t done in more than a decade. He’d sleep skin to skin with a woman. “Better,” she decided, cuddling into him again. It didn’t take long, and her regular breathing let him know that she was back asleep.

  Jam knew he wouldn’t find any sleep that night, but he did know it would still be the best night in a very long time.

  Aly stretched as her alarm clock screamed for her to get up. She smiled until her hand touched something cold. To be exact, she touched the side where Jam had been laying. Instantly, Alessia was wide-awake, pushing herself off the pillow. On her nightstand, she found a single rose and a note.

  Aly,

  You were right about the healing properties, but it’s not only my son but you, girl. I’ve never had a night of sleep this amazing. How can it be that simple contact eases your worries until your mind is nicely blank?

  I’ve loved you since I was young. You deserve to have someone who is the owner of his life, and I want to be that exact person for you. You and Alessandro are the most amazing things out there.

  I know you’ve waited for me until now because your son told me. Please, wait just a little longer.

  I want to be yours. And I want Lesso to be ours.

  Jam

  She read the words over and over until she looked at her clock and realized she needed to get Alessandro ready for school. She reached for her dressing gown, pulling it over her while rushing out of the room.

  "Dad!" She heard her son just a second later followed by deep laughter. Relieved, she hurried down the stairs and found Jam in her kitchen. Alessandro was on the kitchen counter next to him and chatted excitedly about some dream from the night before.

  As much as she appreciated the romantic gesture with note and flower, she was even happier he was still there. She wanted him to stay for just a few more days. Nothing rushed him home and she intended to show him exactly how amazing he was.

  "Breakfast, son, then school," Jam finally said, getting the boy down from the counter.

  To her utter surprise, Alessandro didn't protest. Instead, he grabbed a plate and carried it over to the table, humming softly while eating.

  "I hadn't realized you two were getting up so early. I wanted to at least leave breakfast for the two of you and ..." He shrugged as his cheeks heated. He absolutely didn't like that he had been caught, and it made Aly grin. She wanted to cuddle into his arms.

  "You sneaking out is a habit we need to break," she decided and then walked over. He was still busy with the pan in front of him, flipping bacon while stirring the scrambled eggs. She embraced him from behind and then leaned her head against his back. His heart was racing, and it made her smile.

  "Stay just a few more days, Jamison. I'm begging you," she whispered, and he placed his hands left and right of the stove, hanging his head.

  "Aly," he started, but she absolutely didn't like his tone.

  "I'm not asking for promises, Jam. I'm asking for a glimpse of the life you want us to have. Show me this can work. Let me be there for you. Let me enjoy waking up next to you for once, please," she pleaded, pressing herself closer to his body.

  Jam took her hands in his, kissing them before turning in her arms. Indecision colored his beautiful features before he finally shook his head.

  "I don't know how to do this family stuff. I've never had a relationship that ... I've never had a relationship, and I’ve certainly never had a family. I don't know how to be a dad, and I know even less about how to be a good guy."

  "Let's take it one step at a time. You do great being a dad. And about the rest, I'm not sure what to say about the relationship thing, but we're adults. We don't have to turn this into something serious to enjoy each other's company. How about I cook for us tonight and you come over for dinner and a movie? Alessandro will love it. Please, you won't even have to cuddle with me. Just be there for your son," Aly pleaded.

  Just then Alessandro came in. "Dad, are you gonna drive me to school?" he asked, and Jam looked from her to her son.

  "Of course, I will. How else will I know where to pick you up this afternoon?" Jam replied, and Alessia released the breath she had been holding. "Go and get your shoes. I need to have a quick word with your mother before we leave," he then added, and Alessandro beamed, leaving with a happy shout.

  "Alessia Rhyme, you don't seriously think I could sit on a sofa next to yo
u without touching you?"

  "You did for years," she remarked. She could not believe this was true, that he really stood in her kitchen. It was almost unreal. Regret crossed his face.

  "Aly, if I stay, you need to promise me something," he said, cupping her cheek. She instantly knew where he was going with that and shook her head.

  "I can't promise you that. Seeing your scars certainly didn't make me less curious. I will find out who did that to you and why, Jam, so if you aren't ready to do that grown-up thing with honesty, that's your thing, but I won't stop asking for the truth. I have a feeling you need to talk about it, handsome," Aly told him, kissing his palm. He groaned.

  "Woman, you'll be the death of me," he fussed gently, making her smile. It wasn't a ‘no,’ and that was really all she could ask for.

  He leaned in and kissed her forehead, ready to leave before turning back to her. "And I'm gonna cook. You'll be at work, right?" he then wanted to know, and she cocked a brow.

  "Breaking and entering is a crime, even if it's for a good cause," she teased, and Jam laughed.

  "I think Dorly has a spare key, so there’s no need for that," he remarked. Aly grinned with a nod, and then was surprised as Alessandro came back to give her a kiss.

  "Bye, Mom. Have fun at the café. I'll bring Dad by later on," he promised and then took Jam's hand to pull him along.

  "See you later." Jam smiled and then winked at her as he left. It was weird how silent the house seemed to be. Aly took a moment to enjoy the quiet before a horn blared outside. She pulled open the front door, staring at her friend, Phil, who jumped out of the car.

  "You aren't dressed yet! Or do you want to go and cater to the women's social group like that?"

  "Shit," Aly cursed, hurrying inside. She had totally forgotten the annual meeting at her café today. This special event paid Aly's bills for two months straight and only because she went beyond expectations. She closed the café for the day and even offered alcohol, which the women paid for triple the cost. It would be a whole day on her feet, but it was so worth it. Philomena thankfully agreed to help each year just for the gossip. Aly offered her money each time, but since Philomena was a stay-at-home mom, she was bored out of her mind and loved doing shifts at the café. It was payment enough, she always said.

  It didn't take long and Aly had thrown on her favorite dress, brushed her curls out, and then grabbed her handbag. The mess Jam had made would have to wait until tonight.

  Getting in the car with her friend, she exhaled. "You’re my hero today. I would have totally forgotten that meeting until the women were standing in my café. My last days have been a little hectic," Aly explained, and Phil arched a brow.

  "Can it be that guy I saw driving your son around?" Phil inquired, and Aly told herself to not blush or look excited.

  "He came out of the blue, and it's been a whirlwind since then," she admitted. Two days. That was how long it had taken Jam to turn her world upside down. Again. Last time, he hadn't even needed that much time. Aly touched her hand to her forehead, her thoughts swirling.

  "Al, wasn't that the elusive Jamison?" For the first time ever, Alessia regretted having told Philomena about him. She was her closest friend and usually a safe bet, but now, Phil looked rather worried.

  "He just came to check on us," she whispered, feeling like a teenager who needed to justify her new boyfriend.

  "In ten years, he hasn't come to check on you. Why now?" There was no way Phil would understand, not without Aly needing to tell her secret. Something she wouldn't risk.

  "Because he finally could."

  "Because his girlfriend finally let him go? Or his wife? What is it, huh?" Aly felt as if cold water doused her. Her day had been a roller coaster so far, and it didn't seem to stop.

  "It's not like that. He came for Lesso," she protested, being glad as they reached the café. Luckily, most of the day would be too busy for them to talk.

  She unlocked the door, turning on all machines before she started to wipe down the counters again. Phil moved some tables so the women sat the way they preferred. They knew by now which women shouldn't be sitting together, and they arranged it accordingly.

  "Aly, he might have come for your son but look at you. You never stopped loving him. A guy who never once saw you for you. He was your brother's best friend and nothing else. What's wrong with you? If you play house with him -"

  "I don't play house with him," Aly protested even though it was exactly what she had asked of him this morning.

  "Oh, sweetie! You aren't one of those stupid mistresses, hoping he'll change his ways for you! What happened to you? He came in, gave you a dimpled smile, and you were all gone?" Aly simply refused an answer until Phil came around the counter, taking her hands to get her to focus on her friend.

  "That's not -"

  "Ladies!" Aly had never been more glad the women's committee was always early. From then on, they didn't have any time to talk, and in the blink of an eye, it was already half past three.

  The little bell over the door jingled and instant silence spread through the café as first Alessandro and then Jam came in. All eyes were on him as he froze at the door.

  "Mom, Dad let me show him all of my pictures in school, and the award I got for spelling bee last year. He says we have to go grocery shopping like real men. Can I have a cacao? Dad wants one, too. We were so excited about it," Alessandro chatted away, not even noticing the weird mood in the shop.

  Aly couldn't imagine how Jam felt with thirty women above the age of fifty staring at him as if they wanted to eat him alive. And he looked good. Obviously, he had changed after dropping Alessandro off at school. Now, he wore low-riding jeans and a blue and white lumberjack shirt that he had rolled his sleeves up to his elbows.

  "Weren't we, Dad?" Alessandro asked into the silence, nodding his father over. Finally, Jam moved, coming to stop in front of her.

  "That's right, buddy," he said with a strained smile. He looked at her, and his features softened. "Hey, Aly," he added, and she cleared her throat.

  She threw together their chocolate in no time at all, putting them in carryout cups. "The real guys take it on the road, Jam, don't they?" she asked, and Jam nodded.

  "Only men do, I think," he said, looking thoughtful. "What do you think, little man?"

  Alessandro puffed out his chest. "Let's take it for the road, Dad," he agreed, and Aly handed over the cups.

  "Just the way you like them, sirs. Not too hot with marshmallows on top. Thank you for being our customers today." She grinned, feeling her heart skip a beat as Jam's skin brushed hers.

  "Thank you." She only nodded as she watched the two leave. The moment the door fell closed behind them, noise exploded in the little room.

  "Twenty years younger, Rose, twenty years younger," one lady said to the woman next to her.

  "Uh, now I know why women turn cougar," another announced.

  "Now, that's a DILF if I've ever seen one," a third one decided. That exclamation actually caused a few cries of outrage.

  "Isobel, watch your filthy mouth!" The women laughed, and Aly closed her eyes for a second. Her whole body was thrumming just from the simple touch and the look Jam had given her. She knew he had wanted to lean in and kiss her cheek. Even though she was somewhat disappointed, she knew that would have caused even more talk.

  "I don't think you ladies are what he's preying on, so show some respect. No objectifying any men in here unless it's me doing the objectifying," Philomena announced, moving around the tables to pour some coffee. Thankfully, the topic shifted from there to men the ladies also found objectify-worthy, and Aly bit her cheeks to keep a stupid grin from appearing.

  "Wow, Aly," Phil hissed as she finally stood next to her again. "I tell you, woman, I would've tumbled into bed with him after a smile like that, too. No wonder you let him right back in."

  Aly just shook her head. "It's for Alessandro, not for me," she protested.

  "Who are you trying to convince? Did you see
the way he looked at you? Aly, that man wanted to own you in the best way possible. I swear he's just as doe-eyed about you as you are about him! I know I totally changed my tune about him, but then I hadn’t seen the way he looked at you yet. This was ...” She fanned herself. “Still, a word of caution. You know how it is with flames. They burn bright and hot before quickly extinguishing. Be careful, okay?" Alessia just looked at her friend and gave a tentative nod. After all, when did a heart ever care about caution?

  "Look. And that's what Mom sometimes buys. And then she buys that, too. And over there, she buys that, too." Jam highly doubted that, since all of the things were more or less sweets.

  He decided to divert Alessandro's attention from them to something far more important. "Okay, I wanna impress your mom. What does she like to eat?"

  "Noodles," Alessandro decided, and Jam rolled his eyes. He sure wasn't going to impress Aly with noodles.

  "And what else?"

  "Beef and rosemary potatoes, peas or mushrooms on the side. I think that's something she likes. Jam it is, right? I'm Spencer," a voice behind him said, and Jam turned around. It was the beach guy Aly had talked to the other day.

  "Jamison," Jam corrected, shaking Spencer's hand.

  "Oh, you," Alessandro said next to him, and Jam placed a hand on his son's shoulder.

  "Alessandro," he scolded with a warning in his voice. Lesso instantly rolled his eyes.

  "I'm sorry. Hey, Spence," he then corrected, meeting Jam's eyes. "Can I go look at the comics?" He pointed at a stand in Jam's view, and Jam nodded. The boy left, and he focused back on Spencer.

  "Aly always has to do that, too. The scolding, I mean," the other man mumbled, and Jam just nodded. He wanted to tell Spencer to stop calling her Aly, simply because it sounded as if Spencer had real feelings for Alessia.

  "Thank you for the tip with the beef. I'm gonna try that, I guess," Jam replied, hoping to change the topic.

  "It's nearly impossible to impress Aly. Taking her to a movie and then dinner doesn't work, just dinner doesn't work, huge bouquets of roses don't do the trick ... I never tried cooking for her, though."