Page 42 of Rewind

Jasmine slowly put the menu down and gave Amina a narrow-eyed stare. “You’re being very nice and I’ve learned that nothing in life comes for free.”

Amina leaned forward and folded her hands together. “You’re right. Nothing is free which is why you came. You get the rest of your money right?” Something told her that Jasmine wasn’t the kind of person of person one would beat around the bush with.

“You’re right. The money deposited in my account made it worth my while to see what you want. I was surprised to hear from a detective agency. I didn’t know what was going on because the guy wouldn’t reveal who his client was. But when Iwalked in and saw you sitting here, I nearly turned around and left.”

Amina furrowed her brows. “Why? We’ve never met.”

The waitress chose that moment to reappear with Jasmine’s drink. “Are you ladies ready to order?”

“Yes!” Jasmine answered with an enthusiasm she’d lacked with Amina. She grabbed her drink and took a big sip. “Mmm that’s perfect. Amina, you can go ahead and order first.”

“Um, I’ll have the Caesar Salad with the seared steak.”

“How would you like that steak cooked?”

“Medium please.”

“You got it. How about you, ma’am?” The waitress turned to Jasmine who was now studying the menu.

“Can I start off with the fried pickles and an order of the chili Thai wings? And for my entrée, I’d like the bacon cheeseburger with a side of sweet potato fries instead of the regular ones.”

“That’s an upcharge. Will that be okay?”

Jasmine raised her head from the menu and stared at Amina with a raised brow.

Amina nodded wondering how much food Jasmine planned on ordering.

“Yes, that’s fine,” Jasmine responded to the waitress. “Also can I get a side of onion rings with that? Oh, plus a side of ranch. In addition to that, I’d like the chicken and shrimp Alfredo in a to-go box. And the chocolate chip blondie boxed as well. I see that comes with ice cream so you don’t have to bring that out until I’m ready to leave so it doesn’t melt.”

Amina wasn’t sure whether to be pissed or impressed. The woman was clearly taking advantage of the situation but it wasn’t like Amina was in a position to say anything. She needed Jasmin’s help.

The waitress finished writing everything down before repeating the order. “Do I have everything?”

Jasmine smiled. “We’ll let you know. Gotta keep baby happy.” She gave her stomach an affectionate rub.

When they were alone again Jasmine’s smile dropped. “You did say that I could order whatever I wanted.”

“I did indeed. Now would you mind telling me how you know me?”

“You’re with Pastor Caldwell’s son. I’ve seen you around a few times. I’ve attended Christ’s Home Baptist for a couple years, until recently. Let me guess, the family sent you as a representative to get me to back off. Mrs. Caldwell already confronted me the last time I showed up at church. She told me she’d have me trespassed, if I return. What now? Am I not allowed to be on the same planet as her?”

There was no shortage of vitriol in Jasmine’s words.

Amina fully understood why the other woman was hostile, because it took two people to have an affair. And to be fair, Pastor Caldwell was more at fault because of the power dynamics involved.

“So, you admit to carrying Pastor Caldwell’s baby?” Amina asked just so she could have verbal confirmation.

Jasmine pursed her lips and narrowed her eyes. “Contrary to popular opinion, I’m not the slut everyone thinks I am. Otis—I mean Pastor Caldwell is the only man I’ve been with and I’d swear to that over a stack of bibles.”

“Jasmine, I believe you. I wouldn’t be here otherwise. I understand how suspicious it seems that I’ve set up a meeting with you, but I’m not here to warn you off. We contacted you because I need your help.”

Jasmine placed her hand against her chest. “You needmyhelp? What could I possibly do for you?”

“Well, I’m having an engagement party this Saturday and I’d like to invite you.”

The other woman slowly picked up her glass and took a long sip. “Why would you invite me to something like that? You don’t even know me. Please don’t tell me you’re one of those kumbaya type people who wants to unite all the family. The Caldwell’s have made it perfectly clear that I’m not welcome anywhere near them and that this baby won’t be acknowledged even though Otis is still trying to have sex with me.”

Jasmine’s eyes welled with tears. It was clear the young lady was suffering despite the brave act she’d put on.

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