Cole & Jamie

Chapter 4

 "Oh, we're smiling," Destiny sang, coming to join me by the register. Propping her arms on the counter she asked, "Who are we texting? A drop-dead gorgeous music producer perhaps?"

I rolled my eyes. Ever since Cole made his unexpected appearance he's all they can talk about. I could be making my yearly gyno appointment and they would ask if it's him.

"No, they're pregnant and worrisome." Trish has been nagging me all morning about my plans, or lack thereof, for her baby shower. I've been pretty good at holding her off but she's getting more impatient by the minute. "Trish says hello by the way."

Destiny rests her head in her hands tapping her long acrylics against her brown cheeks. "Are you seeing Cole again tonight?"

"Yes, I am." A burst of excitement sparked in my stomach as I thought about Cole coming to dinner tonight. Mom is still completely in the dark about it. Trish had already spilled the beans that her, Joe, and Michelle were coming. I was just glad that she hadn't mentioned Cole at all.

Melody gathered the cash out of the register, placing it into blue deposit bags. Since Cole and I's impromptu shopping trip I've been giving them more responsibilities around the store. Now that I know that I can leave without the entire building burning to the ground a giant weight has been lifted off my shoulders.

"Do you know what cologne he wears?"

I set my phone on the counter. "No, Destiny, I don't."

"My shirt still smells like him," she exhaled, wistfully. "I still can't believe Cole Walters picked me up."

"Let's not forget it's because you fainted," Melody reminded her.

Destiny glared at her. "We don't need to mention that."

I chuckled. It was funny now, but at that moment I thought I was going to have a heart attack. "It is an important part of the story."

I smoothed my hands down the front of my skirt. The satin material floated against my curves and down to my ankles with a slit leading all the way up to my thigh. I'd paired the sage green skirt with a white off-the-shoulder top. Sunday dinner wasn't usually a formal affair but pictures were bound to be taken tonight and I'd be damned if there would be a bad picture of me on Facebook.

"I wonder if he's seeing anyone."

Melody came back into the room the keys to the safe swinging from her delicate fingers. She'd recently cut her once waist-length hair into a short bob. The shortcut complimented her soft features, making her look even more like a fairy.

"What are we talking about?" she asked, joining us back at the registers.

"Is Cole seeing anyone?"

"No," I replied. At least that's what he told me, and I have no reason not to believe him. His love life isn't really any of my business but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't just a little bit curious.

"I haven't seen anything on any blogs in a while," said Melody. "Well, there was that thing with Bella Ricci."

"Who's Bella Ricci?" Cole told me not to believe a word that was written on any blog or gossip website, but I'm only human and I wanted to know who this girl was.

"Only the biggest supermodel in the world." Destiny tossed her long braids over her shoulder. "I'm surprised you've never heard of her."

"Maybe I have. Show me her picture," I ordered, trying to save face. Keeping up with pop culture is so hard nowadays. There used to be musicians, supermodels, actors, actresses, and a reality star here and there now I feel like people get famous for doing anything. I can't keep up.