𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐏𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 |𝟏𝟖+ (#𝟏)

𝚃𝚆𝙴𝙽𝚃𝚈-𝚂𝙸𝚇 |

26
AMBER JACKSON
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Three days is all it takes for your life to go up in flames.

Day One.

It's still Saturday and the private runway paves a clean way to the car I leaned against. Alessandro was more quiet than usual, engrossed in his phone and I allowed him to be taking note that it probably had something to do with his job - either one. "Amberrrr." is the shout I hear before the feeling of arms wrap around my waist and I'm hit with the scent of familiarity. Cinnamon. "Niaaa." I drag out just the same, turning my body in her arms to give her a proper hug. It was odd just how much I missed her, not only because of how much fun we had at work but also just being in her presence.

Her two-week vacation in Italy with Gianni made me envious since I couldn't imagine departing from elements of my life until at least the following six months, when I was almost certain to graduate. "Are we still going clubbing tonight like we planned?" she says, her voice rising in pitch as she leans against the car's body as Gianni and Alessandro's laughter reaches us. "Yeah, Megan got the night off as well, so she should be coming," I say with a nod.

"It seems like I haven't seen you in a long time." With a raised eyebrow and a wicked smile in her eyes, she adds, "How was the gala?" Franco was chatty about trivial matters that didn't require secrecy, so I know he dialed Gianni's number spilling all about the money he lost in that bet. "The gala was fantastic, and the sex was exactly as you'd expect. Immaculate." The driver approaches us and collects her bag before opening the door for both of us. Due to an unanticipated incident that required both Gianni and Sandro's attention, we'd have to leave in different cars.

Slowly approaching both men,  I listen to Nia reminisce about her time in Italy with Gianni, including meeting his nonna and relatives. I could see it was a lot of fun for her, but it was also a significant step forward in their relationship, one that cemented it even more. Hearing her talk about family and how she wants him to meet and see her grandmother, who had returned to Jamaica after retirement, evoked certain emotions that I wouldn't be able to fulfill. Every family I remembered was either dead or estranged, with the first being the most common. My mom died, and the only grandma I knew had kicked the bucket as well; I had no relatives to introduce someone to, and it was a miserable situation for the most part.

I think there was a brief expression of grief that went over my face, visible only to the one person here who knew me well enough to detect my mood swings. Before leaning down to my left ear, his hands wrap around my wrists, drawing me closer. "What's wrong?"

It's not Nia's fault that I didn't have anyone, and it wouldn't be fair to expect her to stop talking about the individuals who helped her grow into the strong woman she is now. "I was just thinking.  It's nothing. Really." I mumble out.  The sorrowful moments were precisely what they appeared to be. Moments. I gave gratitude almost instantly for what I did have. Jade. Forever and ever. "You need to go," I say, raising my head to gaze at him before glancing at my watch. "Your meeting is in forty-five minutes, and it's a thirty-minute trip."

"Don't rush me, woman. Not when you look like that." I grin, appreciating how attentive he was to my minor changes. I didn't want him to be concerned, though. My fingertips make a beeline for his nape, the one region on his neck that is known to make him relax at my command. "How about we talk about it tonight?"

"You mean when you come back drunk as a skunk?" I try to disguise my widening smile by rolling my eyes. He knew me too well. "You know, I'm really talkative when drunk with the right person. You might be able to dig real deep." His eyes twinkle before he shakes his head, his gaze hardening, almost as if he was reminded of something he'd rather forget. "Okay, I'll see you tonight."