Jase (16 page)

“She
scheduled that for Saturday morning, she wants to get started right away,” Abe was freaking, which was not like him.

“I will call Dom and get him back her
e, it’ll be fine. Sleep for a couple hours. We got people now Abe, we got this.”

I hated air
planes. T
hey sucked, life sucks. I really wish Thomas was with me, but I know a lot needed to be done. I couldn’t believe how quickly we packed up a house that I lived at for so long and I couldn’t believe how much we gave away. I know I kept more than I should have, not my things, but Mom’s.

Three different blankets, why blankets? It took me forever to figure that out. The one that hung on the back of the couch, the deep red
afghan that Mom and I snuggled under while we watched the vampire series every day for a month straight. We had read the books first (of course), but to watch the movie bring it to life was amazing. I hated that girl who sat by the window and cried. I thought she should get over it but Mom had told me that
the heart wants what the heart wants
, and I never understood that until over a year ago.

The purple velour blanket that sat folded on the end of her bed, we had laid and read side by side for hours covered in that thing. Thomas pointed out the holes and said I should throw it out but I wouldn’t. And last but not least the smaller army green wool one that Mom often stood wrapped in,
on the back porch over-looking our garden on chilly spring mornings. She always got up before me and I joined her after watching her stand and admire our garden in peace. She would lift it and drape it over my shoulder and wrap her arm around me, kiss my head, and tell me good morning. For me those three blankets were as close as I would ever get to receiving a hug from Mom. They were her embrace now, and I would treasure them always.

I woke when the plane touched down and folded up that army green blanket and sh
oved it in my carry on. I didn’t check a bag. Thomas had all of it in the moving truck he insisted on driving in, across country. DeLuca had set up the condo they were providing for me with everything I needed, it was amazing that they had taken interest in our project, and that everything Thomas and I had requested was approved. Even things like housing were provided, not just for Thomas, but for me as well. My mother would be so happy for the both of us. She gave us two days to grieve and forever to celebrate, and we were trying to honor her request.

I saw Abe holding up a sign with my name on it and I smiled. I truly felt bad that I had avoided him since that summer that seemed like it was a
lifetime ago now. But I wouldn’t anymore.

He
extended his arms and I dove into them, he laughed, hugged me, and leaned back, “I’m so sorry Carly.”

“I am too, but my t
wo days are up, no more crying. Now I have to celebrate her life, strict orders from the grave,” I smiled.

“You don’t have to be strong around me.”

“Yes I do, come on I want to see my new pad. You have time?”

“
Only thing I have planned is to take you out for drinks, I missed your twenty first birthday.”

“Oh wow, yeah that was…” It never even registered but
three days after Mom died was my birthday.

“I know. Let’s get going.”

We walked outside and there was a black Limo, “Mr. O’Donnell.”

The man tipped his hat and opened the door, I g
ot in and sat and Abe followed. “Mr. O’Donnell? What the hell is that all about?”

“Well I have just been given a great opportunity with the same company that hired you
,” he smiled, “Unbelievable opportunity.”

“Spill it Abe,” I smiled back.

“CFO of DeLuca US,” Abe laughed out loud.

“No way! The same company as I’
m here for?”

“Pretty cool
, isn’t it?”

“So
you’re like my boss?”

“No
, your bosses, bosses, boss,” Abe laughed.

“Who the hell did you have to blow?”

Abe laughed out loud and hard, “I’ll never tell.”

“Well at least I d
idn’t have to do that to get in. I’m riding the coat tails of my professor, sweet huh?”

“I’
m sure you’re a hard worker, if not—I’ll fire your ass. Speaking of, there’s a big party tomorrow to introduce me as CFO, would you be my date?”

“I’
m sure you can find someone, Abe.”

“Not that I’
ll have fun with and who won’t be pissed that I am busy talking to everyone. Please Carly, please?” Abe begged.

“Fine, yes. I’
ll have to go shopping, which I hate-- so you better appreciate it, pal.”

We pulled up in front of the condo and I looked out the window, “This is it?”

“Yeah-- sweet digs, huh?”

“I would say so,” it only took me half a second to jump out and run to the door. I rummaged through my b
ag and pulled out the key. I opened the door and I was shocked. Wood and black iron, very beautiful, and very well furnished. “Did you get a place in your employment package as well?”

“Nope
, did you and the Professor?”

“Yeah, I hope he’
s right next door, I would go insane if I didn’t see him every day.”

“Why is that?”

“He lived with us,” I could not stop walking around the kitchen, it was amazing. I walked into the living room and saw a few sculpted pieces that were beautiful. I touched them and closed my eyes. It felt good here, not cold, and I was going to like it. Mom would have loved it. I pulled the blanket out of my bag and hung it on the back of the oversized leather recliner, it was perfect.

“Alright I’
m starving, let’s go out,” Abe was in a hurry, but I get it, he was hungry. I wasn’t but I would love a legal drink at a bar.

“Sounds good,” I looked back at my new home and smiled, it would be perfect.

Abe and I sat at the back of the pub slash restaurant and ate. I had vegetable soup and he had steak,
poor cow
. He and I both drank three drinks and I was already feeling a case of the tipsy. Perfect. I would sleep well tonight. I looked up, and gasped.

“What the hell is he doing here?” I snapped at Abe.

He looked at me like I had lost my mind, “Carly, he’s my friend. What…”

Jase looked at me quickly and looked away.

“You didn’t tell me you were bringing a friend.”

Jase took his jacket off and set it over the back of the bar stool, he pushed his sleeves up and sat down, leaving on a wool cap.

Jase didn’t even look at me… the prick didn’t even look at me. Not like he should have remembered me for God sake
… what was I thinking it had been almost a year since we had seen each other and I am very sure he had been very busy.
I need to get the hell out of here and fast
.

Jase smiled at the waitre
ss and I swear to God she moaned, she freaking moaned. “Could we get a round please, I will have a beer.”

“Your usual?” she asked sticking her tits out as she drooled over him.

“Please,” he smiled and sat back, he finally looked at me, “Carly…”

The way he said my name made
me want to slap him in the face. He was being sweet… sexy even and I wanted to slap him in the smug face when he gave me that stupid smile, that smile that said,
I could have fucked you and didn’t.

“Carly,” Abe whispered.

“What?” I snapped at him.

“Jase was talking to you,” Abe laughed uncomfortably.

“Sorry, hi, Jase was it?” I asked trying to come off as cool, calm and collected.

“Yes
, Carly,” he smiled and blew into his hands rubbing them together trying to warm them.

The waitress brought the drinks and set them on the table and she stuck her tits in his face, I bet they were fake. I looked just to make sure. I probably shouldn’t have because I saw Abe and Jase smirking at each other, “What?” I asked as I tossed back the Vodka and cranberry like I was a seasoned professional drinker. Abe laughed, “They looked fake,” I said loud enough that th
e waitress turned back and glared at me.

Jase laughed, “How’
ve you been Carly?”

“Fine, and you…Jase was it?” I asked and finished my drink.

“It was and it still is,” he smiled took a drink and looked up at me through those damn eyelashes: those dark, thick eyelashes that framed the most beautiful brown eyes I had ever looked into.

“And I se
e you’re still a… very charming. Like Prince Charming, probably charming the pants off…” I knew I needed to shut up but it wouldn’t stop.

“Carly,” Abe grabbed my hand, “Maybe you should slow down.”

I looked at him confused and in typical stupid drunk girl fashion I felt a lump in my throat, “Sorry, I’m really not good company. Abe, I’m going to take a cab,” I stood up and grabbed my coat.

“You’re flying to California to
night?” Jase asked as if he really gave a fuck.

“Deceiving eyes, you man whore,” wow the words came out of
my
mouth, I knew it by the look in both of their eyes, I had not meant it to happen.

“Reformed man whore Carly,” he winked.

“Jesus Carly, what the hell has gotten into you?” Abe grabbed his coat and put it on.

“Oh no, you stay, that girl has been eyeballing you all nig
ht, stay and have fun with that.” I ran, okay… walked fast out of the bar and was hit in the face with freezing cold winter air and I shook uncontrollably as I tried in vain to hail a cab.

I swear I was re
ady to jump on a cab when one of those bastards hit a puddle and soaked me. I heard a familiar laugh from behind me and turned and saw Jase smirking, “Let me give you a ride.”

“No thank you,” I wiped the slushy, freezing cold wetness from my face and stepped towards the road. I leaned out further trying to catch the attention of one of those yellow bastards and I slipped.

“Okay Carly you’re drunk. We’re giving you a ride home,” Abe grabbed my hand and dragged me towards a black SUV. He opened the door and helped me into the passenger side of the vehicle.

“She staying with you Abe?” Jase asked starting the car.

“Nope, you can drop me off first,” Abe shut his door, “Damn, I’m exhausted.”

“Where are you staying Carly?” I swear Jase purred my name.

Abe rattled off the address and Jase laughed. I looked at him prepared to say something really, really…not nice and he glanced at me and smiled a very sweet smile, fucking dimple winked, chocolate brown, gold speckled eyes shined, and then the stupid white teeth sparkled. To top it off I then felt…damn, stupid conspirator nipples!

I needed to get the hell out of here, “Abe I …” Abe smiled and got o
ut of the vehicle and waved, “goodnight?”

Jase put his hand on the back of the headrest and turned to look as he backed out o
f the driveway onto the street. He was beautiful, still beautiful I watched him until I heard squealing tires and a honk.

“Shit,” Jase put the SUV in drive and peeled out gripping the steering wheel until his knuckles were white.

I could feel my face turning red and looked away, out the window
, stay focused
damn it!

I must have fallen asleep
because when I opened my eyes, Jase was parked in front of my condo.

“Are you
alright Carly?” he purred.

I closed my eyes again,
I needed to say something like:
Thanks for the ride, yes I am fine
, but my head was throbbing, my stomach was in knots, and the man I had dreams about for the past year and a half was sitting next to me.

“Carly?” he whispered.

“Thank you, thanks for the ride. I’m loaded,” I opened the door and bolted to my door.

I reached to my side for my purse and it wasn’t there, “You forgot something
, Carly.”

I turned and Jase was inches from me. I stepped back quickly and slipped falling on my ass on the hard ice covered concrete step.

“Ouch,” it hurt like hell and I swear I bruised my tailbone and I tried to stand and slipped again.

Jase caught me by the elbow, “You okay Carly?”

“No…no damn it,” I whined, rubbing my ass, “It hurts like hell.”

He bit his cheek trying not to laugh, “Need some help?”

“Seriously Jase, you pig. I really don’t need you to rub my ass thank you,” I snapped.

Jase grabbed me and lifted me, “Carly, I
get that you’re angry with me, okay? I wasn’t offering to rub your ass, but speaking of asses-- you are a giant pain in mine.”

Jase ruffled through my purse to find my keys and grabbed them reaching around me he unlocked the door. He picked me up and carried me through the door and set me down.

I’m sure it was the alcohol, and exhaustion and grief that caused me to start crying, but it was still embarrassing.

“Carly, is it that bad?” he walked behind me, “Where right here?”

He rubbed my lower back and started lifting the back of my shirt.