“Timmy asked if I could stay the night on Friday, he has a birthday party and they’re going to Skate World,” he asked her, with excitement pouring out of him.
“I will talk to Timmy’s mom and make sure it’s okay but I don’t see any reason why you can’t.”
“Thanks, Mom, you’re the best,” he said with one of his smiles that transformed his face into looking so much like his father, actually hurting her gut. The older Jacob got, the more he looked like Derek. She prayed they never met, because the resemblance was far too great to be passed aside as a coincidence.
It really didn’t help that Jacob liked his hair cut a certain way now, which was almost the mirror image of Derek’s hair-cut. She shook off her thoughts and ruffled her son’s hair.
They stepped outside and Jacob’s coach approached them. “How are you doing, Jasmine?” he asked.
“I’m good. And how are you, Chuck?”
“I’m doing great. Jacob forgot to grab one of these fliers. We have a tournament on Saturday starting at two,” he said, as he handed her a piece of paper.
“That sounds like fun. Is there anything I can bring?”
“I always know I can count on you,” he said with a laugh. “Would it be too much to ask you to bring a main course for lunch? I have some people bringing drinks and fruit but no one signed up for a main course. You can do sandwiches if you want but I know you like to get all fancy,” he said, with a flirty smile.
She was well known for her creative dishes and that’s most likely why no one else had signed up for the spot.
“You know me well,” she said with a laugh. “Of course, I will make something good. I have to make sure these boys get plenty of nourishment.” She could see he was trying to work up the courage to ask her out again and after her afternoon with Derek she had no desire for that date. She made her excuses and hurried off.
She really liked Chuck. He was a phenomenal coach but she wasn’t attracted to him. It was really too bad because he was such a great guy. She may have to get over herself and go on the date.
“It sounds like you’re going to have a very busy weekend,” she said to Jacob as they drove toward home.
“I know. I can’t wait for the party. Trevor said he was having an ice cream cake,” Jacob said, practically bouncing in his seat.
“Just remember you’re wrestling the next day so if you eat too much junk food you’ll get sick at your meet and throw up all over your opponents.”
“That would be so cool,” he exclaimed. Jasmine shook her head, really not understanding boys sometimes. She realized she had to let some things go.
“Okay, remember I warned you when you’re feeling sick come Saturday morning,” she said with her mom’s knowing grin. Jacob rolled his eyes but remained silent.
They arrived home and she made them both a good dinner and then tossed him a ball in the back yard. She loved when the weather cooperated and she could spend time outdoors with her son. Even though Seattle was a terrific city, sometimes the rain was a bit much.
She needed to save up some funds and take Jacob on a vacation in the winter, to get away from the dark skies. It got to be too much at times and she’d find herself starting to get slightly depressed. That wasn’t fair to Jacob or her.
She tossed the ball with him until they couldn’t see anymore and then finally headed in so he could take a shower and get ready for bed. She was dreading going into the office the next day but she’d do with her head held high.
Chapter Six
Jasmine walked through those doors once again and slowly made her way toward the elevator. She considered taking the stairs, just to delay the inevitable but she didn’t think she’d be able to breathe by the time she hit the twenty-fifth floor.
At least it was Friday. She could make it through one more day. The last couple had been filled with unbelievable sexual tension, for her at least. She didn’t think Derek had thought about their time on his table since he’d pulled up his pants. He barely even looked at her. She was trying to convince herself that was a good thing.
She lectured herself all the way to the top of the building. She could get through one more day. They were down to their last few files and then he’d most likely return to the head office and she could relax.
The bell on the elevator rang, which made her jump. The door’s opened and she walked out like she was on the green mile, walking her final steps to the execution room. She didn’t even bother going into her office. She knew the second she sat down, Derek would buzz her and demand she get to his office.