Chapter 15: Revelations

 Sandra looked at Carli. Besides the fact that she heard what her daughter had said, she noticed that something was different about her niece. Carli was sitting on her favorite couch. The navy blue one with the six cushions that were different shades of blue. 

Sandra sat beside her. She didn't look at her at first. She just sat beside her and stared at the loveseat. 

After two minutes had past and her aunt still had not breathed a word, Carli cleared her throat and spoke up.

"Aunty, I'm really sorry if you feel disappointed in me. I didn't mean to fight Lissa. She slapped me and it really hurt," she said.

Sandra turned and looked at her. "Why did she slap you?", she asked her.

"It was something I said. Something that was not true." Carli took a deep breath. "Jason and I haven't had sex in the true sense of the word sex. I told her we went all the way but we didn't," she replied looking down at her hands. She felt very awkward discussing this topic with her.

"What do you mean?", Sandra asked. She wanted to understand what happened.

"Jason, he ..." Carli paused. How could she put it? "He touched me in a way to make me ..." She was struggling.

"He fingered you?", her aunt asked. She looked at Carli with a strange look on her face.

Carli nodded. 

"He pleasured you with his fingers?"

Carli nodded.

"Did you enjoy it?"

Carli nodded.

Sandra sat back on the couch and sighed. She scratched her head.

"Your cousin said you are no longer a virgin. Are you still then?" Aunt Sandra's brows were knotted together.

Carli shook her head 'no'.

Aunt Sandra cleared her throat. "I'm listening," she said.

"He ... um, the way he did it, he broke my hymen," she said nervously.

Aunt Sandra sighed. "I see. So his finger went inside?" 

Carli nodded. She looked away from her aunt and instead stared at the loveseat.

Carli, I won't deny that I am disappointed with you, although I'm more disappointed with Jason for doing this. He says he is a Christian and celibate. I am glad you didn't engage in full blown intercourse but I would have preferred you wait until you are older to experience any of that sort of stuff. Sex can cloud people's judgement," Aunt Sandra said, shaking her head.

Carli sighed. "It's not his fault. I was the one who initiated contact. Aunty, I love him. I can't think of anyone else I want to be with. He makes me happy. He understands me", she said.

"You initiated?", Sandra asked her.

"Yes," Carli said, she held her head down.

Maybe that was the reason they sounded so cheerful on the phone. They did sexual acts to each other to take the edge off. Sandra thought.

Did you do anything back to him?," she asked her niece.

Carli nodded and answered, "Yes".

Sandra nodded. "So what now?", she asked her. "If you're gonna continue to have sexual contact or sex with him I'm gonna have to let your parents know."

Carli's heart started to pound. She never thought about them, but whatever may come she wouldn't relent on her feelings for Jason. She was also confident that if they gave him a chance, her parents would love him.

"Carli, I am fond of Jason, and while I am disappointed in what happened between you two, I acknowledge that it's your life and you've made this choice," aunt Sandra said smiling at her ruefully.

Carli felt relieved. She turned her upper body towards her. "Aunty, I love him. I was the one who touched him and started the whole thing, but we've discussed everything," she said. 

Carli took another deep breath. 

"He proposed to me," she said lifting her right hand to show her aunt.

Sandra reached over and took her hand to look at the ring closely. "An engagement ring should be on your left hand hun," she said.

"I know," Carli said. "This is a promise ring. It symbolizes his commitment to me, to marry me within the next year."

"Why not give you a proper engagement ring then?" Sandra asked perplexed. 

"He wants to do a proper engagement party for us, plus he won't be here for about two months. He'll be going down to Montego Bay to do some work with his dad," Carli said matter of factly.

"So this is his way to keep you thinking of him, and not be distracted by Matthew your bff," Sandra asserted sarcastically.

Not you too aunty! Carli thought.

"No. He actually bought the ring before he knew about Matt. He had proposed to me a couple days before. The ring is to show me he was serious and he's committed to me even though he'll be hundreds of miles away," Carli said confidently.

Sandra looked at her niece. She wondered if she was wise to trust this stranger she only knew for a couple months or if she was shaping up to look like a fool. Sandra opened her arms and Carli scooted over and leaned in to hug her aunt. Sandra hugged her and squeezed a little. 

"Love is supposed to be easy Carli but sometimes it can be complicated. How do you know Jason loves you and he isn't just playing you?"

"He considers my feelings aunty."

"Why do you say that?" Sandra asked.

He always makes sure I eat," Carli said chuckling. "He makes me feel safe. He considers my feelings. He wants to know what I think, he shared his faith with me." Carli moved away from her aunt. She looked at her smiling. 

"I know you might think this is crazy because of what I just told you, but I've recommitted myself to God. We love each other aunty, but we both know that we shouldn't have done what we did today, not because we're too young or I'm too young but because it violates God's law of waiting until marriage. I felt so guilty afterwards and Jason explained why I was feeling this way and he explained the gospel, and we prayed and I asked God to come into my life and save me." There was a twinkle in Carli's eyes when she said those words.

Sandra was feeling perplexed. "And this is on your own volition. He didn't force you?", she asked.

"No aunty, I asked him about his faith. I wanted to know and he explained it to me. And afterwards I recommitted. You know I was supposed to get baptised but my mom barred me."

Sandra nodded. "I remember. You cried."

Carli sighed. "Yeah I did. It felt like she had taken something special from me," Carli said. "I'd lost interest and stopped going to church after a while. But now I won't give it up. I won't give up the opportunity to know God and to be with the man I want to marry." 

Sandra noted the growing steely resolve in Carli's voice. She looked at her carefully. "You really love him, don't you?", she asked.

"Yes aunty, but I'm not in love with him because he touched me in ways no one else has. I love him because he has touched me in a way no one else has, but differently from the physical," Carli said blushing.

"Explain," her aunt asked intrigued.

"Aunty, I was a virgin so the way he touches me would be new to me. I've never experienced the things he did to me, but it's not really because of that why I'm crazy about him. Jason is content with me. He accepts me. He values me for who I am and cares about my feelings. He's gentle with me, even today ..." Carli paused and pursed her lips. She blushed harder when she thought of their intimate encounter between her thighs and how he held her close afterwards. She also remembered how he made her feel like staining his sheets was no big deal. "I can't give that up, and I won't," Carli said.

Sandra noted Carli's flushed appearance and figured she was having a recollection about something that had transpired between her and Jason. She also noted the determined look in her niece's eyes. She reached out and patted her lap. "I understand. I felt the same way when I was dating my husband."

Carli with eyebrows raised looked at her aunt in surprise. This sounds interesting, she thought. "Okay aunty, tell me what happened between you and uncle Marcus," she said smiling.

Sandra smiled and tucked her feet under her buttocks. " So, what had happened was ..."

****

As Jason drove home he thought of her. Their time together earlier would leave an indelible mark on his mind and heart. Her smile, her lips, her body, her scent, her touch, her taste were intoxicating. He stopped in New Kingston to fill his car with gas. As the car attendant dealt with him, he leaned back in the car seat and remembered the intimate moments between them. 

She was beautiful and delicate, and she made him almost lose control. He closed his eyes as he recalled her lips on his member. He didn't think she would have gone through with it, but she did and she seemed to have thoroughly enjoyed it. For her first time doing it, she had bowled him over. He thought of her soft, pink lips on him. She drove him out of his mind. He wanted to savor that beautiful moment with her and not regret it. 

They definitely needed to ensure they saved it for their wedding night. He especially wanted to press brakes on going down on her again for now. He was nervous about the experience and he wasn't sure if he'd like it, or if he would even do an okay job of pleasing her in that way, but Carli inspired him. 

He loved her taste. He couldn't describe it. All he knew was that it did something to him. It made him come dangerously close to being rough with her. He couldn't get enough of her. Even her reaction to what he did was an eye opener. Her moans made him feel even closer to her. 

He wanted to satisfy her, to see her shivers of pleasure. He wanted to make love to her and hear her say his name over and over. He wanted to be that man for her. Feeling her tremble under him was such a huge turn on. He would take these memories to Montego Bay with him. 

From the moment he first asked her to marry him, he started calculating how much it would cost for the wedding and even a new place to live two years time. They would live in his apartment for the first two years, then they would move into a two bedroom house he was building on the side with Omie's help, just the two of them, in St. Thomas. 

He wanted to have a baby with her so bad. He however knew that she may not be ready within the next three years he had in mind. But Jason saw that he needed to provide a comfortable home so whenever she was ready, that would not be a stumbling block in the way. 

He had bought the land from his dad a year ago in preparation to build a house to live in as a bachelor, but now he saw it as divine providence, since a year later he met Carli. The bathroom was almost done and Omie had helped to complete the kitchen and one of the bedrooms. He had the other bedroom half way complete, plus the living room to complete.

He heard knocking on the car window and opened his eyes. The attendant looked in on him. He handed her the money and she went into the service station and brought back his change, and a complementary half gallon soda bottle for the Christmas season. He thanked her and drove off.

When he arrived at Paradise Flats, he parked the car in the parking lot and climbed the stairs to his room. He opened his apartment door and locked it behind him. He placed the soda bottle in the kitchen sink, then went over and sat on the bed. He removed his shoes and lay back, closing his eyes. 

He wasn't sure he would sleep tonight. He couldn't stop thinking about her. He needed to hear her voice. He opened his eyes, removed his phone from his pocket and hit redial. He knew it was late but on the half chance she was feeling this emptiness too, he took the risk to call.

She answered after ring number three. 

"Hey baby," he said, his voice tender.

"Hi babe," she replied.

Jason sighed. He loved hearing her voice.

"I can't stop thinking about you," he breathed. He would hold nothing back from her. "I'm going a little crazy thinking about you."

He heard her giggle. "Me too," she said, her voice was low and soft.

"The things we did to each other. I've been thinking about them. I want to go all the way with you Carli, all the way. I want to know what being inside you feels like. You felt slippery-wet and really tight on my finger." His voice was low and seductive.

Carli could feel her loins throbbing for him.

 "Do you think I can fit inside that needle eye? Your sweet, tight kitty," he teased her.

He heard her sigh. He could sense her longing. At that moment he wished he could caress and pleasure her. He wanted to taste her sweet honey again. He felt that if he continued it would become an obsession for him, but he didn't care as long as she enjoyed every minute of it.

Carli could feel the muscles down below clench with desire. I need him so bad. She thought. She wished he was right beside her instead of her aunt.

"Carli, you surprised me with the way you went down on me," he said. "Now I want more. I wanna feel your lips on me again. Those soft lips drove me crazy."

Carli laughed softly. She wanted to do it again. She enjoyed his taste and smell.

"Would you want to?", he asked her.

She wished she could tell him how tasting him made her feel. It was the strongest turn on she'd ever experienced.

"Yes," she said blushing. "It would be my pleasure, Jason. I want to." She wanted to tell him that tasting his cum was pleasurable as well, but how could she? Her aunt was nearby.

"My sweet baby," Jason said closing his eyes. His voice was deep and raspy. "The sweet honey between your thighs made me weak today. I wanted to lose control with you. You taste really good Carli. I'm getting hard just thinking about it. Your caramel flavor is on mind. You taste like sweet, creamy caramel. And the way you cried my name and trembled in my arms was ... mmmh. Carli, I'm licking my lips right now thinking about you. I wanna eat you so bad. I want to see you tremble in ecstasy. Will you let me see you tremble again, baby?

"Yes Jason, I will. You know I will. I think about it too," she replied. She was trying to be cryptic with her answers, but still give him what he needed to hear.

She felt herself throbbing down there. He says I taste like caramel. She mused. Oh gosh. He's driving me nuts! Carli closed her eyes and bit her lip.

 Pleasurable sensations were building up in her loins. She wanted him to make her scream his name one more time. She briefly closed her eyes and wished she could enjoy the moment alone.  

She would tell him how his gentle kisses and tongue strokes felt really good. That the pleasure he gave her was unlike anything she'd ever felt before. And the way he anticipated her climax and thrusted his tongue inside her evoked an intense sensation she couldn't forget. She didn't know the pleasure she was feeling could be more magnified until she climaxed in his arms. Yes, she wanted to feel that again and again. Unfortunately, her aunt was on the couch beside her. Carli sighed with longing.

 "I want to bend you over and penetrate you from behind, plunge deep into you, and I want to hear you scream my name," he continued. His voice sounded deep and sensual. His tone and words were causing delightful shivers to run up and down her spine.

Carli was feeling frustrated. She wanted to express how much she wanted him too, but aunt Sandra was sitting there staring at her with a curious look on her face. She angled her upper body away from her aunt slightly, turning her back to her so she couldn't see the effect his words were having on her. She crossed her legs and squeezed her thighs together. She pursed her lips, trying not to let the soft throaty sound she was holding back come out.

Carli sighed again. She wanted to lay on her back and touch herself while he spoke to her. She would imagine that he was the one caressing her. 

She bit her lower lip as an intense ache grew inside her. She needed him so much. She clenched and unclenched her right hand. As the sharpness of her desire flowed through her, she sunk her hand into a soft cushion and squeezed.

Aunt Sandra watched what Carli was doing. She had an idea of what was happening between the two of them. They were having sexual cravings for each other. Earlier today would have been their first sexual encounter. Now that it happened the floodgates were open, and it would only be a matter of time before they had sexual intercourse. She said nothing. She would give them some privacy but she wanted to talk to Jason first.

 A soft, muffled cry escaped from Carli's lips. She felt like making little sounds to express her need for him. Soft whimpers that would signal her vulnerability; her longing for him to come and take her, and show her how making love should feel. Now that he had touched her like no other man had, her senses were heightened.

Jason heard the sound. He felt his member harden. Oh baby, I want you so bad! He thought. This sweet torture is getting to me!

She couldn't help the way she felt. Carli wanted to feel him on her and in her. She didn't care if he got a little rough. She would probably like it. They needed to be one very soon. Her thirst for him was almost unbearable. "I need you," she whispered softly. She doubted he heard her.

"While I'm doing that I'll be caressing those soft, beautiful breasts and telling you how much I want you, how much I need you, and how much I want to make a baby with you," Jason said softly, his tone warm and sensual.

He closed his eyes thinking about the moment he would get to be with her and not hold back. He thought he heard her speak but wasn't sure what she said. It sounded like she said she needed him. He needed her too.

"I need you too sweet baby. More than you know," he said.

He heard me! Carli felt like her heart would burst with emotion. 

She wanted to tell him how much his words were turning her on. Her body was on fire for him. She always wanted children. It was a turn on to hear that he wanted them too. She needed to let him know she wasn't alone.

Carli cleared her throat. "Honey I ... I can't, I can't talk much right now. Aunty is here with me."

Jason opened his eyes. "Okay. Is everything okay?" He sat up slowly. 

Carli sighed. "My cousin Lissa and I had a fight."

Jason's countenance changed. What was happening over there? 

"Carli, are you okay?", he asked.

"She took issue with the fact that I was going to sleep over, and she saw the ring and assumed we had sex. She and I had a big blow up and she slapped me."

Jason felt his temper rising. "Slapped you?"

"Yeah, I was kind of rude to her," Carli chuckled. "I told her you had me in multiple positions, so she sort of lost it."

Jason wasn't laughing.

He did plan on having her in multiple positions after they got married, but why was that Lissa's concern?

"What has your aunt said about her behavior?", he asked.

"She slapped her back for me, but now we're discussing what happened." Carli paused. "I had to tell her that we did do something and I'm no longer a virgin," she said.

Jason felt vindicated that aunt Sandra put her daughter in her place, but he didn't want Carli to be the brunt of any parental interrogation. There was a shuffling sound on the line and Sandra came on the phone.
"Jason, we need to talk," her voice was stern.

"Yes okay, tomorrow," he replied. "It will have to be in the night. I'll be moving my appliances and furniture into the new apartment tomorrow." 

"8 or 9-ish?", she asked him.

Jason sighed. "9 is okay, yes.

"Okay," she replied. 

He heard shuffling and movement, and Carli came back on the phone.

"I'm sorry, Jason."

"It's no worries baby. I wouldn't have wanted them to find out yet, but it's happened. We're both adults. I am not ashamed about my feelings for you," he reassured her.

"Neither am I," she said.

"Carli, come what may I'm prepared to fight for you. I'm not letting you go. If you won't let go, I won't," he asserted.

"I'm not letting you go, Jason," she said.

"Good, because you've branded me. I won't have anyone else," Jason chuckled and blew her a kiss.

'You've branded me too. I'm yours," she replied, her voice soft.

In the background he heard Carli's aunt saying, "Don't stay up too late."

He heard Carli say, "Okay. Good night aunty." Then a rustling sound of fabric brushing on fabric then silence.

Jason ventured a guess. "She gone?"

"Yeah. She is," Carli answered.

"So what happened?", Jason asked her.

He heard a shuffling sound. 

"When I came home aunty had already gone to bed, but Lissa was up waiting for me. I was about to open the door, but she was already at the door and opened it for me. She started interrogating me about the fact that I said I was planning to sleep over with you. She wanted to know if I was still a virgin. I showed her the ring and tried to reassure her that you love me and I love you, but she doubted if what we feel is love because we've only known each other for a short time. Even aunty mentioned that, but I think she understands," Carli said.

"Why do you say your aunt understands?", Jason asked.

"Well, because she got married to my uncle after dating for just 8 months, and they would have been married sooner if her parents hadn't begged her to wait a little longer. My mom liked uncle, but thought aunty was crazy for rushing. She said she should give it a year but aunty wanted to be with him. So she threatened to elope with him if her family didn't agree with their marriage. After that threat -they knew how stubborn aunty can be -her parents, my grandparents finally agreed, when they saw how serious she was."

Jason smiled. He knew he liked her aunt. A very serious woman who knows what she wants.

"So why did the parents not want them to get married? Was it the short space of time or what?", Jason asked. He wanted to delve into this revelation a bit deeper.

"Well," Carli began. "Yes that. She also says that the family was fairly middle class at the time. Our family originally came from St. Andrew, Gordon Town to be exact.

"Okay," he said, trying to understand.

"Yeah. So my uncle came from a poor background. He lived with his granny in Trench Town and it was a difficult life for him, but he's really smart. He managed to get a scholarship and was able to pursue Law at UWI. You would love him. Uncle manages high profile clients now, both local and international, but he's still such a humble guy, and he loves my aunty. He treats her very well," Carli said. Jason could tell she had a smile on her face.

"I would love to meet him," he said.

"Yeah. I think uncle Marcus would like you," she replied.

That made Jason feel good. He smiled.

"My grandparents liked his ambition but wondered if he would be able to provide for aunty. Of course aunty was like 'I can work to provide for myself too'," Carli said chuckling.

Jason's smile broadened. He could imagine aunt Sandra being like that.

"Anyhoo, aunty said she was marrying him and that was that. They got married eight months after they met at university and have been together since."

Jason liked the story. He had a new respect for her aunt. He hoped after tomorrow he would be able to gain more of this phenomenal woman's respect. 

"So what was she studying?" Jason asked.

"Oh, she wasn't a student, not yet anyway. She worked there as a Junior Admin Assistant in the admissions office. When he came in to receive his acceptance package was how he met her. She said he told her he couldn't get her out of his mind and he said to himself if he ever got a chance to see her outside of the office he would introduce himself and tell her he liked her."

"He did then?" Jason asked. This story was getting more interesting.

"Yup," Carli answered. "He saw her at one of the kiosks and asked if he could sit with her. He offered to buy her lunch, which she declined but then he told her would share his lunch with her if she didn't mind. She declined that, but then he offered to take her out for ice cream because he heard that she loved it. 

"She told me that she thought he was so handsome, but she didn't want to seem easy. When he asked her about the ice cream however she agreed on the condition that it was at Devon House. The rest as they say is history. He managed to win her over and according to her she's been head over heels in love with him ever since.

"She's actually worried about him right now. He went to a conference in Thailand and she hasn't heard from him in a few days. She called his phone and he didn't answer. His work said they heard from him for a few minutes yesterday, but the call got cut off. She's wondering why he called his work, but didn't call her after. She's really worried."

Jason was concerned too. He hoped his future uncle in law was okay. In some ways, based on Carli's description, he could relate to him. They were both from a poor background, but were pushing themselves to be better men. They had found the women they loved and were working hard to make a good life for them.

"I hope she hears from him soon," he said.

"Me too," Carli said. "She hasn't told Lissa anything. She adores her dad. She doesn't want her to start panicking."

"Okay," Jason said nodding.

Carli yawned on the line.

Jason chuckled. "Okay sleepy head," he said teasing her. "Time to go to bed. Okay?"

Carli yawned again and stretched. "Yeah, you're right. It's after midnight. I would be in bed before now," Carli said looking at her phone. 

Jason looked at his watch. She was quite right.

"Good night, my sweet baby. So sweet you made my toes curl," he teased, his voice dropped to a seductive timbre.

"You're so rude," she said in response, but Jason could tell she liked it.

"I'm only rude for you. I was made to love you," he said solemnly.

Carli was touched by what he said. She also heard the tenderness in his voice. Her heart skipped a beat. "I love you," she breathed. She felt slightly emotional.

"I love you. Every sweet, beautiful inch of you," he said. He heard the tremor in her voice and wished he could be there to comfort her. It was him and her now. That was his focus. 

He heard Carli giggle. "I'm sorry about earlier I wanted to tell you that you are driving me crazy and that I want you really bad too, but she was right beside me."

Jason nodded to himself. After she told him her aunt was there in the room, he could understand why she wasn't more vocal about her feelings. 

He blew kisses on the phone. "I understand my sweet sweet baby. Very soon I'll take you away from prying eyes and ears, and it will be just us, and then I'll show you all the love I have been saving for you," he said, his voice warm and tender.

Carli felt a shock of pleasure run through her. That was a promise she hoped he would fulfill.

"Now go to sleep. I'm sorry I can't take you to bed," Jason said softly. His voice held an interesting lilt to it that was hypnotic to her ears.

Carli could tell that he wasn't just talking about lifting her and resting her on the bed to just go to sleep. Her aunt told her what Jason had done the night he slept over. She was too tired to remember. She closed her eyes and bit her lips. If what happened today was any indication, she knew she had a passionate wedding night to look forward to. 

Two can play this sexy game. She thought. 

"Good night my baby with the hard, sweet, juicy, sugar cane," she said her tone sensuous. She spoke each descriptive word slowly and with emphasis.

Jason heard the change in her voice and chuckled softly. He remembered she had called his member sugar cane earlier today. He felt it respond.  

"Good night, my sweet sweet baby," he replied. He blew her a sloppy kiss. 

"My sweet baby with the needle eye," he teased. He made a low guttural sound from his chest that was almost like a growl.

Carli gasped when she heard it. 

What was that?  She was shocked but also a little intrigued.

The sound triggered something in her. She could feel her heart rate spike a little with excitement. 

Was she bringing out the animal in him? She wondered amusedly. 

She was curious to see the more assertive side of him. She remembered he said he would be gentle with her until she wanted more. Now she wondered if she told him not to hold back what he would do to her. She wanted to see him like that. There was a side of herself she wanted to explore too. Carli giggled softly thinking about it. How could she give up these crazy feelings they were experiencing?

"Night," she said, laying on her back. She was twirling her hair through her fingers.

"Night baby," he answered. His voice was deep and gruff.

Carli reluctantly ended the call.

Jason stood up, stripped down to his underpants and paced the floor. The anxious energy he was feeling had subsided, but now it was replaced with this raging sexual need. God help him, he needed her beside him right now!

Damn! 

Carli was doing something crazy to him! 

He loved her! 

He wanted her really bad! 

He needed to get himself down to Mobay, get that money and come back for her quickly. 

He screamed a raw guttural sound that was borne from sheer sexual frustration. He punched the wall behind his bed. He sat on the bed, lay back and closed his eyes. Jason lay still and started to breathe slowly, forcing himself to calm down.

"God, help me," he prayed quietly. "I need her so bad. Help me to calm down. I want to be with her. Lord, it's been so long. I'm thinking about her in ways I shouldn't yet. Help me. I want to honor this love you've given me, but it's so hard Lord, literally. Help me to calm down." 

Jason massaged his hand. No broken bones, thank God, he thought ruefully. He needed to control himself. Carli needed him to focus so he can be the lover and provider she deserved.

He got up from the bed and forced himself to do some push-up on the floor. He did them slowly in the diamond position. His hands were close together to form the shape of a diamond in the middle. He took his time doing each rep, counting as he chest touched the floor. He did about a hundred and fifty then lay on his back exhausted. He was sweaty and tired now.

He took a shower and commanded his mind to think of the future and what he wanted to achieve as a man. A man who wanted his future wife to be proud of him.

He thought about what had transpired at the Dixon residence that night. He was angry at Carli's cousin for causing the conflict he may have between himself and aunt Sandra. He would try his best to smooth things over with her. He wanted to be able to continue visiting the household. 

He wasn't sure what to do about Lissa. But if she ever over stepped her place and came at him, he would address her properly. He wouldn't be disrespectful, but he would let her know that Carli was an adult and if she wanted to be with him, she had no say in the matter.

He turned off the shower knob, stepped onto the bathroom mat and grabbed a fluffy blue tower and dried himself off and wrapped it around his waist. He went into the bedroom. It suddenly felt empty with Carli not being there. He sighed. 

"Soon Jase, very soon. I'll make sure she's here with me," he said to himself. 

Jason took off his towel and put on a pair of soft cotton shorts. He plopped himself on the bed. He threw the damp towel on the bed's headboard post. He would refrain from wearing boxers that night because he needed to feel as comfortable and free as possible. As for the towel, he would put it back in its place tomorrow morning, but right now he needed to sleep. 

Tiredly, he moved up to the top of the bed and pulled the thick covers over his body, fluffed his pillow and closed his eyes. He dreamed of his beautiful Carli.

****

Carlos looked over at his wife while driving. Paul, Sharon's boss, had called her to say that the police had more questions for her. This time Carlos said he would be sitting in on the conversation. He wasn't allowing Sharon to face this alone. Sharon had protested and so did Paul, but he wasn't listening to them. He called work and told them he was taking a sick day and would be in on Monday.

"It's either I go with you or you won't go at all," he told Sharon while blocking the door. Not wanting to argue and keep the police waiting, she reluctantly agreed. 

As he parked the vehicle in the company's parking lot, he was bracing himself for an intellectual battle with the senior police officer Sharon told him about. She was about to step out of the car when he held on to her hand and pulled her to him. She complied. He leaned forward and cupped her face. 

"I love you. It's gonna be okay. I will make sure of it," he said sincerely.

Sharon gazed at her husband. She loved him so much but him taking on the mantle of being her hero was not a good idea. She sighed and kissed him. "Let's go," she said looking at her watch. It was 7:30 on a Saturday morning. Not the usual time she would find herself at work today, but these weren't usual circumstances.

Carlos nodded. He stepped out of the vehicle and waited for Sharon to step out as well. For about two weeks she was complaining of weird cramps. Her period hadn't come yet and he was becoming worried about what was causing the discomfort. He had urged her to go to the doctor, but she said 'no, she would be fine'. It was just her period acting up for some weird reason. He saw her wince in pain as she straightened her body while stepping out of the vehicle. He was worried about her.

They walked slowly towards the offices together, accommodating the pace she could manage. Sharon swiped her card and he opened the door for her. They allowed the door to slide back into place. They took the elevator to the third floor. The secretary was at her post. She looked up to greet Sharon and realized Carlos was with her. She smiled at them but she was concerned.

"The police are already here," Barbara Taylor, the secretary said.

She eyed Sharon furtively. Sharon looked at her. Barbara then glanced sideways at Carlos. Sharon got her cues. "It's a long story," she said. 

Carlos also picked up on Barbara's body language. "I insisted on being here Barb, that's why your friend brought me along," he said smiling at her.

Barbara laughed nervously. "I don't think it's a good idea for you to go in Carlos. The police look like they got blood in their eyes. It might be best if you sit out here with me in reception," she said.

Carlos noted her expression and the fearful tone of her voice. Now he was even more curious to hear what they had on Sharon. "All the more reason to sit in and hear what's going on," he said stubbornly. 

Barb looked at her long time friend Sharon as if to say 'I tried'. Sharon reached over the desk and patted Barbara on her hand. 

"I'll be okay," she smiled at her. Her friend squeezed her hand and whispered, "I've been praying for you and I will continue," she said. 

Sharon squeezed her hand in return and mouthed, "Thank you."

She turned to Carlos who had a grave look on his face.

She walked towards Paul's office and knocked on the door. She heard Paul's muffled voice behind the door. 

"Come in," he said.

She turned the door handle, opened the door and stepped in with Carlos close behind her. Both police detectives from the Fraud Unit were already seated as well as Cooper, her Senior Accounting Clerk, Gary Anderson, the company's Financial Controller and Sean Gibson, head of Purchases and Inventory. She was surprised to also see that Denise Williams, her personal assistant was there seated, nearest to the wall which had a plaque her boss held dear to him. The plaque was from his children. It read 'The bestest dad ever!', in cursive writing.

She felt a feeling of panic rise from the pit of her stomach to her chest. She turned around to look at Carlos. She was now glad he was with her. Carlos could see her fear. He looked at her and winked, smiling reassuringly. 

"Have a seat Shar. It will be okay," he said. He reached for her hand and squeezed it.

Sharon sat down in the only empty chair available in the room. 

Carlos looked at Paul. He stared at him pointedly and looked at the chair Sharon was sitting in and did a motion with his head. Paul cleared his throat and went on the phone to his secretary. 

"Barbara," he said.

"Yes, Mr Isaacs," she replied.

"Could you ask the maintenance staff to take a chair from the staff cafeteria please. We need one more in here," he said.

"Right away, Mr. Isaacs," she replied. 

The senior cop, Officer Smith grunted and began to speak when Carlos interrupted him. "I was told that this meeting may take a while. Why don't we wait until all of us are seated," he said. He directed his gaze to Smith. Officer Smith looked back at him. His eyes assessed this tall, dark skinned gentleman that had come in with Mrs. James.

"I take it you're the husband of Mrs James ... Mr James?", he queried.

Carlos nodded. "Yes I am."

"You are aware that this is a private company matter," Smith replied.

"I am very much aware, but as an investor in this company, I have a right to know what's happening," he said, his steely gaze boring into Smith.

Smith chuckled. "Okay ... okay. Let him stay. The more the merrier," he said amused. His eyes were guarded. 

Just then one of the company's janitors brought up a plastic chair from the cafeteria. He knocked on the door and entered. Carlos took the chair from him and smiled. The janitor nodded at him and stepped out closing the door behind him. 

Carlos sat beside his wife.

Paul sighed. He removed his glasses and rubbed his eyes. "Can we proceed now?"

"Sure." 

"Yes." 

Both Smith and Carlos replied at the same time. They looked at each other. Wary, hooded eyes and cautious, steely gaze clashed with each other. Everyone felt the tension in the room. 

Sharon looked down at the floor. Lawd have mercy! She thought.

Paul cleared his throat. "Officer Smith, you said you had new evidence. What did you find?", he asked.

Smith looked away from Carlos and focused on the General Manager. 

"Yes Mr. Isaacs. Let me first say thank you for calling this meeting so quickly at this short notice. Much appreciated," Smith said. 

His voice raised, Officer Smith stood up and paced the space between himself and his partner, Officer Foster. "There's seems to be a conspiracy afoot in your noble establishment. Unfortunately, it was contrived by a key player in your company." Smith stopped speaking it seemed for dramatic effect. He looked at Sharon, who was now feeling like she was sinking into a deep hole. 

Smith snapped his fingers at Foster who went into a briefcase and produced a folder with several documents. Smith took the papers from Foster and slapped them in his hand. The sharp sound made the other persons in the room flinch nervously. 

Carlos was feeling disgusted with the theatrics. He grunted. "Well? Let's hear it!", he said impatiently.

Smith did that low, gritty laugh and looked at Carlos.

He sat down in his chair with a pleased smirk on his face. "Well, it seems this case has become more about unrequited love than even the fraud itself," he said.

"For God's sake detective out with it!", Paul blurted out feeling his frustration rise.

"It seems that our proper and professional Mrs James has been having an affair!", Smith said staring straight at Sharon.

There were gasps across the room. Carlos looked around at his wife. Sharon's eyes widened in disbelief. 

"What the hell is this?", she said outraged. "You're so desperate to close this case you will tell lies!"

Carlos looked at Sharon, his eyes narrowing. Smith watched Carlos looking at his wife and smiled broadly.

"Sharon?", Carlos' voice was deathly calm.

"Carlos baby, I swear to you, it's a lie. This is not true!", Sharon said. Her eyes were wide with fear.

She saw the look of disgust on her husband's face. He couldn't believe what this man was saying?! She thought.

"Baby, he's lying!", she protested.

"Me, Mrs James?!" Detective Smith drawled the word 'Mrs'. "Not at all. I have been in the Force for over twenty years. I have served this noble institution and my country with distinction. I have been a detective with the unit for about seven years. I cannot be bribed and no one can say I have taken dirty money, or turned a blind eye." Smith's gaze bored into Sharon and Carlos.

"Sharon? Is there something you should tell me?" Carlos turned his body towards her fully. He held onto her hands. "Baby, tell me if there is something going on, I can forgive you. You know I will always protect you."

Sharon saw that all eyes were on her. She swallowed the lump she felt was forming in her throat.

Smith laughed harshly. "Protect from what? The law? Don't be silly," he said, his voice dripping with disdain.

"Shut up!" Sharon snapped. "Shut up! Where is this evidence that I had such an affair?!"

Smith stood up, reached forward and smacked the folder he had in his hand down on Paul's desk. 

Paul took up the folder and opened it. It held text messages of an explicit nature.

"Sharon, you need to see these," he said averting his eyes. He extended his hand with the folder towards Sharon.

Carlos stood up, bent forward and took the folder from him. He opened it and looked through pages of sexually explicit text messages between Sharon and a man named Marlon. 

Sharon looked at the papers in shock. She felt like her head was spinning. She never had these conversations with Marlon. 

Would he really do this to her? Was Marlon capable of this cruelty? Maybe. She didn't really know him.

She read the messages closely. She picked up on something she could use to defend herself. She would never tell any man she wanted to go down on him. If she never did it to her husband, why would she say that she would do it to a mere associate from work?

"Baby, look at the messages closely," she said. "Baby, please ..." She saw Carlos' enraged expression as he read each page. He would often joke that if she ever gave his 'happy place' away he would not be responsible for what he would do. He would lose his mind.

"Carlos!", she shouted. She grabbed his hand hard and squeezed, digging her nails into his skin. The pain snapped him out of his reverie. He blinked and looked at her. 

"Baby, look at the third line on the fifth page. Read it again. Baby, you know me!" She looked at him. Her eyes pleaded with him.

Carlos read the text aloud: "I want to feel your strong, long c*ck in my mouth. I wanna see you c*m."

He looked at his wife. Understanding dawned on him.

He chuckled to himself and shook his head. He looked at her then looked at the other persons in the room. 

"My wife would never say something like that. She's as prim as they come. As for oral sex. I have been married to her for twenty-four years. She has never ever done the act to me, nor acquiesced to my suggestions for it. And I can guarantee that our sex life has not been lacking without it," he said.

"You expect us to just up and take your word for it?" This question came from Officer Foster. He looked pointedly at Sharon and winked. Carlos was about to stand up when Paul intervened. Sharon grabbed Carlos' arm.

"Officer, what happens in the bedroom between my employee and her husband is none of our business. If he says a suh it guh a suh it guh! Please, can we move on?", Paul said.

Smith cleared his throat. "Mrs. James," he said softening his tone. "We mean you no embarrassment. We just want to get at the truth."

"Where did you get these texts from?", Carlos asked him.

"They were actually found in Marlon Campbell's phone. You know Mr. Campbell, right Sharon?" Detective Smith asked.

"Yes," Sharon said. "He works at the little private concessionaire we leased to the company he works for."

"And you and he have become good friends?" he asked.

Sharon was about to respond when Carlos intervened. "What do you mean good friends?", he asked the detective.

"It is common knowledge that Sharon frequents the concessionaire for the purposes of breakfast and lunch," he looked at Carlos. 

"Am I correct?" Smith asked, looking at her.

Sharon nodded. "I do have lunch over there, breakfast sometimes, but he is not the only employee, there are two more," she said, trying to keep her voice neutral.

"Yes, I am aware of the other two: a female and another male," he said.

Officer Smith leaned forward, his eyes guarded. "But you have a more stronger friendship with Marlon, right?", he asked.

"Wrong," Sharon said. "He is an ambitious young man. If you mean I try to encourage him towards his career goals, then yes, I have been encouraging his goals and have been a counsel to him." 

"No. I mean you have been seeing him romantically," he said.

"Negative," Sharon responded. 

"You deny having any kind of sexual contact?"

"None whatsoever," she answered him tersely.

"So, why does your P.A. say otherwise?", Smith asked this last question as he turned his head towards Denise Williams.

Carlos swore under his breath. This was more than he bargained for.

"Denise, explain yourself?", Sharon demanded.

Denise coughed briefly then spoke up. "I became Mrs. James' personal secretary around the same time she appointed Cooper as accounting clerk, about close to three years." Denise turned her face towards the detectives, trying to avoid the daggers Sharon's eyes were throwing at her. 

"One day, Mrs. James asked me to bring her some documents for her to sign while she was at the little cafe slash canteen. I thought it was strange but I agreed. I placed the papers in a file jacket and headed to the cafe. 

"When I entered the place, the first thing I saw was Marlon sitting beside Mrs. James and he was touching her wrist, and kind of like rubbing his fingers on the skin of her wrist. They were looking at each other and smiling with flirty looks. I brought the papers to her, she signed them and gave them back to me. I asked if she would be coming back to the office soon but all she did was nod. So I figured, well she's my boss, she can do what she wants. I left them there and went back to work."

"You ungrateful little bitch!", Sharon shouted. "I helped you get this job! You had no work experience. No one was hiring you! You were a struggling university student with a worthless degree! You're the daughter of a friend of mine from high school. I took pity on you and you're worried mother and helped you get this job!" Sharon was furious.

"I am grateful for all your help Mrs. James, but I won't lie for you," Denise blurted out.

"What?" Sharon exclaimed. "You little wretch. You ungrateful ..." she bellowed.

"Enough!" Paul shouted standing to his feet.

Denise snickered. "You know I'm not lying," she said her voice slightly raised.

"You're a little liar!", Sharon countered.

"I said, enough!" Paul said, but no one was listening.

"Lying bitch!", Sharon shouted.

Officer Smith leaned back in his chair smiling. He listened to the shouting. He nudged his elbow slightly into Officer Foster's side. Foster looked at him and nodded. He too was smiling. They would crack the case very soon.

Carlos stood up. "Quiet!", he said loudly. Everyone looked at him. He took deep breaths. He looked at Paul. 

"Paul, sit down please." 

Paul sat down reluctantly.

Carlos walked to the centre of the room and perched on the edge of Paul's work desk. Paul was about to protest, but Carlos shook his head. "Allow me, please," he said. 

Paul sighed. "Go ahead," he said.

Officer Foster was about to stand up but Smith held on to him and shook his head. Foster sat down. They both looked at Carlos with razor sharp focus.

Sharon felt her heart pounding. Oh baby, I hope you know what you're doing, she thought feeling scared.

"What are the facts of this case you're forming, Officer Smith? Let's review them, please." Carlos addressed detective Smith. He had a hunch. One thing he had always known to do, even as a child. The most important skill that engineering helped him to hone was to recognise patterns. He had a feeling that a sinister one was being hidden.

Smith cleared his throat. He sat up straight as far as his bulk would allow in the small chair.

"A few weeks ago we received documents from Mr. Isaacs pertaining to a possible syphoning off of monies. Some weeks it would be a dollar, other weeks two dollars. It was discovered for about three months or so." 

He looked at Paul, who nodded.

"Right," Smith continued, "there were four cheques that were signed during July to August period that had duplicate data."

He looked at Gibson, head of Purchases, who nodded his head slightly.

Smith turned his gaze back to Carlos. 

"One of the cheques for $250,000 got cashed. The other three were canceled by the bank on suspicion of illegal activity. A bank rep called to inform the company of their suspicion, the company immediately asked them to decline the other three cheques. Thereafter, the investigation was launched, and that's where we came in," he said carefully laying out the facts.

Carlos closed his eyes and thought of patterns. He wondered. Carlos mulled over what the detective said in his mind, willing himself to identify anything off. He needed more information. He would call his wife by his term of endearment in this room to reassure her.

Carlos opened his eyes and turned to her.

"Shar, honey," he began. His eyes asking her to trust him. 

Sharon had known Carlos for twenty-four years. She picked up on his unspoken cues. She nodded.

"When did Cooper come to work in your office?", he asked.

"Close to three years now," she said.

"Be as specific as possible, honey," he said encouraging her. She saw Cooper shuffle nervously.

Sharon leaned back into the chair and sighed. "About two years, ten months and three weeks, I believe."

Yes! Yes baby! Carlos thought feeling exultant. Sharon always had the better memory of the two of them.

He saw Officer Smith's eyebrows go up in surprise. 

"When did you hire Ms. Williams here?" Carlos asked, gesturing towards the young woman.

Denise looked at him with a sarcastic look. Carlos looked back at Sharon winking at her.

Sharon sighed and thought about it. She closed her eyes. "Sara, her mom called me during the time we were supposed to go on vacation, that time Carli caught chicken pox and we had to stay." 

Carlos chuckled. He loved it. She was in the zone. 

"Two years, ten months and one week." Sharon's eyes flew open. She looked at her husband. Then she stared at Anderson. "Gary as I recall you were hired around the same time?", she said looking at him seriously.

Gary Anderson, the company's financial accountant looked at her with eye brows raised. 

"What are you saying Sharon?" he asked her, his voice was calm.

Smith turned to Anderson and asked, "When were you hired sir?"

Anderson adjusted the tie around his neck. "Close to three years now," he said softly.

Sharon looked at her husband. Her eyes lit up. She saw what he was doing. He smiled at her and winked.

Carlos turned his gaze to Cooper. "Michael," he called to him. At this time Cooper held his head down and was staring at the floor. 

Michael Cooper looked up at him reluctantly. Carlos smiled at him. "My wife said that you told her and Paul that Denise here came to you to sign a few cheques and told you that it was from her. Am I correct?", he asked him.

Cooper nodded. 

"What?" Smith exclaimed. "How come I wasn't made aware of this?", he asked.

Carlos raised his left hand to stop him from speaking further. "Hold on please."

Smith paused but looked annoyed.

Carlos turned his attention back to Cooper. "Is that common procedure? Is it common for my wife to send her personal assistant with cheques to sign?", he asked him.

"No," Cooper replied. "Sharon doesn't usually allow her to handle things like those. Denise ... I mean Ms. Williams usually does typing, printing, writing correspondence, mostly clerical stuff."

"Okay," Carlos continued. "On this particular occasion please recount what happened?"

Smith leaned forward watching what was happening.

"On the day, it was 26 August. It was Carli's university orientation." He looked up at Carlos who nodded to reassure him. 

Cooper continued: "Sharon had called me on my cellphone to let me know she would be in a bit later because it was Carli's orientation at UWI, so to hold the fort till she came in. Mrs. James never mentioned that Denise had any cheques to give me but when she came with them I thought nothing of it. It was the 26th so it was close to the end of month rush for the payables accounts. I was trying to get the numbers in from the other accounting clerks, and to reconcile and balance to create a trading, profit and loss sheet. Around noon Denise ..." He looked over at Denise who was looking at him, her eyes boring into him. She slowly uncrossed her legs. Cooper saw what she did. He looked away and paused, seemingly confused. 

Sharon picked up on the subtle body language between them. "Cooper, how long have you and Denise been dating?", she asked.

Cooper looked at her, his eyes becoming wide in alarm. "I ... I don't know ... Denise is just a work colleague," he said glancing at the young woman, who was now rolling her eyes at him. He looked away nervously.

"It's interesting that when we started this investigation both you and the young lady here had suddenly taken leave at the same time. Sounds more than coincidental, don't you think?" This question came from Detective Smith who was now intrigued by this turn of events.

"What were you doing? Trying to get your stories straight?" Smith pressed the issue.

"What?" Sharon exclaimed. 

Smith looked at her and nodded. "Yes. We did take a look at records from HR as well. We were trying to find Cooper. When we enquired from HR about his work records they also informed us that he had filed for leave two days before we were invited to visit your offices. So that would have been Saturday. We came in on Monday." 

Smith turned and focused his hardened gaze on Denise. "Ms Williams here filed for leave on the Monday afternoon. Interestingly, she never did turn up to work that day. You called in to work and told them you were sick, didn't you?"

Denise didn't answer. 

Smith looked at Sharon. "Did she call to tell you she had taken leave?", he asked.

"No, she never told me anything." Sharon said looking at Denise.

"Could she be the one texting this Marlon guy?" Carlos looked at Smith. 

Smith looked at him and nodded. "It is a possibility."

"How did he come into this? How did you get his phone?" Carlos asked the detective.

Paul cleared his throat. "He actually approached me," he said. "One day while I was having lunch he came to my table and told me he heard that we were investigating Sharon. He said he heard that from one of the young interns. It's office gossip apparently. 

"Anyhoo he told me, he and 'Sharon'," Paul used his fingers to mimic quotes. " ... were corresponding for a while maybe a month and at first he was enamored by all the attention he was getting from her, but then when the tone of the texts became more sexually explicit, though he found them flattering, he couldn't reconcile them with the usual work behavior he was used to from her. 

"Then he said, you and he, Sharon," He looked at Sharon directly now. "... had a sort of encounter at the cafe and he was trying to express his feelings for you, that he wanted the relationship to go beyond texting but you rebuffed him. He then realised that something was wrong. He said you have always been kind to him but never gave him an impression that it was more than a friendship between you two, but the texts, with what was being said, he wanted to explore the relationship further. However, when you didn't seem to read his cues he realised that maybe he hadn't been talking to you after all. He came forward and showed me the texts hoping it would clear your name."

Sharon felt relieved that he wasn't involved after all. "Where is Marlon now?", she asked.

"We asked him to take a few days off from work," Paul replied.

"We've seized his phone and had those messages printed," Smith answered. "We'll give his phone back to him shortly."

"Please do," Sharon said tersely.

Smith chuckled. "Are you fond of him, Mrs. James?", he asked her.

Sharon paused maybe a bit too long. 

Carlos' eyes narrowed as he watched her. "Sharon?" She looked up at her husband. "The detective asked a question. Are you going to answer him?", he asked her.

Sharon sighed. "Yes. Yes I do find him attractive, but my interactions between him and myself have been strictly professional. The last time I saw him I was surprised at how forward he was towards me, but I just thought it was because I told him I was feeling ill and he was being nice to me because of that," she said.

She looked up at Carlos. "I promise you, nothing has happened between me and Marlon," she said her eyes sincere.

Carlos believed her. He nodded.

Smith looked at Sharon. "Is your number 888-0000?", he asked.

"I had that number a few weeks back, but somehow I lost my phone. I have a new phone and number now.," she said.

"Well that's the number that's been texting Marlon," he responded.

"Well, that's not me," Sharon said matter of factly. "That has ceased to be my number for about a month now."

Carlos nodded his confirmation. "It's true," he said.

"Give me your number?", Smith asked her.

Sharon rattled off her number from memory.

Smith took out his phone and called. The phone rang and she retrieved it from her bag and showed the persons in the room.

"See," she said. "New phone, new number."

Smith grunted. He nodded. He ended the call. Sharon's phone stopped ringing.

Officer Smith looked at Denise. "Why did you bring those cheques for Cooper to sign for?", he asked.

Denise cleared her throat. "Because Mrs James asked me to?" she said as she looked at Officer Smith. Her gaze unflinching. 

Sharon was not having it. "Denise, who is putting you up to doing these things? I have never nor would I ever ask you to do such things. You barely have any sort of accounting knowledge. I helped you get the job as a favor to your mom. Would you destroy over twenty years of friendship? Why are you doing this?", Sharon asked. She felt a dull ache in her lower abdomen. She ignored it.

Denise only smiled. The room went silent. 

Suddenly, the shrill sound of a text notification broke the silence. Sharon recognized the sound. Then she heard the familiar ringtone. It sounded like her old phone. 

Officer Foster stood up. "Everyone please stand up and empty your pockets or the content of your bags. Thank you.", he said. He was holding his cellphone in  his hand. He was the one calling the old number.

Sharon quickly stood up and emptied the contents of her bag on her chair. Carlos emptied his pockets. So did Cooper, Anderson, Isaacs and Gibson. Everyone looked at Denise who was still sitting. The phone was still ringing.

In one quick movement Denise rushed towards the door, opened it and ran out. Carlos who had always been quick on his feet took off after her and grabbed her before she was able to get to the elevator. He brought her back to the room holding on to her arms tightly. While Carlos held her, Smith grabbed the bag from her hand, unzipped it and shook out its contents on the floor. Two phones fell out along with a notepad, pens, lip-gloss and a wad of cash folded together by a rubber band.

The phone had gone to voice mail. Foster hung up his phone and called again. The cellphone with the pink metal case lit up and started ringing. Foster stepped forward and picked it up and cut the call. 

He looked at Denise and shook her head. "I guess we have some questions for you Ms Williams."

"Nice work, Foster," Officer Smith said.

Foster nodded and smiled.

Smith took hold of Denise and turned her back towards him and placed her in handcuffs. He looked around at the other people in the room. "We'll let you know what our investigation brings up," he said.

He motioned for Foster to opened the door for him. Foster complied. Smith looked back at Sharon. He nodded at her. He had grown to respect her. He looked up at the tall gentleman with the calm demeanor. He nodded at him and said, "Ever had an interest in being a police detective?"

Carlos chuckled. "No enuh," he said. "I like a quiet life." He gently pulled Sharon closer to his side. She looked up at him and smiled.

Smith looked at both of them. "I'm sure your life is anything but quiet," he said. He gazed at Sharon with an amused look on his face. Carlos chuckled. He looked at his wife. "Yeah. You're right," he said smiling.

Sharon laughed and slapped him playfully on his chest. Carlos grinned cheekily.

Smith smiled. He nodded at Isaacs, who nodded back at him. "Thank you for your quick response," Isaacs said.

"It was no problem," Smith answered. He handed Denise over to Foster who gripped her tightly and pushed her through the door.

The pain Sharon was feeling was more intense now, but she would show no sign of weakness to strangers. She waited until Carlos closed the door for her to collapse in a chair. She could feel the room spinning. She broke out in sweat. She bent over and grimaced. 

Carlos rushed to her side. "Sharon, honey, what's wrong?", he asked alarmed.

"Pain ... pain in my abdomen." Sharon managed to whisper.

"Shit!" Carlos swore.

Paul moved to the other side of her. "What's wrong?", he asked concerned. He touched her on her shoulders.

"She's been having some weird abdominal pains lately," Carlos said.

"Oh okay. Let's get her to your car so you can take her to the hospital," he said moving to open the door.

Sharon felt very dizzy. She tried to stand but her legs were like rubber and buckled under her. Carlos caught her and lifted her in his arms. She felt weak. She heard voices around her. They sounded afraid but she couldn't identify which one was Carlos' or Paul's or Gary's. She heard Sean's voice close by. Carlos was running with her. The other men followed closely behind. They stopped at the elevator waiting.

"I'm going to call ahead to a doctor friend of mine. His name is Dr. Vincent Ramgalan," Sean Gibson said. Sean dialed the number and waited.

"Okay. Dr Ramgalan. I'm sending a colleague to you. She's in a lot of pain. Abdominal pain," he said looking at Carlos. Carlos nodded his affirmative. 

"Okay. Thank you doctor." Sean ended the call. "As soon as you go in tell them it's an emergency and you need to see Dr. Ramgalan, use the word 'priority'. Show them this card." Sean retrieved a business card from his shirt pocket that belonged to the private hospital he was sending them to. 

"Tell them I sent you 'Sean Gibson'," he said. 

"Sharon. It will be okay. Okay?", Sean said. He came to stand before her. His eyes were filled with fear.

Sharon tried to answer him but her mouth was dry. Carlos nodded at Sean and moved off quickly. They were taking the stairs, the elevator was occupied. Carlos still had her in his arms as he hurried down to the car.  

A sharp pain wrenched through her. She gasped and blacked out.

****

After Jason did his laundry he went to see Omie. He needed to ask him something very important. After a brief knock on the door, Omie opened it for him. He had called ahead and told him he wanted to speak to him. 

"Sup?", Omie said. They slapped hands together as was their custom and Jason entered Omie's living room. Aisha was there sitting on the black couch curled up on her side watching TV. Jason greeted her and playfully slapped her on her feet. She laughed and threw a cushion at him. He ducked it and laughed. Omie came into the room and picked up the cushion and threw it back at Aisha. She caught it and grinned at her boyfriend.

Aisha sat up and looked at Jason. She was wearing one of Omie's t-shirts over a blue mini skirt. She smiled and leaned forward to receive a hug from him. Jason hugged her and playfully messed up her hair. It was freshly relaxed and was soft and shiny. He sat on the couch.

"'A' what's up, chica?" Jason asked her smiling.

She laughed. "Nothing much enuh. I just finished making this guy's toes curl and then I decided to watch TV till he recovers and we can go again," she said, her eyes filled with mischief.

Omie made an exasperated sound behind them. Jason looked around, saw Omie's flustered expression and laughed. So what she said was indeed true. 'A' was something else. She always came direct. 

"Oh. Okay. You go girl!" Jason said laughing. "Sorry to disturb you guys, but I won't take long."

Omie plopped on the couch between them and put his arm around his girl. Jason scooted over more to give them space. 

"So what's up?", Omie asked his friend, but he was distracted. He was affectionately nuzzling Aisha's neck. Aisha giggled and planted a firm kiss on his lips. 

Jason watched them and thought about Carli and how much he wanted to be hers so he could do all the things they were doing and more. He cleared his throat. 

Omie and Aisha looked up at him. Aisha laughed softly while Omie chuckled. "Sorry," he said. "What can I do for you?", Omar asked.

"You know about Carli. I'm going to marry her next year, and I want you to be my best man," Jason said letting the air out of his chest slowly. 

Omie sat forward. "Yuh serious?", he asked his eyes wide. He looked at Aisha who was also surprised. 

"Mm-mh as a heart attack. Remember, I told you I would marry her. I asked her and she accepted." Jason smiled thinking about her.

Aisha stood up and went to Jason. She leaned forward and hugged him tightly. Jason hugged her back. She sat down on Omie's lap and looked at Jason in shock.

"What's her name?", she asked.

"Carliethia James, her friends call her Carli, but I call her my baby," Jason said.

Omie circled his arm around Aisha's waist. He looked at his friend. In some ways he was afraid for him. When Jason loved, he loved hard and he could sometimes be impulsive, but if this girl was what he said she was, he was happy for him and proud of his step. He had been thinking about what Jason said days before about making Aisha his wife. He decided that he would, but he hadn't said anything to her or Jason yet. He loved her and he wanted her to be secure in their love.

Omar Marshall extended his hand to his very best friend. Jason took it. Aisha reading the moment between the young men got up from Omie's lap. Omie leaned forward towards Jason and hugged him slapping him on his back. Jason felt like his eyes were about to water. He blinked hard. 

"You've been my good friend from bulla and milk days bro. If this is what you want, then yes, I will be honored to be the best man at your wedding," Omie said as he hugged him. Omie felt a little emotional but would never show it. 

As they separated away from each other Jason patted Omar on the shoulder. Aisha went into the fridge and took out a large pitcher filled with cold water and rested it on the kitchen counter. She poured three glasses, placed them in a small wooden tray and brought them over to the men. They each took one. Aisha took the one remaining and placed the tray on the small table before them.

She sat beside Omie at the end of the couch so the two best friends could be closer. 

"So have you guys done it yet?" she asked curious. "How was it?"

Jason smiled and shook his head. Aisha was Omie's perfect match. "No," he said. "We haven't had sex yet. We really want to, but we're saving it until I put a ring on her finger.' Gosh how I want to! Jason thought.

"How long you've been seeing her?", she asked.

"A little over three months," he replied. 

Aisha stared at him. Out of the corner of his eye Omie saw her expression. He chuckled. 

He turned to her. "Yes hun bun, he said what he said," Omar said amused at her expression. 

"Jason, so you've not sampled the goods, but you want to marry her after just three months?", Aisha asked her mouth open in shock.

"What can I say? I love her. I want her and I think I need her," Jason said plainly.

"Mi tell him seh is him oil ah ride him," Omie said laughing. "Because a long time him nuh get nuh nookie him rushing fi get it."

Jason looked at Omie and said, "Let's say that I've seen paradise and it is beautiful, and I can't wait to enter in."

Omie sat up and looked at him, his eyes wide, eye brow raised. "Weh yuh really a seh bro bro?", he asked surprised. He looked at Aisha who was also perplexed but intrigued. Jason smiled, a cheeky look on his face.

"All I will say is, I am not made of stone, Omie. I gave in a little," he said smiling at them.

Omie's face lit up. "Suh weh dat mean? Yuh knock it?" he asked. 

"No, I haven't," Jason said shaking his head.

"But sumn happen between you and her?", Omie asked.

Jason nodded.

"But yuh nah tell yuh bro?" Omie asked staring at him.

Jason shook his head. 

"Tell me, have you seen her orgasm?" This question was from Aisha. She looked at him her eyes squinted.

Jason nodded. A look passed between them. Jason and Aisha always had a way of understanding each other.

Aisha nodded. She had an idea what could have happened.

Omie was clueless. "What? Wah dat mean?", he asked exasperated.

Aisha patted Omie on his arm. "Come out a di people dem business, babes."

Omie hissed his teeth. "Di two ah unu always ah gang up pon mi an' nah tell mi wen sumn a gwaan. Unu cyan gwaan man. Gwaan like unu a twin," Omie said annoyed at them. 

Aisha laughed and hugged her man. 

"No! Mi nuh wah nuh hug from yuh. No, nuh hug mi man," Omie protested but he did not push her away.

"Suh you gwaan, man," she said playfully. She kissed his cheek and used her fingers to caress his beard.

Jason chuckled softly as he watched the two of them play fight. He was looking forward to that with his darling. 

"Omie mi ah guh up suh, y'ere?" He said standing up to leave.

"Yah guh check her?" Omar asked while gently squeezing Aisha's side.

"No, no later in the night that," Jason replied. He knew Omie was referring to Carli. "Mi a guh up a Tina."

"Oh, oh cools," Omie said. Aisha was playing in his hair. He looked at her giving her his best 'come hither' look and winked. She giggled.

"How har business a gwaan?" he asked but he was looking at his future wifey.

"Gwaan good man. Yuh wah mi pick up nuh groceries from her fi yuh?", Jason asked. He saw the looks between his two good friends and knew it would be on. He stepped towards the door. He would definitely give them their privacy.

"Yeah, yeah. Six pounds of rice and about two pounds of sugar, that's all," Omie said, distracted.

Aisha was licking her lips and leaning back on the couch. Omie placed his hand on her left thigh as she opened her legs slightly for him.

"Sure?" Jason looked at them, an amused look on his face.

"Yah man. Mi sure," Omie answered but he only had eyes for the girl next to him.

Aight bro. I'll be leaving," Jason said. He opened the door and closed it behind him.

****

Carli woke up at 6 am Saturday morning, took a shower, got dressed and went downstairs. No one else was awake yet. It was the perfect opportunity to think of him, plus to clear her thoughts on what happened between her and Lissa. She would start baking today for the Christmas season. 

She thought of him. His words lit a fire in her that she needed him to come quench. She did manage to sleep last night but it was filled with dreams of him. She would still be able to fulfill her obligations. It wasn't the first time she had baked under pressure or tired either. And she wasn't feeling tired. She just needed a cup of coffee or maybe a glass of orange juice to get her going. 

Carli opened the fridge and looked at the shelves. Fortunately for her there was some orange juice inside in a one gallon bottle. She took it out of the fridge and poured a half glass of the pale gold liquid and sipped it. She poured a little more, closed the bottle tightly and placed it in the fridge.

He said I tasted like caramel, she mused. She smiled to herself. She felt reluctant to own that claim about herself. She blushed. But then again, if that's what his impression was, who was she to say no. She did like all the things he said to her. He made her feel beautiful and sexy. 

She washed her hands at the kitchen sink and began to prepare her ingredients for the fifteen fruit cakes and one black forest cake she would be baking.

Her aunt had a cake batter mixer. She removed it from its place in the cupboard and started to work quickly. Aunt Sandra told her that she would be going to work today and would be collecting orders from her staff and industry colleagues. She had even collected half of the price of the cakes from some customers already. 

She loved baking. It was something she and her uncle Chip did together when they were living in May Pen, and even after he was killed it was something she still did. It was a way to keep his memory alive for her and of course to make extra cash. Her aunt always encouraged her to think of it as more than a hobby or a side hustle, but she wasn't sure. 

She quickly portioned the batter into each aluminum baking pan and carefully placed five in the oven. She didn't want to over-crowd the oven. She needed the heat to be evenly distributed. After that batch was done she put in six more then the remaining four fruit cakes. She started on the Black Forrest cake. There were enough ingredients to do the customer's order plus a small one for Jason. She wasn't sure if he would like it but she remembered he said he liked chocolate.

Carli stretched and yawned. She heard the familiar patter of feet coming down the stairs and floppy slippers moving through the foyer. She looked up to see it was her cousin. Lissa walked in and sat at the dining table. She looked over at Carli, but Carli decided to avert her gaze away from her. 

"Cuz, please sit with me," Lissa said.

"I'm busy, Lissa," Carli said her back turned to her cousin. 

"I know, but I think we should talk, please," Lissa pulled out a chair beside her. "Please."

"What time is it?" Carli asked.

"8:30," Lissa said.

Carli came and sat in the chair. She looked at her cousin, her expression blank. 

"Carli, I love you very much," Lissa began. "Maybe it's because I am older than you, maybe that's why I act like this. I am sorry hun. I think I lost it because I want so much for you to be safe."

Carli sighed. "Lissa, you're like an annoying big sister, but I love you," she said. She smiled at her.

Lissa chuckled. "Annoying, eh?"

Carli nodded and said, "Yes."

"Maybe I'm also projecting my own disappointments about relationships onto you. It hasn't been a good experience," Lisssa said sighing.

"Maybe you're trying too hard, Lissa," Carli said reaching out her hand to her cousin.

Lissa took her cousin's hand and squeezed it. "Maybe," she replied.

"What happened to Derrick? I thought you guys were going on well?", Carli asked, concerned.

"I love Ricky actually, but ..." Lissa sighed.

"But what?" Carli asked.

"He wants to see other people, like an open relationship. He says I'm too intense," Lissa smiled sadly.

"You are intense Lissa. It can be good or bad. Does he say he loves you?", Carli asked. She squeezed Lissa's hand.

"Yes, he does and even yesterday after we had our fight I called him and he told me he loved me but he says I'm like a tornado and he can't deal with that," Lissa replied.

"Lissa does he know what happened to you when you were seventeen?", Carli asked.

"No, I haven't told him," Lissa said looking at the floor.

"Why not?", Carli asked.

"I don't know," Lissa said. "I don't know."

"Do you love him?"

"Yes, I love him a lot," Lissa answered.

"And you believe he loves you?"

"I know he loves me," Lissa responded. 

"Then don't hold back. Tell him how much you love him. Tell him what happened to you and also make the effort to allow him to love you. Just let go and stop questioning everything," Carli said smiling at her.

"How do you know I question everything?" Lissa asked.

"Do you?"

Lissa nodded reluctantly. "I do. Yes."

"See, I know you. You're my favorite cousin, although you give me a lot of trouble," Carli said.

"Talk to him and for once tell him how you really feel and let the chips fall where they may. If he loves you, he will love on you even more after he knows," Carli said reaching over to hug Lissa. Lissa leaned forward and hugged her.

"How did you get so wise?" Lissa asked her cousin. She moved away from Carli slowly and used her fingers to brush a tear away.

"I've got a wise cousin and an eccentric aunty. I don't know," Carli said. She grabbed her cousin's hands and squeezed them. "You wanna help me bake?", she asked Lissa.

"Okay. Sure. How many do you have left?" Lissa stood heading to wash her hands at the kitchen sink.

"Just two," Carli said. "One is for Jason."

Lissa looked at her with fresh perspective. "You really love him?", she asked.

"Yes cuz. I love him very much," Carli answered.

"And he loves you?", Lissa asked her.

"Yes. He loves me."

"Did you guys, you know?", Lissa asked. She was curious.

Carli chuckled. "No, we didn't," she said.

"You know, I figured you said that last night because I pissed you off," Lissa came towards Carli.

"What do you need me to do?", Lissa asked.

Carli weighed out four pounds of flour in a large bowl. "Sieve that for me," she said.

"Okay," Lissa said taking the large bowl with the flour from her and removing the strainer from the utensil drawer.

"Did you guys do anything?", Lissa asked, her eyes showing mischief.

"It depends," Carli said. "Are we good?", she asked.

"Yes hun, we're good. You a grown woman now," Lissa said smiling at her.

Carli giggled. "Girl!", she said.

"What? What?", Lissa asked. Her hands almost hit over the bowl. She grabbed it before the flour spilled and laughed.

"What?" she asked.

"He ... I'm no longer a virgin, but it's the way it happened," Carli said turning to her. Her expression was animated. "We wanted to, you know, have sex, but he touched me and his lips went places ... I couldn't think straight!"

Carli looked down at her thighs.

Lissa followed her eyes and laughed. "He went down on you?", she asked. It made no sense she started to sieve the flour right now. She was distracted.

"Yes!", Carli said. 

"That good, uh?" Lissa leaned back on the counter and listened to her.

Carli nodded, her eyes closing. "Lissa, I've never felt like that before, but that's not the best part," she said, opening her eyes and smiling at her cousin.

"What is?", Lissa asked curious.

"I recommitted my life to God," Carli said.

Lissa eyebrows drew together. Wait ... What? Lissa thought. She was happy for her but a little confused.

She reached for her cousin and held her. "I'm happy for you," she said.

She released her.

"Was he instrumental in that happening?" she asked.

"Yes, he was," Carli said.

Lissa nodded. "Well, I'm sorry I did what I did last night. And I am sorry I doubted him. I'm happy for you hun." She hugged her tightly.

"You know what, I don't need to know what happened between you two," Lissa said. She thought about it. If she loved her cousin, she would let her be her own woman. She held Carli at arms length and looked at her. "What happens between you two, hold it close to your chest, okay. Your relationship is sacred. Don't let anyone interfere in that." Lissa touched her young cousin's face. 

Carli sensed the change in Lissa's mood. She nodded soberly. "I promise," she said.

Lissa smiled. "Okay, let's see if we can impress Mr. Jason with your baking skills," she said. She went back to the counter to sieve the flour. "What's his last name anyway?", she asked Carli.

Carli chuckled. "Okay, Let's," she replied. "Surname is Singh. And he makes my heart sing!"

Lissa laughed. "You're crazy!"

Carli giggled. Only for him. She thought. Only for him.

****

Jason parked his car down the lane and walked up to his cousin's house. Tina was home today. She had hired a young girl called Poochie to help sell for her on weekends, while she did courses online. He wasn't sure what his cousin was studying but he knew she was an ambitious girl so whatever she did he would be behind her a hundred percent.

He knocked on the door and waited while Tina's boyfriend Wayne opened the door for him. 
"Sup bro?", Wayne said smiling.

The two men bumped fists and Jason entered the house. "Tina deh yah?", Jason asked him.

"Yeh man, she's in the bathroom," Wayne said sitting down on the sofa. He picked up the remote and pressed play. He was watching a movie on DVD.

Jason chuckled and shook his head. "My yute, a Netflix time now. Weh yah guh wid DVD? Dem movie yah deh on Netflix yuh nuh."

Wayne smiled. "Yeh, mi know, but mi have dem yah an' mi nah dash dem weh."

"Suh yuh nuh have Netflix pon dis?" Jason said looking at the 34" flat screen television. 

"Yah man, but you know how it guh. Mi just like my tings dem," Wayne said. He leaned back on the couch grinning. He continued to watch his movie.

Jason smiled and shook his head. "Arite, bredda," he said.

Jason decided to sit beside him and look at it while he waited for his cousin.

After about twenty minutes. Tina came into the room. "Oh a you," she said looking at Jason. "Mi know mi hear talking. Wah gwaan?" She went over to hug her cousin. Jason stood up, put his arms around her and squeezed.

"So wah gwaan?", she asked him. She looked up at her cousin. He looked happy.

"Yuh know mi come fi dah ting deh," Jason said. He released her from his embrace.

"Yeh man," she said smiling. "But yuh look different. So what's up?"

"A woman him find man," Wayne chimed in. He was still watching his movie.

Jason laughed. How does Wayne know? He wondered. What? Do I have 'belong to Carli' written on me?

Tina looked at Wayne then looked back at Jason. "Is that true?", she asked, eyeing him closely.

Jason chuckled. "Yes, I do have someone," he answered.

Tina saw that his eyes twinkled a little. "Okay, sir," Tina was surprised but happy for him. "So yuh nuh monk again?", she asked him, her smile filled with mischief.

"Yuh a duh di tings again?", she chuckled.

"Not quite, but soon," he said.

"Uh?", she asked. One of her eyebrows was raised higher than the other.

Jason lifted his hands in exasperation. He chuckled a little. "I am still waiting until I'm married, but yes, I have someone. Her name is Carli."

"Carli?" Tina repeated. "Sounds like uptown girl name," she said. Her countenance changed. 

Jason shook his head. "Far from it," he said.

"Okay Jasey. Happy fi yuh." Tina said but her voice held an air of sarcasm.

"What now?", Jason asked amused.

He pulled his cousin to him and hugged her again. "Is wah? Tell me?"

Tina sighed. "Nothing. When am I going to meet her?", she forced a smile.

"No, fi real. Tell me?", Jason held her at arms length and looked at her.

"I guess mi jus did want to meet her and vet her fi yuh, but it sounds like it's serious between you and this person I have never met," she said.

"Okay. Well, I never expected to meet her either, but I guess it was God's plan," he said.

"God's plan?", Tina asked. She looked at her cousin, her head cocked to one side.

"Yeah. I love her Teetee. I really do." Jason nodded at her.

Tina saw the look in his eyes. She softened. "You in love?"

Jason pursed his lips and nodded. 

She nodded. "Okay. I want to meet her," she said. She smiled genuinely at him.

"You will. Very soon," Jason said, "but I gotta run."

"Yeah, yeah. Okay," Tina said nodding.

She went into her bedroom and retrieved some money and took it back to him. She handed the money to him. "So that will make us square. I don't owe you the principal anymore."

Jason counted the money and nodded. It was all there. "Okay, we're good," he replied.

Tina nodded. "Arite Jasey. I wanna say thank you for what you did those months before. If it weren't for you I wouldn't have seen this progress." She smiled up at him.

Jason smiled back at her. "What d'you mean? You're my favorite cuz. I'm gonna help if I can."

Tina hugged him. Jason returned the hug. She stepped back and smiled. 

Jason folded the money and put it in his wallet and placed that in his pocket. He went over and stood in front of Wayne. Wayne paused his show and looked up. 

"Arite bredda, yah leave now?" Wayne asked.

Jason nodded. "Yeh man," he said.

"Arite bredda, guidance."

Jason nodded and headed towards the door. He opened it and Tina closed it for him.

****

Carlos was pacing back and forth in the lobby of the private hospital. There was no word yet about Sharon. He was getting worried. The doctor was in there with her for about half hour now. What was happening? He wondered. 

Just then a middle aged gentleman walked down the lobby towards him. He came and stood before Carlos. 

"You are Mr. James," he asked. His accent indicated that he was a foreigner. 

"Dr. Ramgalan?", Carlos queried.

The man nodded. 

"Okay. What's going on with my wife. What's wrong with her?"

"This may surprise you. She mentioned this wasn't planned," Dr. Ramgalan replied.

Carlos was confused. "What? What wasn't planned?", he asked.

"She's pregnant," Dr. Ramgalan said.

"Pregnant?!", Carlos exclaimed. He was shocked. "But she's on birth control!"

The doctor looked at him, smiling apologetically. "I guess this isn't good news?" 

Carlos sat down in a chair. The doctor sat before him. "Your wife is forty-four, but she's strong. Her blood panel shows no serious illnesses. She'll be fine."

"But why the abdominal pain?", Carlos asked.

"Sometimes during the process of implanting there can be some discomfort or cramping if you will. Unfortunately your wife seems to be under tremendous stress. That may have been the reason for her pain. She almost miscarried today."

Miscarried? What? Carlos thought. "We could have lost this baby?", Carlos stared at the doctor.

"Yes, her blood pressure was elevated," Dr. Ramgalan said.

"How far along is she?", Carlos asked.

"Approximately ten days," Ramgalan said. "We'll have a more accurate picture in a week's time when she comes back." Ramgalan noted Carlos' expression and continued, "Yes. We've made an appointment with your wife for next week Saturday. We'll do another test and by then we'll be able to confirm how far along she is."

"Oh, okay," Carlos said. "Can I see her?", he asked.

"Sure, we gave her something for the pain," Ramgalan answered.

"Is it safe for the baby?" Carlos asked.

The doctor nodded. "Yes," he said, "just something mild to calm her down and relax her pelvic muscles."

Ramgalan stood and led Carlos to where Sharon was resting. 

The doctor stood at the door while Carlos entered and sat on a chair that was beside his wife's hospital bed. 

Ramgalan smiled and said, "Just about ten minutes, okay? The sedative will make her sleepy. She needs to rest. Mrs James I have some more rounds to do, but I will come back and check on you around two hours time, give or take."

Carlos nodded. "Thank you doctor."

Sharon smiled at Ramgalan. "Thank you so much doctor," she said.

Ramgalan bowed his head and smiled at them. "You're most welcome." He stepped back from the doorway and closed the door.

"Baby, I'm so sorry," Carlos said. He covered her hands with his.

"Cade, baby, what are you sorry for?", she asked him. She reached up and touched his face. 

Carlos sighed. "I don't know. I wish I had insisted on you going to the doctor sooner," he said. "And you've been stressed out about the money I gave to Red Man, and with work, and Carli's university fund. As your husband I should have noticed that something was off and made sure you were okay."

Sharon held onto his face and pulled him down to her. She closed her eyes and kissed him tenderly. She gave it all she had though she was feeling tired. When she let him go and he leaned back she placed a hand on his thigh. "You still got it," she said winking at him.

Carlos shook his head, but he smiled at her. "Shar, this is very serious, baby. I could have lost you. I couldn't bear it."

"Well you haven't, okay? I'm here and I'm carrying your son," she said.

Now Carlos was perplexed. "How do you know this?", he asked.

"I just know," she said simply.

"Baby, seriously, you're scaring me. How do you know?", Carlos asked staring at her.

"This one feels different. Carli's was an easy pregnancy. I barely felt anything. You were the one that told me I was pregnant, remember?"

Carlos nodded. "But baby, you were younger then, now you're in your forties. Things aren't like they used to be," he said. He reached for her hands again and squeezed. 

"I know,' Sharon said smiling at him. "Irrespective of that, I feel I'm right. We're having a boy. A sporty boy like his daddy."

Carlos chuckled. "You thinking of signing him to some track and field team right now?", he asked amused.

Sharon laughed softly. "Not really, but I know he'll be a strong, athletic, wise, young man, just like his daddy."

She was amazing. He loved her so much.

"Oh Sharon!", he breathed. "You make me so happy. Are you sure you want to have this baby?" He rested his head on her bosom.

"Yes, silly man. I will have a dozen more if I can manage. You know I always wanted two or three. It's just God's time." Sharon stroked his head gently.

He lifted up his head and looked at her. "Would you fault me for saying I wish I could make love to you right now?" Strangely, Carlos was turned on.

"No. I remember when I was pregnant how you couldn't take your hands off me," she winked at him, "but as you can see I need my rest." 

She pulled his face to her and kissed him deeply. When she released him she looked at him flirtatiously. "As soon as I feel better we'll see what we can do. Okay?"

Carlos smiled lovingly at her. "I promise to be gentle," he said. 

Sharon laughed. She nodded. "I know," she said.

Carlos lifted himself from her chest and placed a hand on her tummy. "I promise to protect you and your mommy, always," he said. Sharon rested her hands on his.

"We need to call Carli and tell her," Carlos said.

"I have a better idea," Sharon said smiling at her husband. "Call Sandra, I want to talk to her. I miss my baby girl."

Carlos reached for his phone from his pocket and gave it to her. He had an idea what she was about to do.

Sharon dialed her sister's number.

After five rings she heard the familiar tone of her sister's voice.

"Hey San San," Sharon said happily while smiling at her husband. 

Carlos smiled. Maybe it was time for a little family reunion.

****

He couldn't take it any longer. He needed to hear her voice. Jason called her.

"Hello," Carli answered.

"Hey beautiful," Jason said.

Carli felt something in her melt. "Hey honey, how are you?", she asked.

"I'm okay. Can't wait to see you later, although not under the circumstances I wanted," he said smiling.

He longed to see her. "I really wanna see you. I can't explain how not seeing you makes me feel."

Carli giggled. "I miss you too baby."

"You alone," he asked.

"Mmhm. Lissa was here helping me bake but now she's gone on the road, and aunty is at work," she replied.

"Oh okay," he said. "You guys talked?", he asked her.

"Who? Lissa?", Carli asked.

"Mmhm, yes." 

"Yeah. We've made up. I understand her Jason. There's something that happened to her that I probably shouldn't let you know about, but I'm gonna tell you so you can understand her better."

"Okay," Jason said. He was curious.

He heard Carli sigh on the line. "Jason, she was raped by a guy she was in love with. She was seventeen at the time," she said.

Jason felt bad. "Oh wow! Has she gotten any counseling?", he asked, concerned.

"Yeah, she did but she still struggles. She doesn't really trust men. Added to that the counsellor at the time wasn't empathetic enough. She wants to be the kind of counsellor who can walk women through the trauma as a non-judgemental shoulder to lean on. That's why she does what she does. Her job I mean," Carli said.

"So she wants to protect you from me?", Jason asked. He was a little hurt but he brushed off the feeling.

"In a sense yes. I was a virgin. She didn't and doesn't want me to be taken advantage of. She didn't think you would force me, but I guess because you said you're celibate, and you are a Jamaican man who has had sex before ..." Carli paused then laughed.

"She thought I was being deceptive," Jason finished for her.

"Yes. Yes that's it," Carli said.

"Well, Carli you know me and anything you don't know you will know very soon, because I'm going to make you my wife," Jason said matter of factly. "I love you and I would rather hurt myself than to hurt you."

Carli smiled. "Baby, you don't need to convince me. I'm looking forward to knowing everything I don't know about you after we're married, starting from our wedding night," she teased.

"Mmh, is that so?", Jason asked, intrigued. "What do you think is hidden?"

"Well, I've not experienced sex with you yet," she said coyly. "Plus that growl, that sound you made last night like a growl or something. I wanna know that side of you."

"Growl? What growl?" Jason asked acting confused. He laughed softly. He knew what she was talking about. Last night he was really hot and needed an outlet of some sorts. "What? You liked the sound?", he asked amused but aroused.

Carli giggled softly. "Yes Jason Singh. It turned me on," she answered. "I wanna experience a little of that side of you on our honeymoon. Not sure if I can manage that fully on our wedding night because it will be my very first time, but I want that side to come out eventually," she said.

Jason smiled. Oh boy do I have something for you! He thought. "I promise not to hurt you, and if I do it'll be because you want me to, maybe just a little," he said his usual deep timbre became warm and sensual.

Delicate tendrils of pleasure rose from her loins, up her spine to her breasts and across her body. She shook her head and smiled, amazed at how easy it was for him to rattle her. 

"You naughty boy," she teased him.

Jason chuckled. "Only for you my sweet baby, only for you." He thought of her on her back, naked and beautiful before him on his bed. He cleared his throat. "I'll be coming by your aunt's by 9, latest 9:15, okay? I'm getting someone to help me pick up my stuff, but right now I'm gonna get a new fridge and sofa," he said. His voice was soft to her ears.

"Okay baby. I love you. Can't wait to see you," she said blowing him kisses.

Jason closed his eyes and received her kisses. "I love you too sweet baby, " he said. He blew her a kiss and hung up.

He dialed uncle Red Man's number. He needed someone who wasn't afraid of an innercity setting. 

"Wow. Talk fass!" Uncle Red Man answered the phone call.

Jason chuckled. Red Man was his mom's half brother by her mother's side. He too had the family trait of brilliant hazel eyes.

"Uncle Reds," Jason said. "It's your nephew Jase. Yuh still available to help me move today?"

"Yah man. I was waiting on you to call," Red Man replied.

"Oh cools. Yuh can bring the truck and come to Cross Roads. Just buy one fridge and sofa, need help to carry them too," Jason said.

"Yuh buy them already?" Red Man asked.

"Yeah," Jason said. 

"Arite mi a come," Red Man replied. He hung up.

Jason smiled. Red Man was his favorite uncle. He always had hilarious stories of his life growing up.

Uncle Red Man arrived in Cross Roads fifteen minutes later with two young men. One called Tullo and the other Red Man called Bun Head. They didn't tell Jason their real names and he didn't ask. 

They carefully helped Red Man load Jason's new fridge and sofa onto the back of the truck, strapped them down, then they were off to get his stuff from his old place. 

Jason walked into the community first followed by Red Man and the two young men. Choppa, the area don stepped forward towards Jason.

"A wah gwaan yah suh?", Choppa asked. He looked at Jason, his body language menacing.

Jason smiled at Choppa.  "Some stuff mi come fah. Get somewhere else so mi a move out mi things dem." Jason tried his best to show no fear. His body was however tense and poised for anything.

"Missa Lenny know?" This question was from Puppy Foot who stepped from a group of men who were standing nearby. Following Puppy Foot's lead the other men turned towards Jason and his group standing at the front of the community and circled them.

Jason looked back at Red Man. Red Man came forward and stood beside his nephew. Choppa stepped back a little. He recognized Red Man. Red Man was an O.G., a gangster back in his younger days, and his infamy was still widespread even among the young men in Commons and August Town. Red Man had long retired from that life. He had even moved out of the area four years ago but the young men still feared him. They knew that if he wanted, he could make things happen.

"Yes, he knows," Jason answered. Lenford Watson was his landlord. Jason had informed him two weeks prior that he was moving, right after he paid his rent.

Choppa took his phone out of his pocket and made a phone call. 

"Yeah, Missa Lenny, we just a call fi find out if yuh tenant did tell yuh seh him a move out?", Choppa queried. 

Jason saw Choppa nod his head several times then said, "Arite. Thank you." He hung up.

He looked at Jason and the other men. 

"Arite, mek dem pass," he said.

Puppy Foot stepped back as did the other men. Finally, Choppa moved out of Jason's way but his facial expression was still menacing. Jason, Red Man and the two young men moved towards Jason's rented place quickly. They entered the house and locked the door. 

Uncle Red Man aka Eugene looked at his nephew. "Mek we hurry up, y'ere," he said. 

Carefully but quickly, Red Man and the young men helped Jason move the furniture, and the sparse appliances he had to the truck while under Choppa's watchful eye. He was smoking a ganja spiff and had a plastic cup with some soda and rum in it. Jason and his crew ignored him.

When Jason was done he locked the house door. He would give Lenny his key the next day but at a neutral location. He walked briskly to the truck where his uncle, Tullo and Bun Head were waiting. They all got in the vehicle together and Red Man started the engine. He revved the engine several times to warm it up. He shifted the truck into gear and drove off. In the rear view mirror Red Man could see some of the men of the community watching them as they left. He turned to Jason and said, "Try nuh badda live nuh weh else like dah place yah. My time past now. Mi nuh have nuh strength fi involve inna nuh mix up," he said to his nephew. 

Jason nodded. His expression somber. "I promise. Trust me," he replied.

They were able to help Jason unload the rest of his clothes, the new fridge and sofa, his stove, washing machine, the small table and his dressers, and bring them up to his apartment. The mattress remained in the truck and the large table. Those would be sent to his mom for safe keeping. Jason shook his uncle's hand and secretly slipped twenty-five thousand dollars in it.

Red Man opened his hand and smiled. He nodded. "How yuh mother?", he asked Jason.

"Mommy is good man. Yuh can talk wid her when you drop these things off for me, " Jason said.

His uncle nodded. "Yeah. True.  Yuh nah come wid we?", he asked. 

"No. I got to arrange these things to my space and then I have somewhere to go later on in the night," Jason answered. 

"Arite then. You take care of yourself," Red Man said.

Jason nodded. He nodded to the young men to acknowledge them. They nodded back then re-entered the truck waiting for Red Man.

"Arite thanks again, uncle," Jason said 

Red Man nodded. "Yeh man," he said smiling. He walked to the truck. Jason followed him. Red Man started the truck engine, smiled at Jason and drove off.

**** 

Jason called Omie and the two of them went to the bank. Jason wanted to deposit some money at the ATM but he needed someone to be like a bodyguard for him. Robberies occasionally occur at bank ATMs and he wasn't taking any chances. He deposited $50,000, he would have Omie go in to his bank's branch in Half Way Tree on Monday to deposit another $500,000 at the teller. He had $225,000 remaining. He would give the $25,000 to Carli to spend as she liked and the remaining $200,000 would go down with him to Montego Bay. 

On their way driving home they stopped and bought dinner, it was Omie's treat. He was happy for his friend and now, as a soon to be married man, Omie knew Jason needed to be more frugal with his money from now on. 

When they arrived home, Omie stepped out of Jason's car and went into his apartment to give Aisha her dinner. She was sleeping over. Omie then carried his own boxed food and followed Jason up to his apartment. They ate their meals quickly while chatting about school days and plans for the future. Then they leaned back on the new sofa for a little while to allow the food to settle and continue their conversation. Afterwards they went to work.

Omie and Jason positioned the washing machine just outside the bathroom in a small space before the kitchenette where it could fit. They fixed the machine so that the waste water would flow from its hosing and empty into the shower tub. Jason would screw on a garden hose to the tub spout and use that to fill his washing machine when he needed to. 

After they had finished rearranging the apartment with the newly added appliances. Jason made a make-shift shoe rack and clothes rack to store his shoes and clothes using rods and do-it-yourself shelves, he and Omie assembled. They would be by his bed side on the right. His two dressers were on the left side of the bed. The smaller one was closer to his bed while the bigger one with the mirror was to the left of the small dresser. 

The small table he brought with him would be used as a counter top to help him prepare food. The small table he got with the apartment would be used as a night table. Jason and Omie also managed to fit his stove in the kitchenette space but the fridge would have to be at the far end of his bedroom space, across the room from his bed. The small sofa they moved to the empty the space in the hallway. 

They moved the LED TV and mounted it on the wall, opposite to the bed some inches away from where the fridge stood. The fridge on the left; the TV on the right. The wooden stand the TV was on, Jason had bought at a craft festival months before. He decided to use it as a mini book shelf. He and Omie lifted it and carefully placed it a foot away from the door. It would be the first thing he'd see when he walked into the apartment.

When they were finished Jason thanked Omie and tried to give him some money for his help but Omie refused. 

"No, not necessary," Omie said. "You're my bro. Just do yuh ting man."

Jason gave Omie a short hug and saw him out the door. 

He quickly took clothes from his drawers, laid them on the bed and headed to the shower. When he came out of the shower he got dressed quickly. He opened the apartment door and left it ajar and followed the corridor up the stairs to the roof where his clothes were drying. He had installed five clothes lines on separate metal poles on the roof and told Omie that any tenant was free to use them, but he needed access on Saturdays. So far everyone seemed to be adhering to this one condition. He threw the clothes over his shoulders and quickly brought them down to his apartment and laid them on the bed. He went back and forth three times and moved as quickly as he could. It was now 8:30 pm and he needed to leave and be by Carli's aunt's house by 9 o'clock.

When he was finished Jason grabbed his car keys, locked his apartment door and hurried down stairs. He jumped in his car and drove off.

****

Carli was getting dressed after her shower when she heard talking down stairs. She was wearing bra and panties. She sprayed some of her lavender oil in her hair, across her chest, neck and arms. She sprayed just a little on her thighs. She dressed herself in a skirt that brushed the top of her knees and a soft cotton blouse that was loose and comfortable. As she went down stairs she listened to the voices. It was Jason, he and her aunt were talking. She stood at the top of the stairs and listened to their conversation.

"Jason, I am quite fond of you," her aunt said, "but I am disappointed about what I am hearing about you engaging in certain activities with my niece. She is not my daughter but she is under my care."

"I understand perfectly," Carli heard Jason reply. "I love your niece very much. I am in love with her. The original plan was to wait until she is my wife. We got a little carried away."

"Yes she told me she initiated the encounter between you two," aunt Sandra said.

"That is true, but I accept full responsibility for what happened. I had her over at my house and should have stopped what happened between she and I," Jason said.

"How could you? My niece is a very beautiful young woman. I am sure she is tempting."

Carli heard a pause then Jason answered. "Yes she is. She is very beautiful. However, we have laid some ground rules that I will make sure we carry out to a 'T'."

"How can I trust you with my niece?", her aunt asked him. Carli wondered if she should intervene. It was her they were talking about after all.

"If you don't want to trust me, I understand, but trust your niece's judgement and the efforts I am making to make her feel secure," Jason said.

"Yes, I saw the ring," aunt Sandra said. 

"Yeah," Jason said. "I want to marry her. She is the one I want. Carli told me about your husband and a little about how you met."

Sandra laughed. "Yes. Marcus was a charmer but also a hard worker. Are you prepared to work harder than you've ever done to make sure my niece is taken care of?", she asked him.

"I am more than willing and capable of doing that. I will do all that I can to make sure Carli is provided for and safe in our relationship," Jason said.

Carli couldn't listen anymore. She stepped down the stairs so they could see her. 

She went to Jason and circled her arms around his waist. She looked up at her aunt, her eyes staring at her. Sandra saw the gesture and chuckled. "Claiming your territory," she quipped amused.

Carli smiled back at her but said nothing. Sandra lifted her hands palm up in the air as if to say 'I surrender'. She backed away from them both. She looked at Jason and said, "This should be a surprise, but Carli's parents will be coming to visit her tomorrow. If you're still here by Sunday afternoon around 1 o'clock you can introduce yourself to them."

Jason nodded. "Okay. I'll try to delay then," he said.

Carli was surprised. Her parents were coming to see her. She had planned to go to them. No matter, she was excited to introduce them to her love.

Sandra went upstairs while Carli pulled Jason into the living room onto her favorite couch. 

"You okay, baby?", Carli asked.

Jason leaned back and put his arms around her. "Mm-hm I am my sweet baby. You swooped in to defend me," he said chuckling. 

"You're mine. I won't let anyone pull us apart," she said. Not even my parents, she mused. 

Jason leaned over and kissed her brow. "I love you, my little warrior," he said.

Carli giggled. "Only for you," she said. She reached up and kissed his cheek.

"So where's you cousin. I want to talk to her if you don't mind?" Jason queried.

"Oh, she went to look for her boyfriend," Carlo said smiling.

"Oh really?", he asked surprised. 

"Yeh, they were having some misunderstandings, but she decided to talk to him. Judging by the fact that she isn't back yet they've probably kissed and made up. She may stay over," Carli had a cheeky smile on her face.

Jason smiled also. "Good for her. I always thought she was wound up too tight. This is good," Good for him and Carli too. He thought. She can focus on her own relationship and leave ours alone.

Carli leaned on his chest. He circled his arms around her and kissed her head. 

"I meant every word baby," Jason said. "I'm prepared to do everything to make sure you're okay. Matter of fact, I want to show you something. It's very important to our future. Can you be ready tomorrow morning by 7?"

"How did you know I was listening?", she asked surprised.

"I could smell your lavender fragrance. It's strong. I'm sure your aunt was also aware you were nearby," he replied.

She laughed softly. "Okay," she said simply. 

Carli was intrigued about what they would be doing in the morning. "Yes, I can be ready by 7. You taking me somewhere?" she asked.

"Yes, out of town, but just briefly," he answered.

"Okay baby, I'll be ready by 7 am." She inched closer to him.

Jason rested his jaw on her head and pulled her closer.

"There are other things I want to tell you," Jason said. "I want you to know how much I love you and that I trust you."

Carli closed her eyes. She loved this man so much.

While they were holding each other close, Sandra came up behind them quietly and watched them. She heard what Jason said and smiled. She hoped he would tell her about the investment in St. Catherine.

She came forward and stood before them. "About the thing you wanted me to check out," she said. 

Jason looked at her and listened. He still held Carli in his embrace.

"I just got a phone call. Your instincts were right," she said looking at Jason. "Turns out that the developer had filed a previous design with more rooms but it wasn't approved by the Municipal Corporation. According to a contact of mine, there's a sewage plant in that community that's almost at maximum capacity. The apartment complex will be attached to that plant as well. They had submitted plans to build a mini plant of their own but it hasn't been approved yet. Also, there's a water table in the community nearby that the government is keen on keeping contamination free. 

"Based on the previous size of the apartment complex and water table being close by, the Corporation felt it was too risky to give approval based on the previous design. They felt it would threaten the water table and instructed the developer to cut back on the rooms being built and change the design. Based on what you described I got a link to sneak me a look at the new design. The new design is the old design. They just cut back on the rooms. 

"It is a possibility that the extra space on the plans you saw were to accommodate the extra rooms being built in sneakily. The extra rooms the Corporation told them not to build in the first place. I also think the external staircase is a ploy to hide the extra space. I don't think they will be building any outside stairs. It's just to mask what they're doing. I shared my theory with my friend and he thinks it is possibly the developer's plan. He will pass on your observations to the heads of his department. The expectation is that by Monday there will be a stop order and further investigations will be taking place. Tell your friends not to bother with this venture. This may be tied up for awhile." 

Sharon smiled at Jason. "Nice work," she said. 

Jason nodded and smiled back at her. 

"For what it's worth. I would love to have you as part of the family," aunt Sandra said. "Good night." She leaned forward to give Carli a hug. Carli moved out of Jason's arms and hugged her aunt. 

"You have my blessing," Sandra whispered to her. Carli smiled at her as she moved away from her embrace. Jason heard what she said too. He was happy. He could tell she was impressed and he was glad he won her over. She left them and went upstairs.

At 10:30 p.m. Jason decided it was time to go home. They had spent the time cuddling and talking about their families. Carli told Jason about how her parents met, that her mom and dad were very loving towards each other, and how she wanted that for she and him. He told her he would love to meet them, to show them that he loved her and would do anything to make her happy.

"My sweet baby. I will dream of you till tomorrow," he said touching her face. 

They were standing by the front door.

"I'll dream of you too. I love you honey," Carli said reaching up for a hug.

Jason pulled her in to him and held her tightly. 

"Good night, baby," Jason said after he released her. He wished he could be with her tonight. Just to hold her close to feel her heart beat.

"Good night," she said. She was holding on to his right hand. She let him go reluctantly.

Jason stepped outside and she locked the door.

The new information he got from aunt Sandra was a life saver. He had money, but he didn't have money to waste. He was going to be a married man soon and he wasn't a millionaire yet. He smiled as he looked up at the sky. His car was parked just outside the family's gate. He opened the gate and closed it, got into his car and thought of Carli. He started the engine, easing the car into drive and stepped on the gas. He would call Omie when he got home so he could pass the information on to his dad. 

This was just the beginning. Tomorrow he would take her to their future home and tell her about his investments and other plans for the future. He smiled as he thought about her.