Page 13 of Forbidden Spice

She grins and throws me that look again.

“If you say so,” she repeats and shakes her head slowly as she walks toward the counter to retrieve her cell phone.

8

JADEN

“Jaden,” Mom yells to me as I finish toweling off from my shower.

“Be there in a minute.” I quickly dress and check myself in the mirror before heading downstairs. She doesn’t need to know about this bump in the road between Blaire and me. She doesn’t even know I’ve been with a woman so much older than me.

I doubt it’ll bother my mom or dad. But I know Mom will be upset if I fuck up my education. I need to figure out how to be with Blaire and remain her student. I don’t want to transfer to another instructor.

“Hey, Mom. What’s up?” I ask and kiss her cheek.

“Will you be a dear and fix the TV for your dad? He pressed the wrong button again and can’t get it to work.” She smiles at me.

“No problem. It’ll take a second.” I walk into the living room, and my dad is fiddling with the remote.

“Let me help you, Dad.” I sit on the ottoman in front of him and hold my hand out.

“Thanks, son.” He hands me the remote, and I spin toward the TV.

Within seconds, I have his favorite news channel back on for him.

“There you go. Now stop messing with all these other buttons. You only need to press the red one to turn it off and the green one to turn it on.” I hand him the remote. He shrugs.

“I’ll try.” He waves his arm for me to move out of his way. He’ll sit all day long on his days off, watching the same news over and over. I don’t understand how he isn’t bored stiff.

I stand and pat his shoulder as I pass him to go back to the kitchen.

“Is there any coffee left?” I ask my mom.

“Just enough for you.” She grabs a mug and pours me a cup.

“Thanks, Mom.” I take it and sit at the small kitchen table.

Sitting next to me, she pats my hand.

“How’s your college classes going?”

“They’re going great.” I take a drink of my coffee, hoping she doesn’t ask about my culinary class.

“And do you like your culinary instructor?” She dips her head toward me.

“Yeah. She’s cool. And it’s a small class of only eight.” I smile. Standing, I take my mug to the sink and place it there.

“I need to grab my stuff for class from my bedroom.” I kiss my mom’s cheek when I pass her to head upstairs and gather my backpack. I can’t wait to see Blaire again.

Sitting at the metal table beside Bob, we all wait for Blaire to enter the classroom. I check my watch. It’s eight-fifteen. Class starts at eight. I begin to worry she’s asked to be removed from this class.

I stand and walk toward the door. Before I get there, the door opens, and a tired eyed Blaire almost walks into me. Our hands touch as I reach for her, and she puts her hand up.

“I’m sorry.” Our eyes meet and I smile.

“No worries. Everything okay?” I ask.

“Everything is fine. You should take your seat, Jaden. I’m going to begin class in a minute.” She turns and walks toward her desk, dropping her bag on it and sliding into the chair.

---