Page 108 of A Journey For Jasmine

“Someday,” Jasmine said and went back to the flowers. “Was there something you needed from me, Ivy?”

“No. I’m on lunch. I just wanted to know how your lunch went.”

“It was fine,” she said.

“Then I’ll leave to get back to work. I’ll be in the back,” Ivy said.

“Younger sister, I’m assuming?” Mrs. Grady said.

“Yes.”

“And she looks up to you. Anyone can see it.”

“I know. I’m trying to be a good example for her.”

“I’m sure you are,” Mrs. Grady said. “As always, that is stunning and those flowers are going home with me tonight. Do you make pretty things like this for your boyfriend? You never said his name?”

“Wesley Wright,” she said. “He just bought the Whitney Marina with his mother and moved here from Tampa.”

“A man that loves his mother. You don’t find too many of them anymore in life,” Mrs. Grady said.

“No,” she said. “You don’t.”

Mrs. Grady’s hand came out and patted hers. “He looks older than you. I’m sure he has some history you are trying to navigate. You’ve always been such a quiet girl. If he is the one you want, then make sure he knows it. That’s the best advice this old woman can give you.”

“You’re not old,” Jasmine said.

“Such a sweet girl too.” Mrs. Grady pulled her wallet out and Jasmine told her a crazy low price for the flowers. She realized she loved the company and the talks more than anything. The three sisters had often done the same thing when they waited on Mrs. Grady.

“Have a nice weekend,” she said when Mrs. Grady walked out.

She finished up what she had to for the day and went home to get some clothes.

She hated that she sort of lied to Wesley and said nothing was wrong. He’d noticed the change in her. Or the distance. Same thing. He didn’t let it go on and asked her. The least she could do was be honest and tell him. But in a restaurant on a short lunch break wasn’t the time for that conversation.

She beat him to his house and had a pizza in her hand for dinner. She’d been crazy hungry lately and her boobs were more tender than before.

She thought it was her period coming and then realized she hadn’t gotten it in longer than normal. When she looked at the calendar and tried to remember the last time, she realized it was a few weeks late.

She didn’t want to panic and told herself it was what she’d said to Wesley. That there were a lot of changes going on in her life.

Between her sister’s visit, then her move. Her other family visiting, even Wesley’s father’s visit. Stress could affect those things.

Now the cravings and tenderness coming on. All signs she’d be getting her period, she was sure. She hoped.

No reason to let Wesley know just yet. He had enough things on his mind and she could handle this without worrying him.

Wesley walked in the door while she was putting her clothes in a drawer. He came over and pulled her into his arms for a kiss and a hug, holding on longer than he usually did.

Yeah, she needed to talk to him about the picture in his drawer by the bed. She knew he loved Noelle. That wasn’t the problem. It was more that it was still so close to where she laid her head at night, as if he was hiding that and she didn’t want that either.

“Can we talk while we eat?”

He sighed. “Sure. I knew something was going on.”

She laughed. “Not bad. I promise.” At least she hoped not.

They sat at the island in the kitchen and each put a piece of pizza on their plates. “What’s going on?”

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