Page 38 of Enough

Chapter Twelve

Desiree found Claudia outside against a Jeep Cherokee. “Can I speak to my sister for a minute, please?” Desiree’s tone was curt and straight to the point.

Jaden removed his arms. “Julian’s getting ready to head overseas for another photo shoot. I’m going to the airport to see him off. Tell me what you need so I can get it for you.”

“I don’t need anything, and you don’t have to come back, Jaden. You’ve done enough. It’s late, you should head home and get some R & R.”

“How about, you let me worry about R & R. It’s you that’s my concern right now.”

Claudia smiled. “Text me first.”

Jaden leaned in laying an ultrasensitive kiss on Claudia’s face, he turned to Desiree and inclined his head. “Have a good night.”

Desiree didn’t respond; instead, she twisted her lips at Claudia.

“What the actual hell, Claudia.”

“Can you wait until he’s out of earshot before you jump down my throat please?”

Desiree inhaled and exhaled deeply, and they moved away watching the men crawl into the Jeep. Jaden and Julian waved, smiled, and winked at the women before pulling out of the parking lot.

“So this is what you’ve been up to,” Desiree said flatly.

Claudia inhaled a deep breath. “Listen, Jaden and I are just friends. Nothing more.”

Desiree smirked. “Does he know that?”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Come on Claudia, Jaden is all over you. I’ve been here all of thirty minutes and I can tell he has the hots for you.” Desiree twisted her lips at the puzzled look on Claudia’s face. “You’re trying to tell me you honestly don’t know?”

“I know he likes me, but I like him, too.”

Desiree scrutinized her sister carefully. “Like, huh?”

Claudia folded her arms.

“Look, I don’t want to jump down your throat all the time. But you’re my kid sister, and I feel like you don’t take life seriously sometimes. It’s time to grow up Claudia. You’re taking care of our mother. Now when do you plan to get your head on straight?”

Claudia’s head fell back, and she shut her eyes tight then reopened them and glared at her sister. “You’re a liar and a hypocrite.”

Desiree was insulted. Her eyes rising in surprise.

“Yes, I said it. Every chance you get to criticize me, you do. I never hear you say, thank you, Claudia for stepping up to take care of our mother. Or, you don’t ever call to check on my well-being, see how I’m handling doing all of this alone. I mean for God’s sake, Desiree. I co-own a business. I’m trying to plan a fundraiser, and yes, I am lonely. All the time. I would love to have a man like Jaden! But I’m not stupid. I know Jaden could never be with a girl like me. His reputation would probably be ruined! But I can enjoy the time I spend with him, can’t I? I can pretend to have some sort of life! Oh no, but as soon as I go and do that something happens, or nothing happens, and I still get criticized!”

Claudia wiped the tears that threatened to fall. “Shit,” she groaned. “I don’t need this from you, Desiree, since you think you’re so perfect. Why don’t you do it yourself?”

“I never said I was perfect,” Desiree retorted.

“Yeah, you don’t have to. Just continue shaming me for everything I don’t get right.” Claudia moved past Desiree marching into the hospital.

“We’re not done!”

“I am!”

“Claudia, let me talk to you!”

But Claudia disappeared into the hospital’s entrance.

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