Page 33 of Five Goodbyes

“And you had your own fair share of knuckleheaded moments as a young man,” Amy adds.

Her timing couldn’t be more perfect, and everyone relaxes. Even a few chuckles can be heard. It’s exactly what everyone needs. I slide next to Jasmine, wrap my arm around her waist, and pull her into me while Lucas takes a couple of steps across the room and bear hugs his son.

“Not too shabby Mr. Sparks,” Jasmine whispers.

“I do what I do,” I whisper back, with a wink.

One problem solved . . . a million to go.

Chapter Eleven

I step into Jasmine's condo, the sweet aroma of her vanilla candles sitting on the back of my nose. I mirror her action and kick my shoes off and instantly feel the plush carpet beneath my feet. This definitely isn’t the same as my apartment.

Closing the door behind me, I’m enveloped in a sense of contentment and joy, remnants of the magical evening we just experienced. The air carries the lingering flavor of a delicious dinner, a tantalizing mix of aromatic spices and savory delights. It sets the perfect backdrop for the night that lies ahead, promising laughter and love to fill the space.

Jasmine leads me into the inviting living room, her radiant smile constant on her face tonight. The dim lighting casts a soft, golden glow, casting gentle shadows that dance upon the walls. A sense of coziness permeates the space, inviting me to sink into the plush couch that stands in the center, its soft fabric beckoning me to surrender to its embrace.

Lucas and Amy follow me in and sit adjacent to each other on the couch, their faces alight with affection and a shared sense of joy. Lucas possesses a rugged handsomeness, his salt-and-pepper hair adding a touch of distinguished charm. I don’t know why it never stood out to me before, but I admire the way he carries himself.

Amy exudes a warm elegance, her nurturing spirit evident in her gentle smile pointed at Jazzy and me. They radiate love, their connection evident in the way they look at each other, a testament to the enduring strength of their bond.

Isaiah perches on the armrest of the couch, a twinkle of amusement dancing in his eyes. I don’t even want to know what he’s thinking. Isaiah's presence adds a sense of lightness to the room, an anticipation of the laughter that’s sure to come.

As I settle down beside Jasmine, her proximity fills me with a warmth that goes beyond the physical. Her very essence radiates love, her eyes sparkle with anticipation. I feel her energy intertwining with mine, creating an invisible thread that binds us together.

Her voice, pleasant and filled with curiosity, breaks the silence. “Tell me about the time you took your mom to dinner,” she requests, her eyes shining with genuine interest.

A wave of nostalgia washes over me as the memory from the depths of my mind quickly rises to the top.

“Well, when I was a young boy, I wanted to do something special for my mom. So, I surprised her with dinner at her favorite restaurant. We dressed up. My mom had a very pretty dress. I had some kind of mismatched slacks and coat that was too big and scratchy.” Jasmine leans forward, intent to not miss a word.

A smile tugs at the corners of my lips as I continue the tale, relishing the opportunity to share. It surprises me that I haven’t shared it with her before tonight.

“Excitement bubbled in us as we arrived at the restaurant. The air was filled with anticipation, as if the world knew something magical was about to unfold. We were led to a cozy corner table, adorned with crisp white linen and delicate flowers. As we settled into our seats, the waiter approached, his eyes knowing something I didn’t. Unbeknownst to us, he’d planned a surprise that would forever etch this night into our memories.” Jasmine's curiosity intensifies, her gaze fixed on me, hanging on my every word.

“He arrived at our table, carrying a silver platter with two domed covers. With a flourish, he lifted the first cover, revealing a swarm of colorful confetti that burst forth, showering the table and our heads. We were momentarily startled, frozen in surprise, but it quickly gave way to infectious laughter that bubbled up from the depths of our souls. The confetti danced and twirled in the air, like tiny flecks raining down on us. We realized that this unexpected gesture was meant to be a lighthearted twist, a playful interruption of our evening, and it succeeded in the most spectacular way.”

Jasmine's laughter fills the room. Her eyes sparkle with delight as she envisions the scene unfolding before her. “Oh, Hunter, I can only imagine the looks on your faces! How did you and your mom react?”

Grinning, I recall the scene vividly. “At first, we were taken aback, our eyes widening in surprise. But then, as the confetti settled on our shoulders and in our hair, we couldn't help but burst into laughter. It was a release of joy, a realization that life is filled with unexpected moments of pure magic. We joined in the merriment, grabbing handfuls of confetti and tossing them at each other, creating a colorful whirlwind. The entire restaurant seemed to come alive, caught up in the contagious joy of our shared experience. Even the other diners couldn't resist joining in the fun, and soon the entire place was immersed in a tornado of color.”

Jasmine's laughter mingles with mine, blending into shared happiness. It reverberates off the walls, filling the room with a sense of celebration and connection. The condo, once a mere space, transforms into a sanctuary of cherished memories.

As the echoes of our laughter subside, Jasmine's eyes sparkle with a mischievous glimmer. “Let's continue this night of laughing, shall we? How about a game of 'Worst Case Scenario'?”

I nod eagerly, fully embracing the idea. Isaiah, ever the enthusiast, springs into action and retrieves a bottle of wine from the kitchen. The clink of glasses resonates through the air as we each pour ourselves a generous serving. The wine glimmers in the soft light, its dark red hues capturing the essence of our shared enthusiasm. As I bring the glass to my lips, the wine hugs my senses with its velvety texture and a symphony of flavors that dance upon my tongue. It carries notes of ripe berries, a hint of oak, and a warmth spreads through my body.

With each turn, we delve deeper into the game, sharing stories of personal challenges, unexpected twists of fate, and moments that pushed us to our limits. Laughter continues to erupt, as each tale unfolds. We’re transported to different chapters of our lives, revealing vulnerabilities, triumphs, and lessons learned. The room rings with lively voices, the cadence of storytelling weaving a tapestry of connection.

Jasmine's voice booms with genuine curiosity as she delves deeper into the stories. She asks probing questions, inviting us to share further details. Her inquiries open doors to memories we had long forgotten, giving them new life in the shared space we inhabit.

As the night wears on, the air fills with a sense of profound gratitude and warmth. The walls of the condo, adorned with memories and laughter, stand as silent witnesses to the richness of life.

The clock ticks steadily, but its presence fades into the background. We lose track of the passing hours, fully immersed in the treasure trove of stories. The world outside ceases to exist as we dive deeper into the realms of vulnerability, trust, and understanding.

“Well kids, we have to call it a night.” Amy says.

“Mind if I hang out for a while longer?” Isaiah asks.

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