A week later I had finally gotten over being angry with Kara. I agreed to have a quick bite to eat with her, but sadly ended up blocking out most of her nonstop talking about Andre. I stared absent-mindedly at my half eaten plate of food, totally lost in the past week's events. Jared and I had reached a milestone in our relationship. I finally expressed my true feelings to him and it has been blissful ever since. Hell, I hadn't slept in my own bed since before that night. We fell into a comfortable routine and I could absolutely see him being, 'the one.'
Yesterday he even picked me up from work because my car was in the shop, and as I made my way down the hallway, toward my boss's office, I could hear Luna giggling loudly. A familiar voice spoke and I stopped short, noticing Jared leaning against the chair at the front of Jacob's desk. He didn't see me, but I had a clear shot of him. I shook my head and listened as he innocently flirted with my boss's wife. He just couldn't help himself, he was so charming and funny, and women of all ages were just drawn to him. Eventually, he noticed me standing there and hurried over to greet me, but not before agreeing to make an appearance at their daughter's sweet sixteen birthday party in a few months. I only caught the end of the conversation, but I wondered why he agreed to do It.
"Uh, hello, earth to Cass. Are you even listening to me?" Kara snapped her fingers in front of my face. Her already high pitched voice somehow seemed extremely annoying today.
"I'm sorry, I was just thinking about Jared leaving in the morning." I sighed, hoping she'd have some sympathy for me and not get mad that I was daydreaming. I was truly happy for my bestie and I could see that look in her eye, the one at the beginning of a relationship when everything is all new and exciting. When you get that warm and fuzzy feeling inside and you can't get enough of each other. It's like you hate being apart for any length of time, and you have to constantly talk about them to your friends.
"Yeah, that sucks Cass. I certainly don't envy you." She then began to go on and on about Andre meeting her parents. It was great because it gave me the opportunity to brag about how my relationship had gotten serious. Kara smiled, but there was something in her expression that told me that no matter how happy I was, she would always be waiting for the other shoe to drop. She never really trusted Jared from day one, and probably never would.
Leaning back, she pushed her plate away and raised an eyebrow. "So, where is Mr. wonderful?" She asked, finally quieting down and allowing me to speak for longer than a few seconds.
"He's at home, packing and getting things ready. He leaves in the morning and will be gone for a few days." I took another bite of my food and sat back in my chair, folding my arms across my chest.
"I'm sorry, I know that can't be easy. You know that you can always come hang out with us. We're going to dinner Friday, all of us, please join us. We miss you. Oh, and I wanted to ask, have you spoken to Eric since you kicked him out?" She pulled her chapstick from her purse and applied it to her lips, avoiding my eyes.
"No, I have no reason to talk to him. Kara, I hope you know that he absolutely deserved to be kicked out."
"Honey, he's got it so bad for you. You do realize that, right?" She drank the last of her glass of water. "He's insanely jealous of Jared."
I laughed sarcastically, "That's hilarious because I was single forever and I waited for him to make a move, but he did nothing until I met Jared. Then he decides that he wants to date me. Sorry, too late." I spoke with anger in my voice. "He's jealous? No Kara, he's an asshole."
She laughed as she picked up her purse, but I wasn't so sure where her loyalty was anymore. "If you say so, I can't be angry with him though, he's always been nice to me. I will say, however, that it was kind of shitty of him to bring that whore to dinner though. Oh, speaking of ..." She snickered. "Did you read her interview?" I couldn't help but smile as Kara rolled her eyes.
"I didn't. I just don't think my stomach could tolerate it." I made a gagging gesture.
"God, it was awful. She just wants attention, but the stupid bitch is going about it all wrong if it's Jared's attention she's attempting to get."
"He wants nothing to do with her." I insisted, hoping she didn't think otherwise.
"That doesn't surprise me. Are you ready?" Nodding, we both put our money on the table and stood up and walked toward the front of the restaurant. "So, Friday night, meet us at six at the Italian restaurant on Sunset. You know, the one Jackson loves so much."
Not ready to commit, I shrugged. "I'll let you know. I need to get back and spend time with Jared before he leaves." She hugged me and I walked to my car, thinking about the awesome night I was going to have with my man, all alone.
I decided to stop at the grocery to pick up something special to make for dessert, but of course grabbed a few things for my apartment while I was out. My plan was to sweeten him up and then have my way with him. Smiling at the thought, I walked through the grocery store, cheeks probably turning embarrassingly red. It's not like anyone could read my mind, but still, something must be wrong with me to be having these thoughts while shopping.
It was almost six when I made it back to the house. Jared was moving furniture around when I walked in. "Hey babe, can you grab the end of this table," he asked, glancing over and noticing the bags in my arm. "Shit, sorry, I didn't realize you had all of that. What is all of that stuff?"
"Just some things I picked up." I mumbled, placing the bags down a chair. "What are you doing?" I rushed over and lifted the edge of the table and moved it over against the wall.
"My brother put together a nice little party tonight. I'm just trying to move some things around to make room." Oh well, there go my plans. He turned to look around the room, realizing it was just us. "How was Kara? No fighting I hope."
I grabbed the bags and carried them to the kitchen, calling out my response. "It was ok and no, there was no fighting. Kara couldn't stop talking about Andre the whole time." I decided not to tell him that I was a little disappointed about having to share him tonight. "What time is this party?"
"Seven, I think."
'Guess I better get myself ready.' I muttered under my breath. Plans change really fast around here, so if you want alone time, you better speak up early. I showered and was busy drying my hair when I heard people already chatting downstairs.
Jared joined me and began changing his clothes, but grabbed my arm just before I exited the room. "Hey! Where do you think you're going?"
"What are you talking about? There's a party going on down there." His arm slid around my waist and his lips brushed against mine as he spoke.
"Baby, that's Shannon's party. We're leaving for the airport soon."
"What are you talking about, I have to work tomorrow? Anyway, I thought you were leaving early tomorrow morning." I was so confused, but he only grinned like the goofball he can sometimes be.
"You want a surprise?" He raised his eyebrows and gave me that amazing smile of his.
"I'm not exactly sure. Is it a good surprise?"
Those baby blues lit up. "The best actually. You're on a paid, mini vacation and coming with me. Emma's taking care of everything and will meet us there. We leave tonight, and yes, I've already packed for you."
"When did you plan this?"
He grinned proudly. "A few days ago. Let's just say that I made a deal. My presence at little Charity's sweet sixteen party in exchange for you to have a nice, paid, mini vacation. How much do you love me?"
"You sneaky little fucker!"
"Does that mean you're pleased with me? I just feel like things have been going so well between us and I definitely think it's time you travel with me."
Wrapping my arms around him, I pressed my lips to his and gave him the softest, most passionate kiss I could. "Thank you." This was a big step to go with him on a business trip. He wasn't going for fun, it was for work, and he wanted me with him. I don't think Katherine herself could've wiped the smile from my face. Now who was overcome with that warm and fuzzy feeling?
