Chapter 11
Jasmine stared numbly at her parents. They were at a restaurant celebrating her belated birthday, and she couldn’t believe what she’d just heard. “You’re kidding, aren’t you?”
Richard Washington slowly shook his head. “No we’re not. Your mother and I have been talking about selling the house and moving south for more than a year. We listed the house with a realtor and yesterday we got an offer from a couple with two small children. They’ve been pre-approved, so it won’t take long before we’ll have a closing.”
Jasmine slumped in her chair as she willed the tears filling her eyes not to fall. “So, you’re really moving to North Carolina?” She didn’t want to appear selfish and tell them they were deserting her, but her father was right when he’d spoken of wanting to sell the house where she’d grown up.
“Yes, baby,” Marta Washington crooned. “We will be moving to a retirement community where we don’t have to mow lawns or shovel snow. Even though your daddy and I are still active we want a more laidback lifestyle.”
Jasmine forced a smile. She had to put on a brave face for her parents because she wanted them to believe she was happy for them. “Does it have a golf course?”
“Of course,” Richard and Marta chorused.
This time her smile was genuine. Her parents were avid amateur golfers. Jasmine gazed lovingly at her father, and then her mother. Her genes had compromised when she inherited her father’s complexion and her mother’s facial features, and hair texture. “I’m happy for you guys.”
“So, you’re okay with us moving away?” Richard asked.
“Of course I’m okay. You just made it easy for me to make up my mind about moving to New Orleans to become an innkeeper. And we’ll be a little more than a twelve-hour car ride from each other.”
Marta and Richard shared a smile. “And once the inn is open we’re going to come to check out the city.”
Rising from her chair, Jasmine came around the table and kissed her mother, and then her father. “I love you guys.”
“Do you plan on selling your condo?” Richard asked.
“Not right now.” She told them about Amelia looking to live and work downstate. “If she does find a position in the tristate area, then she can sublet it from me.”
“I’m glad you’ve decided to hold onto it. Owning property is the best investment one can make,” her father told her.
Marta took a sip of water. “Speaking of investments, do you need money?”
“Money for what, Mom?”
“Didn’t you say you have to invest in the inn?”
“Yes.”
“If you don’t have enough money, your father and I will give you whatever you need. We’ve already bought the house in North Carolina, and once we sell our place—”
“Mom, don’t say it,” she pleaded, interrupting Marta. “I still have money from the sale of my business along with the severance pay. So, I’m far from being a pauper.” Marta and Richard relaxed in their chairs as if they’d choreographed the move in advance.
Richard slipped on a pair of half-glasses and studied the selections on the dessert menu. “I hope you’ll let us know if you do need something a little extra.”
“Yes, Dad. I promise.”
He handed the menu to Marta. “I’m going to have the fruit assortment for dessert.”
“I’m going to pass,” Marta said. “What about you, Jasmine?”
“I’ll share Daddy’s fruit.”
* * *
What had begun as a family gathering to celebrate her forty-third birthday ended with Jasmine driving back to Manhattan experiencing a mix of emotions. She was happy for her parents who’d planned for their retirement and hadn’t had to pinch pennies now that they were on a fixed income, and apprehensive because she was going to leave all that was familiar to move to another state and invest in a new venture.
Activating the Bluetooth feature, she tapped on the screen for Hannah’s number. Her phone rang three times before there was a break in the connection. “Hello.”
“Hannah, this is Jasmine.”
“I’m sorry, Jasmine, but your name and number didn’t come up on my screen. How are you?”
“I’m well. I’m calling to ask if you still need someone to assist you managing the DuPont Inn.”
“Honey, please. You know I do.”
“Well, you’re talking to your soon-to-be HR specialist.” There was complete silence on the other line. “Hannah? Are you still there?”
“I’m here. I just had to do the happy dance. Jasmine, you’re the answer to my most fervent prayer. I was just telling St. John the other day that I need to start looking for someone trained in hotel management to help me with the inn.”
“Well, look no more because I’m in.”
“I’ll draft a contract and email it to you to go over. You can get your attorney to look at it. If you want, you can suggest changes.”
Jasmine knew she could get Amelia to check out the contract. Once she’d decided to divorce Raymond, Jasmine had asked her cousin to represent her, but Amelia had to decline because she was involved in her own very combative divorce from a man who was requesting spousal support. “My cousin will look it over.”
“That’s good. Should I still expect you on the twenty-ninth?”
“Yes.”
“Email me your flight information and I’ll pick you up at the airport.”
“You don’t have to do that. I’ll take a taxi.”
“You don’t have to, Jasmine. My cousins are on another cruise on the other side of the world, St. John is spending the next month on the West Coast for a taping of a historical documentary, and if it wasn’t for Smokey I’d end up talking to myself.”
“Are you telling me St. John is going to miss his cousin’s wedding?” Gage Toussaint and St. John were cousins.
“No. He’s flying back just for that weekend.”
“You’ll still have me as a houseguest after the wedding because I didn’t book a return flight. But if it gets too hot like it did last year when we came down, then I’m gone.”
“It’s not the heat as much as it is the humidity. Hold on, Jasmine, I have another call.” Seconds later, Hannah said, “That’s St. John. Can I call you back?”
“You don’t have to. Talk to your husband and I’ll talk to you later.”
“Thanks.”
Jasmine ended the call, and then tapped the screen for Nydia’s number. “Hey, chica.”
“What’s up, mija?”
“I’m going to invest in the DuPont Inn.”
There came a pause before Nydia’s voice came through the speaker. “Why did you change your mind?”
“My parents are moving to a retirement community in North Carolina.”
“What about your condo?”
“My cousin’s planning to move from Buffalo, and I told her she can stay at my place.”
“There goes your last excuse for not relocating. I know I sound selfish, but I don’t want you to leave.”
“Come with me, Nydia. You’re no longer involved with Danny so there’s nothing to keep you in New York.”
“I’m going to have to sleep on it.”
“Don’t sleep too long Sleeping Beauty,” Jasmine teased, “or you’ll miss your prince.”
Nydia’s distinctive high-pitched laugh echoed throughout the vehicle. “All of the princes are taken, mija.”
“I’m certain there are a few left wandering out in the universe.”
“Maybe an alternative universe, Jazz, but not the one we live in.”
“They’re out there even though I’m not looking for one.”
“You don’t have to, Jasmine, because you have one. But only if you’re willing to open your eyes to acknowledge it.”
“I know you’re not referring to Cameron.”
“Ding, ding, ring-a-ling. Right answer!”
“Cameron and I will enjoy each other for as long as it lasts. And when it’s over we’ll go our separate ways without malice toward each other.”
“That’s bullshit and you know it, Jasmine. Men don’t take kindly to rejection. Remember Tonya’s telling us about the man she’d been dating throwing a bitch fit when she told him she was leaving New York? They rarely saw one another, yet he accused her of cheating on him because she had been the one to end their relationship. And I don’t have to tell you about Danny acting like a lost puppy looking for his master when I moved and left no forwarding address. I’m not even going there about your ex. Enough talk about men or the lack thereof. Have you told Hannah about your decision?”
“Yes. She admitted to doing the happy dance.”
“Of course she would. You’re the best when it comes to management.”
“Apparently those at Wakefield Hamilton didn’t think so when they gave me a pink slip.”
“That’s because they don’t know their heads from their asses. Personally I believe they downsized their best employees.”
“They did us a favor, Nydia. If they hadn’t merged, we would still be there doing the same thing day after day until we retired. Hannah is now an innkeeper, Tonya will own and operate her own restaurant, and I will divide my time managing the inn and decorating interiors.”
“You’re serious about decorating again?”
“Yes. Cameron Singleton bought a new house and he wants me to decorate it.”
“You said yes?” Nydia asked.
“I said yes. But it’s not going to be for a while, because the house has to undergo extensive renovations first.”
“Your condo is the best advertisement as to your talent. I’m so happy for you, mija.”
“Thank you, chica. It looks as if I’m finally getting my life together.”
“Better late than never. Are we going to get together before you leave?”
“Why not? I’ll order in.”
“Instead of you ordering in, I’ll bring the food. How about tomorrow night?”
“Tomorrow’s good.”
“I’ll call you to let you know when to expect me.”
“Luego, chica.”
“Later, mija.”
Once she finalized her move, Jasmine knew she would miss Nydia’s bubbly disposition and their bimonthly get-togethers. She could always count on her friend to keep it real. Her foot hit the brake as the car in front of her came to a complete stop. Smothering a curse, she shook her head. Traffic had slowed to a bumper-to-bumper crawl.
“I definitely will not miss this,” she whispered to herself. After her parents relocated, she wouldn’t have to drive to Long Island. Jasmine still could not believe her parents were selling their dream house to move into a cookie-cutter retirement community with all the amenities they wanted and needed for their new lifestyle.
The drive which normally took fifty minutes stretched into more than ninety when Jasmine maneuvered into her parking space in the underground garage, and walked across the street to her apartment building. The doorman on duty stopped her before she made her way to the elevator.
“Ms. Washington, there’s a package for you in concierge. If you wait here, I’ll get it for you.”
Jasmine wondered who had sent her something, because it had been a while since she’d gone online to place an order. She didn’t have long to wait when the man returned with a FedEx package. One of the many perks of living in the building was she didn’t have to be home for a package delivery. Residents could also arrange for drop-off and pick-up dry cleaning services or grocery deliveries.
“Thank you.” Jasmine glanced at the return address: S. Investments, New Orleans, LA. Her pulse quickened. S. Investments had to be Singleton Investments. What, she mused, had Cameron sent her?
She managed to curb her curiosity until after she slipped off her shoes, changed out of her street clothes and into a tank top and cotton lounging pants. Sitting on the club chair in her bedroom, Jasmine opened the package, and removed pale-blue tissue paper covering a rectangular flat velvet box. Her fingers were noticeably shaking when she opened the box to see a single strand of golden South Sea pearls and matching studs resting on white satin. Jasmine knew the round baubles were at least twelve millimeters. Her fingers grazed the ruby and diamond clasp connecting the magnificent strand. Sandwiched between sheets of tissue paper was a small card: I HOPE YOU ENJOYED YOUR BIRTHDAY. HERE’S A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR YOU TO WEAR TO YOUR FRIEND’S WEDDING. C. SINGLETON.
Jasmine blinked back tears. She hadn’t expected Cameron to give her anything for her birthday. Reaching for her cell, she dialed his number. Sending a text was too impersonal for what she wanted to say to him.
“Talk to me, darling.”
Her smile was dazzling. “Is that how you always answer your calls?”
“Nah. Just you.”
“I got the pearls and—”
“Do you like them?” he asked, cutting her off.
“Of course. They’re beautiful. But you didn’t have to give me anything for my birthday.”
“But I wanted to. It’s the least I could do to thank you for making my frat reunion the best I’ve ever had.”
Jasmine paused, wondering if he was referring to her sleeping with him after three encounters. “It was quite memorable for me, too.”
“What’s wrong, Jasmine?”
“What are you talking about?” she asked, answering his question with one of her own.
“Something in your voice changed.”
Damn, she thought. Was he that insightful or was she an open book? If she hoped to have an open relationship with Cameron, then she had to be truthful. “Was it the best because we slept together?”
“Why would you ask me that?”
“Just answer the question, Cameron.”
“No! It still would’ve been the best if we hadn’t slept together. I’m no choirboy when it comes to sleeping with women, but there haven’t been so many that I can’t recall their names or their faces. When I came to New York to see you it wasn’t my intent to sleep with you. And that’s not to say I didn’t want to, but if it didn’t happen then so be it. You’re different, Jasmine, from any other woman I’ve met.”
“Have you ever dated a woman of color?”
“No, but that has nothing to do with you being different. You’re beautiful, talented, sophisticated, and stunningly feminine. In other words, you’re the total package.”
She smiled. “Stop or you’ll give me a swelled head.”
“Wrong, darling. Every time I conjure up your naked body the head between my legs swells up.”
“You’re so nasty!”
“You like it, don’t you?”
Jasmine covered her mouth with her free hand to smother a giggle. “Yes,” she said through her fingers.
“I can’t wait to see you again.”
“Same here,” she admitted. “Are you free June ninth?”
“What’s happening on that day?”
“That’s the day when my friend is marrying Gage Toussaint, and I’d like you to be my plus-one.”
“Of course. What time is the wedding?”
“Seven.”
“AM or PM?”
“PM, Cameron. Why?”
“Is it formal or semi-formal?”
“Semi-formal, but that’s optional.” Jasmine knew he’d asked because he wanted to know what to wear. “The reception will be held in St. John’s garden.”
“Is Eustace doing the catering?”
“I’m certain he will be. Why?”
“The man’s the best cook in the whole damn state.”
“I agree, but my friend Tonya is also an incredible chef. Once she opens her restaurant at the inn, she’ll have to turn away folks.”
“We’ll see.”
“Oh, you think I’m just blowing smoke when talking about Tonya’s cooking.”
“No, babe. I just said we’ll see.”
Jasmine wanted to tell Cameron that Tonya had been working with Eustace as his apprentice to perfect many of the dishes the Toussaints were known for. And her future husband was also a professional chef. Together they were certain to become more than a footnote among New Orleans’s celebrity chefs.
“Do you want me to pick you up from the airport when you come in?”
“No. Hannah’s going to meet me. I want to spend a few days with her before we hang out together.”
“That’s not a problem.”
“I don’t know if I told you, but I haven’t booked a return flight yet.”
“That’s great, because that will give me time to take you around.”
“What about work, Cameron?”
“What about it?”
“Are you taking a vacation?”
“No. I’ll rearrange my schedule and just take off.”
“It must be nice being your own boss.”
“It does have its perks. Wasn’t it that way when you ran your decorating firm?”
“Yes,” Jasmine admitted. She’d made her own hours, and could pick and choose her clients.
“Make certain you pack lightweight clothes because it’s hotter than Hades down here right now.”
“Thanks for letting me know. I’m going to ring off because I have to go through my closet and pack.”
“Okay, babe. I’ll see you when you get here.”
Jasmine set the phone on the side table and closed her eyes. She didn’t want to imagine that Cameron was sending her mixed messages, but this was sounding more and more like a relationship, and for her the word was the same as a commitment. At this time in her life if she wanted to commit to anything it would be her career and not a man.
She opened her eyes and stared at the sheer fabric draping the bed. A shiver of excitement eddied through her when she thought about assisting Hannah managing the inn. Becoming Gregory’s mentee helped Jasmine develop her skills as a people person. She watched him literally change a client’s mind about a particular decorating scheme when he used a soft coaxing tone rather than one that was condescending. She had adopted a similar demeanor when talking with employees with complaints about their supervisors or if they were written up for some infraction.
Jasmine decided not to tell Cameron about her plan to relocate to New Orleans until after she and Hannah were in agreement with the conditions in her contract. She thought about what she had to do before leaving, and that included notifying management about her cousin coming to stay with her if or when Amelia was able to secure a position downstate.
She slipped off the chair and made her way to the walk-in closet. Winter and fall garments hung on the left side of the closet, while spring and summer garments were on the right. It was said there were four seasons in New York but for Jasmine there were only two: hot and cold.
It took more than an hour for her to select tops, slacks, skirts, and blouses suitable for the semi-tropical climate. After retrieving a Pullman from an overhead shelf, she carefully folded the garments and placed them strategically in the suitcase. She filled clear plastic storage bags with lingerie, sleepwear, and personal feminine products. Shoes went into cloth bags.
Jasmine hung the dress she planned to wear in a garment bag, along with the shoes. At the last minute she decided not to pack the dress in the event her luggage did not arrive at the same time as her flight, because she didn’t have a direct flight to New Orleans. She packed the cross body bag in the Pullman, and opted to carry a tote which would allow her to board with the required two items. Cameron’s birthday gift, along with her government ID, cash, and credit cards would be stored in a pouch secured inside the tote. Closing and locking the wheeled Pullman, she left it on the luggage rack.
A year ago she, Tonya, Nydia, and Hannah had toasted to happy endings, unaware how inexorably their lives would come to be entwined. Three days from now she would wake up in the Big Easy and eventually reunite with a man who’d unknowingly helped her heal and learn to trust a man again.
At forty-three she was no longer looking for her Prince Charming to come and sweep her off her feet. Now, in retrospect, Jasmine realized her relationship with Gregory was more beneficial to him than for her even though she’d willingly gave him her virginity.
Gregory had become her tutor in and out of bed when he taught her to know her body in order to give him the pleasure he wanted. It had taken a while before she experienced her first orgasm, but her attempt to take the lead in their lovemaking angered Gregory, so she acquiesced and resorted to the role as the submissive.
Making love with Raymond was satisfying enough but there were times when she wanted more foreplay, and always after he ejaculated he’d roll over and go to sleep. Raymond’s passions ran hot and cold and it wasn’t until after she discovered he was sleeping with another woman that she realized he desired his side chick more than his wife.
Whenever she recalled making love with Cameron her traitorous body betrayed her; she was in awe that she’d had multiple climaxes, but also that she had to wait until she was over forty to experience the full magnitude of her femininity.
A mysterious smile curved her mouth when she thought of the events of the past three years in which she’d gone through a divorce, lost her job, and bonded with three coworkers. Now she was about to start anew in a city where she could control her destiny.