When It's Over

5

Jewel walked around the venue, pen in hand as she examined the ballroom.

She was awaiting her client that had yet to arrive. The man she had yet to meet in person that wanted her to plan his social mixer.

Jewel didn't see the need for her to plan a teenager mixer, most teenagers didn't appreciate the details and decor that went into an event, she knew first hand.

But she would never deny the money entering her pocket, even though she did advise her client via text message otherwise.

Her phone rang in her hand as she looked at the caller I.D. and placed the device to her ear.

"Where are you?"

His question lacked the greeting she had long missed as she responded.

"At a ballroom on the East side from us, waiting on a client."

"The small one that you rarely ever host at?"

Jewel nodded even though her husband could not see her.

"Yeah that one."

"Why?"

Her eyes rolled, his questioning seemed off but Jewel would play along.

"My client wants to host a social mixer for teenagers. Here is affordable and doesn't have anything breakable."

"Okay. Did you carry Mya with you?"

Carlos knew it was rare she'd ever carry Mya with her to a site visit, especially since Summer was in the picture.

"No, she has ballet so Summer would collect her and take her home."

"Okay, well I'd see you at home."

He said as Jewel's lips parted.

"Okay."

As she hung up the phone, she heard the footsteps behind her causing her to turn on her heel.

Her body froze mid turn as the dark brown irises stared straight at her.

She was stunned, but not surprised. It was just like him to do something like this.

She took a moment to appreciate the man walking towards her. The man she'd met twenty one years ago to the man now was different.

He'd grown in muscle, his honey toned skin glistened under the lighting of the room as he passed his fingers over his beard.

Even though the changes weren't big, the way the hairs on her arms rose, Jewel knew even after all those years, he still had the same effect on her. From twenty one years ago and even when he'd graced her life with his presence eight years ago.

Her arms folded across her chest.

"I should have known when the man said he was making the appointment on behalf of his boss that you would pull a stunt like this."

He ignored her remark as he wrapped his arms around her waist, his lips pressed against her cheek, causing her fingers to tremble as she pulled away.

"It's not like I was given a chance to talk to you on Saturday or yesterday. And I was going to ask you yesterday to your face and I saw Jeston's facial expression and knew I couldn't."

Jewel remembered the numerous interruptions they'd had.

"It still isn't a good enough excuse."

She countered.

"Would you have met me any other way?"

His eyes posed the question he already knew the answer too.

Her silence caused his head to shake.