I was so happy my weekend had arrived.
Wanting to try and be on the same schedule as Jazzy while I was off, I’d come home and taken only a couple-hour nap, before getting up and starting my day.
We’d decided to renovate the downstairs half bath first, so I thought I’d surprise her by getting all the demo done so Jed and I could get it knocked out.
But first, I went to the hardware store to get the equipment I needed, the pet store to get more food and treats for the kids, and the grocery store to stock up on all things chocolate and wine.
By the time she got home from work, the demo was done and I was about to hop in the shower to get ready for dinner.
“Our reservation’s at seven,” I told her before heading upstairs. “And Jed’s cool with pet sitting.”
“Perfect,” Jazzy said with a tired smile. “I’ll go out with Daisy and Loki, then start getting ready.”
“Sounds good.”
I was ready and downstairs packing a bag of the animals’ things to take to Jed and Laurel’s, when Jasmine’s door opened.
I paused and took her in.
She wore a dark-green sleeveless blouse tucked into a fitted black skirt that stopped just above her knees. Her red hair fell in loose waves over her shoulders and down her back and her face looked flawless.
“You’re gorgeous,” I said, even though that was an understatement.
Jazzy smiled, obviously pleased with my compliment, and replied, “You’re not so bad yourself.
“What, this old thing?” I joked, turning to show her all angles of my pressed slacks and blue button-down.
She laughed, which is what I was going for, and asked, “Ready?”
“Yup, let’s get leashes on these two, I’ve got their kibble.”
We loaded up Daisy and Loki in the backseat of my car, then dropped them with Jed before heading to The Eaves.
Once we were seated at our table in the swankiest restaurant Cherry Springs had to offer, we ordered drinks and perused the menu.
“Oh, before I forget, I got a call from Immigration,” I told her.
“Oh, already?” she asked, looking surprised.
Yeah, I’d been surprised too when I received the call.
“Reardon must have fast tracked the paperwork or had a contact or something. They want to schedule our interview for Thursday, next week.”
“Wow, that’s soon.”
“Yeah, but I think we’re ready. I looked online and it said what we need to do to be prepared … have all the documents with us, know important dates, and answer questions about our past, how we live now, and our plans for the future.”
Jasmine sat back and blinked, and I could see she was feeling overwhelmed.
“So, how was work this week?” I asked, wanting to change the something to something easier before I got into my next item. “Any new developments at Lewis Sporting Goods?”
“Meetings, meetings, and more meetings,” Jazzy said, her lips quirked up and my tension eased a bit.
“Do you like it then? I mean, I know it’s the family business, but only you and Dillon decided to stay on and work there. Did you always know it’s what you wanted to do?”
Jasmine nodded, thanked the server for her martini, and replied, “Yeah, I did. Both Dillon and I used to pretend we were in charge of the company and we’d make every Friday company dodgeball day.”
She laughed at the memory.
“That never happened, of course, although we have gone on company retreats and sports is obviously a key element. But, yes, it was always where I wanted to end up.”
“That’s wonderful, you’re very lucky to be doing what you love. Your drive and commitment are commendable. I think you’re amazing,” I admitted, taking a sip of my scotch.
I wasn’t embarrassed or afraid to tell her these things she should already know about herself. I wanted to lay myself and my feelings on the line. I was tired of tip-toeing around the elephant in the room … our relationship.
But first, we needed to get some fundamentals worked out.
“Thanks,” she said shyly.
“There are some thing I wanted to discuss with you tonight, if you don’t mind.”
“Of course.”
We had to put the conversation on pause while our server took our food order, but as soon as he was gone, I leaned in.
“What do you want to talk about?” Jasmine asked, her tone conveying her nerves.
“Finances.”
“Finances?” she asked, surprised.
That was not what she thought I was going to say.
My lips quirked up, because, oh, we’d be getting to that bit later.
“Yes. Money. Our money to be exact.”
“What about it?”
“I know with the expansion of the company and your position, you’re not hurting for funds. However, since I’m living in the house with you, I’d like to be included in the bills. So far, it hasn’t been mentioned, and you haven’t asked me for a dime. But, I want to pull my own weight.”
“Shane, it’s really not necessary. I’ve been saving, and, it’s true, the expansion means pay raises for everyone at the company. Covering the cost of the house and utilities is no problem. You mentioned wanting to quit the bar and find a new job, so save your money and focus on that.”
I clenched my jaw and urged myself to remain calm. I was sure she didn’t mean to be insulting, still…
“Jasmine,” I began, keeping my voice even. “I’m not a bum, and cannot in good conscience live in the house, use the utilities, and not pay a dime. I don’t care how well off you are, I still need to contribute and pay my own way.”
“Look, I can totally understand where you’re coming from, but I’m the one who wanted this house. You weren’t consulted on the price point and didn’t have a say in the choosing of the house, so I can’t expect you to pay the mortgage,” Jazzy argued.
“If you’re worried that I’ll think I have some claim on the house, don’t. It’s yours, one-hundred percent, but, I’d pay rent anywhere I was living, so I’d like to split the mortgage with you, and the utilities.”
She looked like she wanted to argue, but I really was not going to budge on this.
“And, another thing,” I said, keeping our eyes locked. “I think you need to get a postnup.”