Love Me Again Read online

  “Thank you for being so thoughtful, Kane.”

  “I am so happy you both came.”

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Jade finally made it home from what seemed like the longest shopping trip ever with Jasmine. Although they had a blast, she was still happy to get back home. Driving three hours to get the perfect dress and then dealing with the Dallas traffic was enough to make anyone’s head swim.

  Fortunately, they both found dresses, shoes, and accessories that were sure to turn a couple heads or more. Dad Jasper had given them both twenty-five-hundred dollars to get what they needed. Of course, Jade felt like that was entirely too much money, but Jasmine was definitely in her element.

  Jade had gone straight to the clearance rack, but not Jasmine. That girl had such expensive tastes. However, when Jade found both herself and Jasmine the perfect dresses from the clearance rack, she was grateful. Especially, after she’d tried on four of the most expensive dresses and neither fit like she wanted them to fit.

  What would have been their most expensive purchase turned out to be the least expensive. Jade’s after-five gown was gold and came up to the neckline with nine points bell sleeves but a low back that hit right above her buttocks. The slit split came up her right thigh and the dress fit her like it was designed just for her.

  Jasmine’s dress was a fitted sexy gold mermaid sequins gown with a sheer see-thru—but body-toned underlay—and a deep v-neck that came almost to her belly button. It had tassels on the sleeves and a small floor length train and fit her hips like a glove on the hand. The only underwear she’d be able to wear was a pair of skin-toned stockings.

  One thing was for sure, the girls in gold would definitely do what they came to do.

  They’d stopped in four different stores before they both found the perfect shoes to match their dress. Jade needed something that strapped up the leg to accent that huge split, and Jasmine just needed a simple shoe because the sequins in her dress already had her lit up like a diamond bracelet.

  And as it was meant to be, they both found the perfect pair of shoes at the fourth store. Jade found a gold sandal that laced all the way up to her knee. The perfect accent for the perfect split. Jasmine’s was a cute gold sandal with an ankle strap. With both their dresses and their shoes, they each had only spent a thousand of their dollars.

  After one last stop at an accessory shop, where they both found a small clutch and the perfect costume jewelry to match their selections, the girls were event-ready and both were going home with over a thousand dollars.

  Jade contemplated asking Jasmine to spend the night, but the Spirit wouldn’t allow her to ask. Maybe, she needed one on one time with God. She’d been so busy the last few days preparing for the weekend until she didn’t even remember if she’d taken the time to read her Bible or to seriously pray.

  To Jade, a wham, bam, thank you God wasn’t a real prayer. It was an open petition that you brought before the throne to be answered expeditiously. Nonetheless, serious prayer was thanksgiving, then petitions, vows of forgiveness, ending in exaltation. But whether one did a wham-bam or serious prayer, some sort of communication must be done.

  Jade gathered her nighttime belongings, went into the restroom, but decided before she turned on the water, to have a moment of reflection and recollection.

  She reflected on all the wonderful things that happened on their trip. How she and Jasmine were able to talk about what they wanted in a man and how they wanted their families to be just like the one Jasmine had. They reflected on the generosity of Mr. Booth and how he’d blessed both of them and had actually given them more than what they needed. Then her mind traveled to how excited Jasper had been to take her to their senior prom. She also recalled the fact that she would be dateless on Friday night, but instantly remembered that God was more than able to turn things completely around.

  After she got out of the tub, put her nightgown on, made herself a cup of coffee and a sandwich, and went to the den. Jade pulled her blanket from the back of the sofa and turned on a movie.

  About ten minutes into the movie, she heard the doorbell ring. Who could it be? Jasmine picked up the remote, paused the movie, and walked towards the door.

  “Who is it?” she called out, but heard no response.

  She could see the silhouette of a man, but she wasn’t opening that door unless he said his name.

  “I said who is it?”

  “It’s me, Jasper.”

  She quickly snatched the ponytail holder from her hair and shook her head, hoping her hair would fall perfectly into place. Then opened the door.

  “Hello, Jasper, come in.” She moved to the side so he could enter and closed the door behind them both, making sure to lock it.

  “I was watching a movie. Come on in the den.”

  Jasper followed her without saying one word. His mind was all over the place. As a matter of fact, he didn’t even know why he came. Well, he did. But should he have?

  His thoughts were interrupted.

  “Jasper, would you like to come in?”

  “Yes,” he walked into the foyer, but not far from the door.

  “Hold on,” she said, walking into the kitchen, giving him time to compose himself. His talk with God exposed his own selfishness, but he could never allow pride to keep him from doing what he knew to do was best.

  He and Jade had never gone to bed angry—until the other night. He surely wasn’t in the habit of making horrible things repetitive. So, he would not dare let another night of sleeplessness hit his house because he wouldn’t apologize. And to be honest, he was the one who should have apologized.

  She came to his office waving the white flag, and he poured red blood all over it. One thing was for sure by the way the Lord quickly reprimanded him, she was covered in His blood. She’d come to pull down the stronghold that stood between them, and he was hell-bent on keeping it right where it was.

  But as with anything else, when God’s weaponry is used, it proves itself as not carnal and breaks, tears, splits apart and pulls down every stronghold. And he was certain that’s exactly what happened in this case.

  By the time she made it back with his drink, tears were running down his face.

  “What’s the matter, Jasper?”

  “Jade, I’m so sorry for treating you the way I did. I just wanted you to feel the rejection that I felt from you when you left. I had no right to treat or talk to you in the manner that I did. Will you ever forgive me?”

  “Jasper, I forgive you. I understand, and I apologize for doing things the way I did. My grandmother used to always say, ‘It ain’t what you do, it’s how you do it.’ And I realized that I didn’t do things the way I should have. If I would have just told you what was going on with me, things would have been much easier for both of us.”

  “Thank you Jade,” he said, turning towards the door. “Goodnight.”

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Veronica purchased two dresses from her boss’s sister-in-law, who was an awesome designer of all things beautiful. The gowns were delivered to the office and she couldn’t wait to get to the loft to try them on. One was a beautiful champagne, off-the-shoulder, long sleeved sequin v-neck with a mermaid's bottom. It was the one she really hoped would fit.

  Then there was a burgundy sheer lace short dress with a long sleeve overskirt satin wrap. It was definitely what Veronica considered sexy-chic. The bottom was enough to drive a man insane, but the overskirt said, I’m too dignified to let you see too much. The perfect combination.

  She tried on the burgundy dress first and although it fit her perfect, she was still sold on the first dress. When she tried on the champagne gown, she cried. Not only did it fit her flawlessly, but the look was also impeccable. She took two selfies and sent both to her mother who immediately texted back, “the champagne gown!”

  She and her mother were on one accord and what was even more ironic, Veronica had just purchased a pair of champagne sandaled stilettos over a month ago. The shoe
s just happened to be marked down from their original three-hundred-twenty-five-dollars tag to only ninety-five dollars. After taxes, one-hundred-twelve dollars was all she paid for the breathtaking shoes.

  Only a shoe girl would understand her euphoria.

  After getting her mother’s approval, she slung her body across the bed and began kicking her feet in pure excitement. Not only was she going to be a princess, but she would also be escorted by a handsome prince. More than enough to warrant such girl-like behavior.

  The cell phone rang interrupting her from her joyous celebration.

  “Hello,” she answered, sounding out of breath.

  “Lady, what are you doing?”

  “I would be so embarrassed to tell you, but I will say this, I have the most impeccable gown and the shoes to match it were already in my closet.”

  “I can just imagine how you were on that bed screaming and kicking your legs up and down.”

  “Kane, how did you know?” She giggled.

  “Lady, I have a mother, a sister, and a sister-in-love who was always at our house. I know exactly how y’all act when that outfit is on point.”

  Veronica’s giggle turned into a full-throttle laugh that Kane couldn’t help but join in.

  “I can’t wait to see you in that dress,” he said finally breaking the laughter.

  “I can’t wait for you to see me.” She blushed.

  “Do you have everything you need?”

  “I certainly do. The only thing I’m missing is not a thing, but a person.”

  “Oh, let me guess…your mother.”

  “I don’t know how you know, but yes.”

  “How many times am I going to tell you that I have sisters?”

  “I know, but some men have sisters, but they still aren’t in tune to what went on.”

  “But I am. So never forget it. I also know that your mom would love to be with you, but you’re going to have to wean this one out like a big girl.”

  “I know, right. Well, at least Jade invited me to get dressed at her house with her and Jasmine.”

  “That was nice of her.”

  “I thought so. And we are having a Thursday night pajama party to top it off.”

  “I might need to raid the party.”

  “No sir, you will not.”

  “Okay, so you were supposed to be riding with your date to the event.”

  “I know, sweetheart, but I thought I’d ride with the girls and give you the same element of surprise that your dad and J.J. are getting.”

  “Wait, you mean Mom’s getting dressed with you all too.”

  “Yep.”

  “How did Dad ever agree to that?”

  “He said she promised him a real treat after the event.”

  “That figures. Enough about them.”

  “Don’t be embarrassed. I want to be the same way with my husband when the children are long gone.”

  “We will be, I promise.”

  “We,” she said, catching his statement right away.

  “That’s what I said, and I didn’t even stutter.”

  “Well, then, you better get busy.”

  “Trust me, I’ve already started. Now, goodnight.”

  “Goodnight,” she answered and hung up the phone.

  Veronica resumed the position but this time, she held onto her pillow and thanked the Lord she was finally doing what women her age did: be in a relationship. They had already made it official, and this was the first night they’d spent apart since the night she knocked at his door.

  The only thing different, they made sure to go home before they fell asleep.

  With each day and each meal, Veronica was beginning to see why Kane was so special. She already admitted to herself that she had fallen in love, but she refused to tell him until she knew for sure he loved her.

  She looked around to see the time on the clock hanging on the wall. It was too late to call her mom but she surely wanted to. Instead, she called Jade.

  “Were you asleep?”

  “Girl, no. I was sitting here trying to figure out if I should call Jasmine or you. Guess who just left.”

  “Jasper?”

  “Yes. He came to apologize. Didn't go further than the front door. And left right after he said his piece.”

  “Wow. How do you feel?”

  “I’m like thanking the Lord. At least he thought enough to come by and apologize. I miss him so much, Veronica.”

  “It’s going to be alright, Jade. I promise. I feel it in my heart, and both Kane and I have been praying for you guys.”

  “That means so much, Vee. What was on your mind?”

  She didn’t want to gloat, so she decided to come up with something other than the reason she’d called. “I just wanted to say thank you for allowing me to come over tomorrow.”

  “Girl, you don’t have to thank me. We, both Jasmine and I love you. Mom too. So, we are going to have a blast.”

  “I sort of wished I would have come tonight. It gets so lonely in the loft when Kane is at his place.”

  “I understand. If you’re not afraid to drive this late, pack your stuff and come on. As a matter of fact, why don’t you call Kane and have him drive you over.”

  “You think he will?”

  “Girl, that guy will jump at the chance just to see you.”

  “Okay, I will call you when I make it there.”

  “Kane, would you come to drive me to Jade’s house.”

  “Is she okay?”

  “Yes, we both just need company. Do you mind?”

  “Get your things together. I’m putting on my pants.”

  “Thanks, Kane. I’ll be ready when you knock.”

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Jasmine picked up her pre-packed bag, threw a bottle of Marc Jacob’s Daisy in her purse, and grabbed her keys. She was sitting in the house wishing she had somewhere to go when Jade called. From the sounds of things, their slumber party was starting a day early and she was game for whatever.

  It wasn’t like she had a boyfriend or anything. Her last year's college beau had left her for someone who was ready for all the things he wanted. Jasmine knew she’d have never been ready if it meant she wasn’t married. Not that she was perfect or anything like that, but she’d seen too many of her cousins raising babies alone.

  Wasn’t the type of storm she was willing to pay for.

  And far too often had she seen too many partakers of the delightful sin of sex left with the evidence of broken condoms and unscheduled birth control. So, the only thing that could be trusted in her book was abstinence.

  Although, nights like tonight, she wished she had someone to converse with about something other than her brothers. As soon as she started to feel left out, God always sent a ram and tonight it was Jade and Veronica. However, she was sure that one of her brothers would wheeze right into the conversation, but oh well, anything beat being home alone.

  Jasmine turned off the lights, set the alarm, and said goodbye to her cozy condo. It had been everything she’d dreamt of when her mother and father gifted it to her, but lately, it was lonely and a bit much.

  Her father used to keep the lawn done, now she had to call the yardman herself and that, too, was beginning to be nerve-racking. Not that she was too lady-ish to do it, she just usually forgot to do it. Then, like normal, talk herself out of the two-hundred-fifty dollar neighborhood penalty fee. Thank God for the gift of gab, she thought as she looked at the lawn and made a mental note to call the lawn service tomorrow.

  Jasmine unlocked the car and slid into the front seat. Then she pushed the button to turn on the radio and told Siri to turn the dial to XM-64. “Cycles” by Johnathan McReynolds filled the car, which happened to be one of her favorite songs. Life had taken her through plenty of those, but she’d learned how to win by remembering all things worked together for her good and by getting the lessons she was meant to get.

  She jammed and sang along, waving her hand in the air every now and again. />
  One thing it was time to break was her parents’ decision for her to stay in Louisiana. Sure, it had been her birthplace and where she’d been raised, but it was all she knew. There were forty-nine other states, and she wanted to live in more than just one of them.

  By the time she’d made it to Jade’s, her face was wet with tears. It had sparked so much contention amongst her family when she’d wanted to go live with Jade, but after all the fuss, she stayed put and went to work for her father’s company. She earned her position as the lead mortgage broker, but it wasn’t fun anymore. Her MBA secured her a wonderful lifestyle, but with all the money she had saved, being off for four to five years wouldn’t put a dent in her account.

  Jasmine parked her car, then went inside her armrest and took out a pack of baby wipes. She cleaned her face and decided to put on her happy face. She wouldn’t dare alter the mood with her broken spirit. Something was going to give, and all she needed to do was wait on God.

  He’d send her in the right direction and when He did, she was going to follow Him no matter what.

  Whether her mother or father approved would be entirely their problem—not hers.

  Jasmine gathered her things, and as if timed, Kane pulled up right behind her.

  “Hey, big brother,” she said, exiting her car with her hands full.

  “Let me carry that, sis.” Kane relieved her of some of the baggage.

  “Hey, Vee.” She went over to Veronica and they hugged.

  “Y’all are a mess,” Kane said, just as Jade opened the door.

  “Hey, sissies,” Jade spoke.

  “Hey,” both Jasmine and Veronica spoke in unison.

  “Where can I put all this stuff, Jade?” Kane asked, holding the dress bags and suitcase out in front of him.

  “Take it right in there to the guest room.”

  “Alright,” Kane answered, turning to go down the hall by the foyer.

  “I’m so happy you both were able to come.”

  “Jade, I’m excited that you and Jasmine have included me.”

  “Girl, you already know you are one of the Booth/Jackson clan now,” Jasmine answered, rolling her eyes at Veronica.