More Than Love (NG3)

26 - Deal

As Laney ran away from Reed, she wondered if anyone would miss her if she ran out the door and went home. Jazmyn would. Why had she kissed him? Why had it felt like no kiss she had ever had before? Was it because Sasha loved Davis? Every part of her except her brain wanted to fall into his arms and never let go.

Jazmyn ran to meet her and pulled her into the ladies' room. "What happened?"

The tears exploded again. She felt like she might have a heart attack; it hurt so badly. "He kissed me."

"Was it awful? I wouldn't be crying over that man's lips."

She let out a sound of frustration. Someone was going to come looking for a wounded animal. "He doesn't know! She never told him."

"Tell him! Or don't, but don't let him go. She won't hate you if you date her ex stepson. Seriously, that's so far removed."

Laney shook her head. "They are close. He was at her house like it was his. He has his own bedroom."

Jazmyn tried again. "She's not even your mother. You've seen her, what? Two times?"

"Three."

"Fine. Tell me about this kiss."

Laney wanted to smile. "I didn't want it to end."

"Then go out there and dance with him and kiss him, Cinderella. When the clock strikes midnight, you can drive off alone and wait for him to find out the truth. Or even better, just tell him the truth."

"This is so hard. He saw me with his father. I don't know why he didn't see Sasha."

"His father! Why were you with his father?"

She sighed. "Sasha wanted me to meet him. I met Jake's whole family."

"But they aren't even married."

"Yeah, but I think. I'm not sure, but I think there is something going on and I bet it's another secret. I hate secrets which I never had until I sent that letter. This is all Sky's fault."

Jazmyn laughed. At least Jazmyn wouldn't be blamed for once. What should she do?

"I'll tell him. I'll have a few drinks and then my tongue will be loose and..."

"No. No. This has to be my decision."

"Fine. But regardless of how he finds out, will you promise me you will ask your new mommy if you can do the nasty with her ex stepson?"

"I'm not asking her that!"

Jazmyn had already lost all filters. Maybe she never had any. "Why? I think it's pretty clear she's done it a time or two. How did you get here?"

"Stop!"

They weren't her real parents, but she drew the line at thinking about eighteen-year-old Sasha and Jake doing it. She wasn't looking forward to the day Jazmyn met Jake. Her broken filter was bound to embarrass the sweet man.

Jake was sweet. Even during dinner, when he wanted to hate Sasha, he couldn't quite pull it off. Hurt ran deep. It had twenty-six years to set in and her existence lodged it further into impenetrable rock.

"I'm going to ignore him. Enough people have been hurt by my existence. I don't want to hurt more."

Jazmyn shook her head. "You're making a big mistake. I'm going to hit on him then. I'm sure you won't mind since he's your brother."

Laney didn't react. She hardly knew Reed, but he wouldn't go for drunk Jaz. Even if he was Davis's son.

She took her time fixing the smudge under her eyes. She spun a lie for if anyone asked. Weddings are so emotional. I cry at the news. No one would question an artist.