Chapter 18: Like father like son.

 

Jason stretched and lay flat on his back. He sighed. He wondered what time it was. He stretched over to his night table and grabbed his phone to see the time. It was still dark outside. He pressed the phone's power button to look at the time. It was 6 am. He got about five hours of sleep. He was up organizing his house: doing some cleaning, packing away clothes until 12:40 am and then was so wired he didn't fall asleep right away.

He thought of Carli while he worked and somehow it gave him the energy he needed. He smiled as he thought of her. He was glad he was her first. He wanted to make sure hel was her last. He loved her and wanted their love to grow.

He turned on his side as he thought of their lovemaking. If it even killed him he would try his best to hold off a little bit longer. Seeing her the way he did made him realize how beautiful she is and how much he wanted to protect her. He unlocked the phone and hit redial. He wanted to hear her voice and he also needed to tell her about uncle Pat's gift.

The phone rang twice then went straight to voice mail. He dialed again but Carli didn't pick up. He wondered if she was still asleep. He needed to get ready to go back to Mobay. He sat on the floor, did his sit-ups and then push-ups as was his regular routine. Afterwards, he read a scripture from the Bible app on his phone. Just as he finished praying, his phone rang. He went to the bed and picked it up. It was his baby calling him back. He sat on the edge of the bed and answered.

"Hey beautiful," he said. He softened his voice the way he knew she liked it.

He heard her giggle. "Hey baby," she said. Her voice was warm and welcoming. 

Jason wished he could see her. 

"What are you doing?" he asked her.

"I just woke up. So I'm still in bed. I reached for the phone and saw your missed calls. So here I am calling you," she said.

"Is it too early after last night to say that I miss you," he said. His voice was low and seductive.

Cali laughed softly. "No baby. I miss you very much. I wish you were here," she said. Her voice had a sweet, sensual quality that made him bite his lip. He knew that she must be thinking about their intimate time together.

"Carli, baby, did I satisfy you enough?" he asked her tenderly.

"Yes baby, you did," she said softly, "you had me screaming and moaning. You heard me." She giggled. "I love your size, you're so thick. I love the way you ... the way you ... I don't how to say it." She laughed shyly.

Jason laughed softly. Her shyness was so adorable. 

"The way I did what?" he asked chuckling.

"How you were inside me," she said.

"The way I stroked you?" he asked.

Carli giggled. "Yeah."

"You liked how I stroked in and out of you?" Jason asked her. His tone was warm and sensual.

Carli laughed softly. "Yes, I liked that," she said.

Jason felt his member respond. "I'm glad you liked it. I want to give you more. Baby, I really love your needle eye. Wish I could be in you right now. You were so wet and tight. My perfect fit," he said. He blew sloppy kisses to her through the phone.

Carli bit her lower lip. She loved when he talked to her like this. A soft whimper slipped from her lips as she closed her eyes and remembered how he felt inside her.

Jason heard it. He wished he could touch her. He allowed himself to make a low guttural sound so she could know he was feeling the same way. "Hmmm ... Carli, I love those little sounds you make for me, and the things you say to me," he said. He closed his eyes. 

"I want to kiss those soft lips again," he whispered.

Carli heard the sensual tone of his voice and had a hunch. "What lips are you talking about?" she asked him seductively.

Jason chuckled. It was a deep, sexy sound. "Both," he said. "The ones beneath your cute little nose and the ones between your thighs. The ones between your thighs are especially tempting," he said as he released his breath softly.

Carli sighed. "I love you Jason. I love when you talk to me like this. You make me feel beautiful," she told him.

"Carli, you are beautiful, very beautiful," he lay on his back as he spoke to her. He opened his eyes and glanced at the phone before putting it back to his ear. He was curious. "Has no one else told you that?"

"No, not really," she said.

Jason couldn't believe it. Matthew never told her? "Matthew never told you?" he asked.

"He did once, yes," she replied. She remembered the school had a class fete for ten and eleven graders when she was in the tenth grade and she had dressed in short shorts and a tank top. She wore a pair of flip flops and a little eye shadow with pink lip gloss. She told him thank you but she didn't believe him. She was heavier then. She had just started losing weight and only lost ten pounds. She felt very insecure.

"I was a hundred and seventy pound teenager in high school. I didn't feel beautiful. There was a class fete for the ten and eleven graders around the end of school term at the time," she said as she recalled that time. 

"I was wearing short shorts because Lissa bought it for me and strangely enough, my mom insisted that I wear it. Anyhoo, I dressed up in the shorts and a pink tank top. I wore flip flops with two inch heels and I had put on some eye shadow and lip gloss. He danced with me and we hung out. He told me I was beautiful but I didn't believe him.  At the time I was trying to lose weight and had only managed to shed ten pounds. I didn't feel beautiful."

"Well, believe me, my sweet baby," Jason said, "you are very beautiful." Jason blew cute little kisses on the phone to her. "Didn't you hear me saying this over and over yesterday? Don't you believe me when I tell you this?" he asked.

"I kinda do," she said. "It's not that I don't believe you, but sometimes I lack the confidence. You know I have stretch marks."

Jason did notice that there were very faint stretch mark lines on her hips and butt, and he loved them. On their wedding night he would make sure to kiss them for her. "Baby, I love your stretch marks. On our wedding night I'm gonna show you how much I love them," he said. 

He bit his lip. "I wanna fill you up with my love, literally," he said, his tone deep and gruff. "I love you sweet Carli, please don't doubt that."

Carli sighed. I wish our wedding night was already here. Carli thought. "I wish we were already married," she said longingly.

Jason sighed. "I know," he said. 

"I also want to talk to you about that. If we moved up the date to a day in April, would you be okay with that?" he asked.

Carli smiled. "Yes I would. I want to be your wife so bad," she said laughing softly.

"And I want to be your husband really bad," he said. "I wanna experience your sweet kitty again and again, and I want to give you all the love I have been saving for you."

"Are you going to be rough with me?" Carli asked intrigued.

"Only if you want me to," he said. "I didn't want to hurt you yesterday, but it's been a long time since I've had sex with anyone, so I think I got very excited. I promise to be very gentle with you and take my time. Okay?"

"Thank you," she said, "but if you get a little rough I'll try to manage. I want you to be satisfied."

Jason was touched by what she said. "You would endure me being rough with you, for me?"

Carli nodded though Jason couldn't see her body language and answered with an emphatic, "Yes."

Jason felt himself harden. He closed his eyes. He would love to grip and pull her hair, brace her against walls, spank her and other things he had done with his ex-girlfriend, but Carli wasn't like her. 

He had enjoyed those experiences and was curious about Carli's response if he did any of them to her, but he remembered that the Bible referred to women as weaker vessels. Based on her reaction to the spanking he gave her, he figured she liked it, but there were levels to that sort of thing, and he wanted to make sure she was comfortable.

"I love you more than my words can express, so I'm gonna have to show you," he said. "On our wedding night I'm gonna focus on your pleasure. It may not be your first time but it will be our first time as husband and wife and I want it to be special. I'm gonna be as gentle as I can be the first time and if you want it more intense the other rounds I'll see how much pressure I can apply."

Carli felt herself getting moist as he spoke lovingly to her in that deep, sensual tone. "Mhmm, yes baby," she whispered softly. "I can hardly wait." Her voice was husky with desire. "I love you."

"I love you," he replied. He could tell she was excited. He was too. She was beautiful and he needed her.

Jason opened his eyes and cleared his throat as he tried to focus. He bit his lip. She was driving him crazy. He made a sound and took a deep breath then released it slowly. He needed to tell Carli about uncle Pat's gift. "As you know, I went to see uncle Pat," he said. 

"I told him that we had sex, and while he was sad about it, he has decided to help us. And by the way, I shared my cake with him as well as with my mom and my two siblings. I didn't get to see Joel or Lisa's reaction but my mom loved the cake, and so did uncle Pat. He was very impressed. He would love to talk with you again. He has promised to be on his best behavior. And one more thing, he's given us a gift towards our wedding/marriage." Jason paused to hear what she would say.

Carli was happy they loved her creation. She had worked hard on tweaking the ingredients to the right flavor and texture she wanted. But she was curious about uncle Pat's gift.

"A gift?" Carli asked. "What sort of gift?"

"He gave me some shares which he says are worth $2 million or close to it. He's had them for a while," Jason said smiling. "He also offered for us to stay at his condo in St. Ann. I've never been so it will be a new experience for both of us. What do you think?" 

Carli was stunned. "Really? He just gave them to you, no strings attached?"

"Not really. He just wants us to abstain until the wedding," he said.

"Wow! That was kind of him," Carli said surprised.

"Yeah. He is like a dad to me," Jason told her.

Carli was grateful. "Please tell him thank you on my behalf. That was very generous of him," she said. "For the shares and the condo. Yes, I would love to spend time at his place. Will he be there?"

"No he won't, just us, and the caretaker and his wife, and they sleep elsewhere, so we'll have our privacy. There's a pool and it's also near a beach."

Carli laughed softly. "Then yes. Sure. I would love to go there."

"The caretaker's wife is willing to cook for us and do laundry if we want, and we'll pay her for her services, but if she comes in to clean uncle Pat will take care of that," Jason said. He was relieved that she approved.

"Great! Tell him we accept," Carl said. This was good news. She wasn't annoyed with uncle Pat anymore.

"Great! I'll call him while going down to Mobay. Speaking of, which weekend do you want to come down to see me, the first or second? Remember I won't be able to come up for two weeks."

"The first one, that way I can see you soon after you leave, and it'll help you with settling in," she said.

Jason nodded. He loved her so much. She was so considerate of his feelings and needs. "Okay baby. We can make it happen," he replied.

Carli stretched and did a sexy cry that sounded like a moan, "aaahhh!" 

Jason bit his lower lip as he listened to her. He smiled. "Baby, what are you doing now?" he asked amused.

Carli giggled softly. "Just stretching," she answered him.

"Sounds like you want to be stretched in a different way," he said seductively.

Carli chuckled a little. 'Maybe," she said.

"Is she okay?" Jason asked. He would tease her a little.

"Is she who, okay?" Carli asked, a little confused.

Jason laughed softly. "My sweet kitty. Is my sweet kitty feeling better. I bruised her a little. I wanna know if she feels better." Jason dipped his voice to just above his growl register. He waited to hear what she would say.

"Hmmm, baby when you talk to me like that, you make feel crazy," she whispered sexily. "I wish you could come and touch me, and make love to me. Kiss me all over."

Carli laughed softly. "Yes, she feels much better. Right now she's wet and waiting for you to take her again," she said.

Jason made that growling sound she liked. Carli felt her loins clench. Oh gosh! She thought. I need him, God help me I need him!  "Baby, I need you so bad. I need your hard dick inside me right now."

"Is it wet for me baby?" he asked her.

"Yes," she moaned.

Jason growled again, extending the grit in his tone. Carli gasped when she heard it. Oh my!  She mused. Maybe I do want to experience his wild side.

He was hungry for her. If he could, he would go for her, bring her back to his place and ravish her from morning till night, over and over. If they were loud and disturbed the neighbours, he didn't care. He wanted her. 

"Carli, touch your sweet kitty for me," he said.

Carli slipped her fingers inside her panties and touched herself. She sighed. It felt nice but not good. Jason's touch made her feel really good.

"I want your touch, baby. I need your touch," she said softly.

"I know baby, I know, but this is just for now, okay?" he told her. 

"Slip your finger inside and take your time moving it in and out, and imagine it's me," he said. Jason touched himself. He was aching and throbbing for her. He closed his eyes and massaged himself slowly. 

"Carli, I'm touching myself too. You don't have to feel weird. I'm in this moment with you. Sweet baby, I want you. I need you," he told her. His voice was warm and sensual.

Carli moaned softly. He made her feel so hot.

"Rub your little nub for me baby. You know what I'm talking about?" he asked.

"Yes, I know," Carli replied her breathing shallow.

"Take your time and rub it slowly. Think about me and rub it," Jason groaned. "Think about how my tongue teases it for you."

"Ohh baby ... ahhh ... baby!" Carli moaned, "Jason ... oh baby! I need you ... aaahhh!"

"Yes baby, like that. Think of my lips kissing your sweet folds. Rub it faster, Carli," Jason voice was gruff as he told her what to do.

He heard her moan louder. He massaged his member more aggressively as he listened to her breathing accelerate.

"Ohhh Jason! Jason! Oh baby! Ohhh! ahhhh!" Carli moaned loudly, "ahhhhh!

He heard her panting heavily. He moved his hand faster. He groaned loudly as he climaxed. He was breathing heavily. April couldn't come soon enough!

After he calmed down a little, he blew sloppy kisses over the phone. "Sweet baby, did you cum for me?"

"Yes, Jason, you made me cum really hard," she said. Her voice was husky; caressing his senses.

"Did you?" she asked. 

Jason chuckled. He growled a little for her. Carli giggled. "Yes baby I did. Your sweet kitty is driving me crazy," he answered.

"Do you usually make that sound? The growling sound?" Carli asked. "I mean did you with your ex?" She was curious.

"No, I never did. I've done other things, but not the growling ... I don't know, when I'm really hot for you and you're not with me, this crazy feelings comes over me." Jason sighed. He chuckled softly. "I feel like I could grab you and go wild inside you," he said, his voice deep and gruff. "Really go hard inside you. The growling kind of helps take the edge off."

"You wanna pull my hair, slap my butt and ram it into me?" Carli asked. She felt hot for him.

Jason laughed. "Yes sweet baby, just like that," he said gruffly, "just like that."

"I wouldn't mind," Carli said. "I think I'll like it."

Jason chuckled. "You a little vixen aren't you?" he teased her.

Carli giggled. "Maybe. I want you to stretch me. I wish you could plunge that sweet dick into me and make me beg for mercy," she said biting her lip. "Jason, I can't get enough of you."

Jason groaned. "Carli, you don't know what you're asking me to do."

"Maybe I don't, but I'm so hot for you, if you lose control and give it to me really hard I'd probably be begging you for more," she said her voice airy and sensual.

Jason chuckled. "You wanna test that theory on our wedding night?"

Carli made a soft whimpering sound. "Yes! Yes please," she said.

Jason grunted. He chuckled softly. "Okay baby. I'll play it by your lead. How you want it, I'll give it to you, but if at any time you feel uncomfortable tell me. Okay?"

"Okay baby, I will," she said blowing him a kiss through the phone. "I love you my handsome husband-to-be."

"I love you my beautiful bride-to-be." Jason said blowing her a sloppy kiss.

****

Jason was driving at 50 mph, travelling down to Montego Bay. It was 8:32 am. He promised his dad he would be back by the latest 11:30. Officially, it wasn't a work day because the contractors were careful to abide by Jamaican laws and respected local holidays, unofficially, his dad wanted him to get back early so they could inspect the work they had done so far, just to make sure the walls were cured properly. 

Almost a week had passed since they had initially treated the walls. They would now go back in, inspect, see if there were sections of the walls that needed any attention and make the adjustments. If all was well, they would proceed with their plan the next day.

The crazy, sexy love session with Carli earlier was an eye opener. There was a little sex vixen inside of her he wanted to explore. He smiled to himself as he remembered her saying she would probably like his rough sex. 

Maybe she would, he would see a couple months from now. For right now he would focus on his work until he saw her next Saturday. He would tell his dad he wanted next Saturday and Sunday off. To make sure he got it, he will do all his dad asked him to do and then some. He needed that time with Carli and he was gonna make sure he got it.

****

Bello lay on the bed and flipped through the newspaper. He looked at his watch. It was 10 o'clock. Jason had an hour left to get back here. He wondered what was so urgent for him to leave and go back to Kingston. His son kept things to himself and he would usually leave him alone, but this time it was about business and he didn't want Jason to be distracted. 

He wondered if he had another gig he was trying to do on the side while doing this one. He hoped not. And if it was a woman, he hoped the hell not!  Women were an unnecessary distraction. Jason can have a woman of course, he just didn't want any woman to distract from the money bag.

Khemar walked into the room. Khemar was his good friend, Dwight's son. Bello and Jason were staying with them. In exchange for them staying without paying any rent, Bello made sure he put in a good word for Dwight's son on the site so he could get some work experience. He was to start working after the holidays. Khemar looked at Bello. "Uncle B," Khemar said, "Jason nuh reach back yet?" 

Bello shook his head. "No Khem, him nuh reach yet," Bello replied. Khemar left him. Just then Bello heard a car pull up into the driveway. He lifted himself slightly, looked out the window and saw that Jason had come back. He grunted. He continued to flip through the newspaper. After two minutes had passed, he heard Jason's voice in the house. 

"Jason!" he called him. He heard Jason chatting and laughing with Khemar. After about another minute Jason stood by Bello's doorway. Bello looked up at him. "Yuh come back?" Bello asked trying to make small talk.

Jason nodded. 

"Okay. Suh yuh had a good time?" Bello sat up in the bed. He looked at his son closely. Something was different about him. He was an observant man, he could tell a lot about people. It was his business to be observant so he can close deals smoothly, his son was a different matter. He had told Bridget that Jason was not his son and he regretted it. As the young man grew he looked more and more like him. The only difference was his eyes and lips. He had fuller lips like his mother, and obviously he inherited his mother's brilliant hazel eyes. 

But Bello was a man full of too much pride to say he was sorry, he however tried to be more amiable with his son: Ask his opinion on projects and inquire about what he was doing on any projects he had. In his own way he loved his son. He could sense Jason needed more from him, but he wasn't sure he wanted to give him that 'more', whatever it was.

"Yeah. I enjoyed myself. I saw mommy, Joel and Lisa," Jason answered. 

"How are they?" Bello asked. He had a soft spot for his little girl. She was his little Laddoo. Bello took the pillow fluffed it and tucked it behind his back. He was developing a bad back but he didn't think Jason would care about that.

"I'm supposed to spend more time with them after this is over," Bello said. "They'll be sleeping over with me, Antonia and your other siblings. Antonia has been asking about you. You should go see her, see them."

Jason cleared his throat. He felt awkward but he would bear it until his dad was done with this game he played: pretending to want to talk to him about anything else but money. It was a recent occurrence, maybe in the last two years. Jason didn't care he just wanted to get this project over with. 

Jason nodded. "Sure when this is over I'll stop by," he said. Jason knew, they both knew he was lying. After Bello sent him home when he was a teenager, he hadn't gone back to the house. He saw his siblings outside of that house when they decided to go out together but that was it. 

He saw Antonia one time after his dad sent him home and that was five years ago. His big sister had graduated from high school. He went to honor her and Antonia but that was it. He hadn't seen Antonia since. It had been two years since he saw Kerry or Wayne. He felt bad about it but he just couldn't bear seeing them knowing his family would probably never be whole. He wanted all his siblings to be close with each other, but he felt it would be impossible. 

Jason stepped back and was about to leave when his dad decided to throw a question out there. Bello felt like messing with son a little. "What's her name?"

Jason stopped, his body half turned away from his dad's room, he looked around. "What are you talking about?" he asked.

The woman or girl that you went to see in the middle of this project?" Bello asked.

Jason shook his head. Here we go again. Why this man don't like peace. Jason thought to himself.

Jason turned to his father. "Is this one of those moments where you feel like being a dad or something?"

Bello chuckled mischievously. "Or something," he replied.

"Well?" Bello asked.

Jason sighed. "Why are you asking me this?"

Bello chuckled harder, his deep voice becoming a raspy sound. "So you do have an atani prēmikurālu?"

Jason knew what he meant. Bello spoke the words of his grandmother's native tongue enough for him to pick up what they meant. Jason didn't like his dad very much, but he wouldn't lie to him. It wasn't good for their business dealings if his dad found out he lied to him, and as a Christian he tried not to practice the vice.

Jason sighed. "Yes, I do. But you need not worry about that," Jason said. 

"What is she called?" Bello asked him. He had never seen his son so worked up and defensive. 

"Bello, I'll unpack the few things I brought here with me. Give me about twenty minutes and then we can go to the site and do the inspection," Jason said. This father-son moment was over. Jason stepped away from the door and went down the hall to the room Dwight gave him to sleep in. Bello's lips quirked up in a mischievous smile. This week should be interesting. He thought.

It took them another hour to get the the location. It was more inland, there were just a few homes around the complex and one shopping centre. There were plots of land that were cleared spaces being prepared for construction, the rest was still bushed up with greenery. Jason stood at the location and looked around him while his dad parked his old pick up truck. For where they were going his dad felt it best to use the older vehicle so as to not draw unwanted attention from the locals in the adjoining communities. 

Bello came up behind him and put on his gloves. Jason hadn't brought his gloves with him but he did bring his concrete moisture meter. He had bought it a few years ago on his trip to the United States, when he was sent by his dad to do special masonry training. It was during the summer break of his first year at college. He never regretted the experience.

They walked towards the apartment building they were working on. It had 24 rooms at 1000 square feet each. There were other apartments they were designated to work on but Bello believed in taking his time to make sure the work was done properly, so no one could say he wasn't a professional. 

They entered through the front doorway. No doors or windows were yet installed. The walls were not yet painted. Jason turned on the moisture meter and began testing the walls for moisture. He would first observe the walls with his eyes looking for darker spots on the wall then use the meter to test the area. He would usually be right. 

He worked as quickly as he could, then he would put a sticky note paper on the section he verified held moisture. He went from apartment to apartment being as meticulous as possible. When he was done he counted 20 surfaces in 7 apartments that needed attention. He texted his dad and told him, sending pictures to him. His dad was downstairs reading the papers. Bello grabbed his tools and came up to where his son was. 

"Where and where?" Bello asked. 

Jason walked him through the rooms that needed attention. "I also sent you pics," Jason said.

Bello nodded. "I'm gonna sand these off then apply the sealant. There's one wall with a slight bulge, sand that down for me then you're going to apply some cement and sand as smoothly as you can for me," Bello said, patting Jason on his shoulder. 

Jason nodded. Bello went out to his truck, retrieved his generator and hooked up his extension cord to plug in his electric sander. Jason had the newer version to his dad's sander. He also plugged in his sander and started working in the apartment on the ground floor that needed the most attention. There was a weird bulge. The walls weren't properly rendered. Jason, his dad and five other men had to go in and prepare the walls for the paint but when they went in they saw various issues that needed addressing. 

Jason turned on his sander and began smoothing off the surface that had the slight bulge. He had on his work visor for his eyes and protective ear guards. He turned it on and began working carefully. He moved back and forth, and in a circular motion to get the best results. It took him about ten minutes to get the wall to the level that he was comfortable. 

Afterwards he went outside to mix some cement and sand for the re-rendering. His dad brought a special kind of cement, one that was water resistant and some sand. They had a bucket of water in the back of the pickup. Jason hoisted the bucket off the truck onto the ground and cleared an area that had dried cement. He used a pocket knife to rip a small hole in the top of the cement bag and poured it out and pulled the bag with the sand and poured it out on top. 

He carefully poured out a little water and fetched his trowel from his work bag. Jason stooped and began mixing the cement and sand to smooth consistency, adding water where necessary. When he was done, he used his trowel to pile onto his flat wooden trowel. 

He brought the mix into the room and slowly applied the coating. He took his time applying the coating. When he was finished, he went to the other rooms, helping his dad to apply the sealants on the walls. They applied a generous amount to the reason where cracks were obvious and did their best to smooth it out and best as possible. 

"We're gonna have to move on from these walls and wait a few days to get back to them," Bello said.

Jason nodded. "Yeah, seems that way," Jason replied.

"So, it's just these seven apartments?" Bello asked.

Jason nodded. "Yes, those seven."

Bello nodded. "Okay, good job,"he said. "The initial curing of the other rooms seems to have held up. Those surfaces were done well. We'll tell Fonso the situation and ask for three more days to start applying the primer. In the meantime we'll start applying the primer to the other apartments."

"Okay," Jason said.

Bello turned and walked towards the truck. Jason followed behind him. There were the only ones around, everyone else was still on holiday. Bello looked at his watch. It was 4:30 pm. He looked over at his son. "You hungry?" he asked him. A slight smile quirked up on Jason's lips. He nodded. "Yeah I could eat," he said. Bello smiled at him. "Okay, let's stop off somewhere and get some food," he said. Jason's smile broadened. He was hungry. "Okay," he replied.

The two men packed their gear along with the remaining cement and sand in the back of the pickup and drove off. 

There was a quint little home style restaurant in Ironshore. They stopped by and ordered some cooked food. Jason liked his curry with rice and peas. Bello however was a traditionalist, he ordered his curry chicken with white rice. Jason asked for curry goat. He was a bit bored of curry chicken. They sat down and decided to eat in the restaurant, even though they asked for their food in takeaway boxes.

Jason dug in hungrily. He hadn't eaten breakfast. All he ate were two slices of buttered bread. He had spent the time chatting with Carli. He didn't want to come off the phone with her. If he could tuck her away in his pocket and take her with him he would. 

Bello watched as his son ate his food. He loved a good laugh, unfortunately for Jason, he didn't have a great sense of humor but Bello loved poking fun at him anyway. Bello took the paper napkin and wiped his mouth. He placed it on the table beside his food box. 

"So, about this young woman you've been seeing, what's her name?" Bello asked, looking at his son.

Jason almost swallowed a goat bone. He spat it out quickly. It fell on the restaurant floor. Jason looked around to see if anyone saw. Thankfully no one did. He took it up and placed it on his napkin. He continued to eat. He didn't look at Bello.

Bello chuckled. He perceived that the young woman must be important to Jason. "So is she the reason you almost came back late?" Bello probed further.

Jason placed his plastic fork in his box. He stood up, went over to the cashier and retrieved another paper napkin. He returned to the table, took the new napkin and wiped his mouth. He placed it beside his food box. The only way to shut his dad up was to get on with telling him what he wanted to hear. Once Bello had an idea in his head, he was like a pitbull. Jason had to admit that was one of the traits he got from his dad that he was grateful for, but he knew when to dial it back. Bello did not. 

Jason sucked his teeth, and used his tongue to clean away any food particles in his mouth. He looked at Bello. "I did not come back late. What do you want to know?" Jason asked him. He looked Bello straight in the eye. Bello smiled broadly. Good! He's ready to play ball! Bello thought amused.

"I asked for her name," Bello said amused. He bit into a piece of chicken breast.

Jason took up his fork and placed a piece of goat meat in his mouth and chewed slowly then swallowed.

"Her name is Carlethia James," Jason began, "but her friends call her Carli. I met her at the university. She's about 5'5" with brown skin and a nice figure, round ass. Anything else you want to know?"

Bello chuckled. "You didn't need to tell me the physical traits, but okay, she sounds lovely. I thought you were done with women for a while?"

Jason cleared his throat. "So did I," he said, "but Carli is different." He looked his dad squarely in the eyes. Bello noted the defiance. His lips quirked up in a mischievous smile. "You guys have been intimate? Samparkamu?"

Jason nodded. He looked away from his dad. 

Bello laughed. "She has you wrapped around her finger, eh?"

Jason looked at his dad. "She was a virgin when I met her," Jason answered, wanting to defend his bride-to-be's honor.

Bello stopped laughing. He smiled at his son. "So you made a conquest. Good for you."

Jason suddenly lost his appetite. He put the bones he chewed or gnawed in the contaminated napkin. He would have the rest of the food later. He wiped his mouth and hands with the cleaner napkin and closed the box. He sat back and looked at Bello, his arms folded across his chest.

Bello laughed heartily. His eyes started to water. His son was always an easy target. He watched him, seeing his body language, he quieted down a little. "Okay Jasey, I'm sorry," Bello chuckled, "sincerely, when your mother told me you were doing this celibate thing, I was worried about you. I was wondering if I wouldn't get any grandchildren from you. So there's hope then?"

Jason hissed his teeth. Bello sipped his beer and looked at him. He sobered up. "Son, I know the feeling of being in love. I loved your mother very much. As a matter of fact, I was in love with her before I met Antonia. I met her first, fell in love with her first, then when your mother cheated I went with Antonia."

Jason was incensed. He uncrossed his arms. "What the hell are you talking about? If anyone cheated then it would be you! Kerry is twenty-three," he said his voice dark and menacing. "If you say you loved my mother first, then you were the one who cheated and had Kerry on my mom!"

"Did your mother ever tell you that I caught her kissing Joseph Black, eh? Did she?" Bello leaned forward. His voice was a calm but deadly whisper. 

Jason's eyes burned into him. "What are you talking about?" he asked. Jason was feeling the beginning of a headache.

"Oh, oh ... suh she never told you, uh?" Bello quipped. "When you go home after these two weeks ask her what happened at her friend's house. The prostitute's house when I went there to look for her. I brought her a gift for her birthday. I went to her yard but her parents said she was not there she was at her friend, Lattie's house. When I went there I saw her hugged up with my good friend Joseph. I barged in on them and they said nothing was going on but I saw the kiss. I am not blind nor am I a fool. When I walked in their lips were separating, but I saw them."

"You could have been mistaken!" Jason said.

"Mistaken?!" Bello swore. He looked around to see if anyone noticed. Everyone was minding their business. "Mistaken?" Bello lowered his voice. "I confronted Joseph about it and he admitted they did kiss. But when I asked your mother she told me nothing happened. He was taking something out of her eye. What kind of a flipping idiot did she take me for?" Bello whispered aggressively. 

Bello rested his elbows on the table. "Women cannot be trusted. I would advise you to be careful of this one you have as your girlfriend. When another man is in the picture they are unpredictable. They like to be chased and they like to keep their options open."

Jason shook his head. "Carli is not like that," Jason said. He could feel his temper rising. 

Bello chuckled. "I know you don't have much experience with women. What is she? Girlfriend number two or three? I hope to God you are right, because if not, you'll be an old miserable man like me." Bello chuckled. He gulped his beer down and finished it. 

"You don't want your beer?" Bello asked amused.

Crazy thoughts creapt into Jason's head. He recalled that awkward time recently when there was the conflict with Carli over her feelings for Matthew. Jason swore. Damn Bello for getting in his head! 

Bello heard the expletive. He looked up amused. "Christians aren't supposed to curse are they?" He reached for his son's beer and downed that too. Jason had never seen Bello drunk. He doubted he would now. Beer was light work for his dad.

"And fathers aren't supposed to taunt their sons either, they're supposed to be good examples and not be old bastards!" Jason was angry. He took up his boxed food and went outside to cool off.

After five minutes Bello came out like nothing had happened. He stood beside him. "Jasey, I only mean you good. In time you will understand that," Bello said quietly. "Let's go." Bello walked to the truck. Jason followed him silently. 

When they got home. Jason went to his room and locked the door. Dwight allowed them to eat in their rooms once they kept them clean. Jason decided to eat the rest of his food in his room for his dinner.  

He opened his phone. It was 6:00 o'clock in the evening. He saw a missed call from Carli. He smiled. He would call her but he wanted to take a shower first. He went to the bathroom to bathe. Fortunately, there were two bathroom. He and Bello shared the one closest to his bedroom while Dwight and his son shared the bathroom closest to the kitchen. 

After Jason had showered he came out with a towel wrapped around his waist. He went into his room and got dressed in boxer briefs, a marina and shorts. He lay on the bed and dialed Carli's number. 

She answered cheerfully. God he missed her! "Hey baby," she answered, "was trying to call you earlier."

Jason smiled. "Hey sweet baby, Yeah I was at the site today. I wasn't done until after 4 then I got something to eat," he said.

She said, "Okay." 

"I really miss you, baby," she said in a cute little baby voice.

Jason laughed softly. "Sweet baby, you don't know how much I'm glad to hear that. I know this may sound crazy to ask, but when was the last time you spoke to Matt?" he asked. He couldn't help himself.

"Matt? The last time I saw him was when you saw us. And I haven't spoken to him since then either," she said.

Carli paused. Something was off about her beloved.  "Jason, are you okay? Is something bothering you?"

Jason sighed. "I'm sorry, baby. My dad's getting in my head. He doesn't trust women. I told him about you. I feel shitty for even asking. I am sorry."

Carli understood. She softened her tone. "My baby, you are the only man I want. The only one. That thing with Matt was a stupid mistake, one I will never make again. I'm looking forward to being your wife. You can trust that. You've asked me to trust your love and I do. Trust my love for you. Your dad may mean well, but he doesn't know me, and he can't tell you the feelings I have for you." 

Jason closed his eyes and sighed. "I wish you were here," he said feeling relieved. 

"Me too, just one week and I'll wrap my arms around you and show you my love. Maybe no sex, but I can show you I love you in other ways," she said seductively.

Jason's lips curled into a sexy smile. "Mhm, is that so?" he asked. "How?"

"I have some ideas, but you'll have to wait and see," she said chuckling softly. 

Jason felt his body respond to her. He loved her so much. He would sacrifice anything for her.

After they chatted for a few more minutes, Jason told her good night. He had to get up early to start work. His dad's crew was usually on the site before everyone else. He blew cute kisses to her and she responded in kind, then they ended their call. Jason put his arms behind his head. 

How could he have doubted Carli's feelings for him? Damn that old man! He closed his eyes and fell asleep.

****

Carli kissed her parents 'good night' and wished them a safe trip back home as they went through the door. After they drove off she went to her room and lay down. By the highway route they should be home within the next hour. She smiled as she thought about her time with them that day. They played games like Ludo, Dominoes and Scrabble. She and her dad always were a team and kept losing until they started to win. She enjoyed the time with her parents.

She wished Jason could be here to experience some of that family goodness. She hated the fact that his dad got in his ear and sewed doubt about her. The man didn't even know her. She sighed as she lay on the bed. 

She wished her body was tangled up in Jason's limbs: Legs wrapped around his hips, arms encircled around his back, his face buried in her neck, her head resting on his shoulder, his arms around her waist. She would caress him gently and make him feel safe. 

He was a strong guy but he had a vulnerable side. She would protect it fiercely. She wanted to kiss all his doubts and insecurities away. When she went down there this weekend, she would make sure she reassured him in as many ways as she could think of, without him being inside her, although ultimately she desired that very much.

 

****

Saturday 

Jason had convinced Omar to drop off Carli for him. It didn't take a lot of convincing because he offered to put him and Aisha up in the Airbnb no cost to them.

 They would stay the weekend with Carli until Saturday evening when he would be able to see her. Bello usually did reviews each night after work but this time he was not staying a minute over 7. He didn't work on Sunday, though Bello did, but Bello could do what he wanted. And so will he. He wanted to be more diplomatic with his dad, but because of their last argument he was going to do what he wanted, once he did his job, Bello couldn't fault him. 

Bello tried to make small talk while they worked but he barely answered him. When Bello realised he was like that, he left him alone. He was happy for that too. He needed to be focused so he could finish every room his was assigned. He was applying primer to the walls that were ready for painting.

The other men Beano, Calvin, Drenz, Kareem and Nardo all saw the tension between him and his dad but said nothing, they knew better.  It was Khemar's first day. Bello allowed him to tag along with him to show him the ropes. Khemar had to help his dad do delivery for a food manufacturing place but that was only a temporary position. The money wasn't much to talk about. Bello said he would help. 

By evening, around 6:30, Jason called the other guys and took a tally from them of the number of rooms they were able to get through. Only one other man was willing to stay over with Bello besides Jason, and that was Calvin. When Calvin came downstairs for the discussion he was surprised to see Jason asking the men about their room tally. "Yah do it suh early? A not even 6:50 yet?" Calvin asked confused.

"Man's got a hot date." That response was from Beano aka Kevin. Out of all of the men he was closest to Jason's age. He was twenty-four, and he and Jason had a very good rapport with each other. Jason did mention to Beano that he was meeting his girl. Jason shook his head and chuckled. Drenz stooped down on his haunches. "Is that true?" he asked Jason smiling.

Jason chuckled. He liked his dad's crew. They were jovial men. "Yeah," he said smiling, "you could say that."

"Bredda is either true or not," Nardo said. He was much older than the other men, but Jason's dad was his senior. "When it comes to woman we nuh romp, so yah guh check a girl or nah?" Nardo pressed.

Jason laughed softly. "Yes, I'm gonna see someone," he said nodding. Jason smiled as he thought about Carli. He wanted to lay down with his arms wrapped around her. He could hardly wait to play in her hair. He missed her so much.

Bello had gone to speak to Fonso, his friend and fellow contractor who has put him onto the work, about the rooms with the botched walls to ask for more time. Because of his absence Jason was automatically in charge. They all respected Jason, he was just as focused and knowledgeable as his dad. He was just as no nonsense and he was fair. 

But he was also more approachable. He was willing to sit, and just chill and talk. Bello had no interest in knowing about their lives, but Jason would listen. He would even listen to their suggestions about the jobs they did and relay it to Bello. They secretly preferred Jason over his dad, but they would never say so.

Kareem walked in and on hearing the conversation said, "bumbo cl**t! A lie?! Suh mi nuh hear seh yuh did tun monk?!" The other men burst out laughing. Jason laughed as well. Among these men he felt most comfortable. 

"Nuh worry yuh self Kreemo," Beano said, "him get a woman now."

"Arite sah! Arite! Mi know seh yah good yute. Suh a wifey this?" Kareem aka Kreemo asked Jason.

Jason chuckled. "Yeah. She's my baby," he replied. 

Drenz also known as Dreggo aka Brian stood up and said, "Suh Jase, mek we see a picha nuh?"

Jason smiled. "Okay," he said nodding. He opened his phone and showed them the picture of him and Carli at his mom's house. That reminded him, they needed to take more pictures together. 

The men crowded around to see the picture. Calvin whistled. Kreemo swore an expletive as was his usual expression, while the other three admired Carli in silence.

Beano moved away first. "She look good man," he said smiling. "A my type that still. Mi love a browning. Glad fi yuh bro."

The other men agreed. 

"Suh she's coming to see you today?" Calvin asked. 

Jason nodded. He felt a sense of pride. 

"Wife her up fass bredda. Nuh mek she get weh!" Nardo aka Renardo said.

"Trust me, I won't," Jason said. She was his and his only.

After he had finished discussing the work covered in the rooms, Jason dismissed the men at 6:50. He however waited for Bello and Khemar to come back. 

When Bello came back he only saw Jason standing by his car waiting for him. He was a little suspicious when Jason insisted that he would drive his car to work that morning but said nothing to him. Bello parked his vehicle and he and Khemar go out and walked towards Jason. 

"Where's everybody?" Bello asked.

"I sent them home early," Jason said.

Bello was stunned. Did he really hear what he said correctly. "You sent them home?" Bello asked incredulously. 

Jason nodded."Mhm ... surprising they completed their quota for the day," Jason said.

Bello walked passed his son and went into the building. He looked around the ground floor going into several rooms. He called out to Calvin and Nardo, the more mature men of the crew. No response. Khemar stood beside Jason. He looked over at Jason and looked at Bello walking briskly towards them. 

Oh, it's on now! Khemar thought.

"Who tell yuh seh yuh cyan send home mi crew, eh?" Bello asked angrily. "Is you name Belvedere Singh?"

Jason clenched his jaw while listening as he dad started on a tirade. Bello launched off a string of expletives then paused for air. Jason looked at him nonchalantly. 

"Are you done," Jason asked.

Bello bent over, hands on knees, trying to catch his breath. He looked up and saw that his son was staring at him with a steely gaze. "Weh yuh up to?" Bello asked, annoyed. 

"I'm meeting someone this evening, and I need to leave early," Jason said.

Bello hissed his teeth and said, "Suh yuh couldn't just leave Calvin or Nardo in charge? Why yuh send them home?!? 

"I remember the last time I did that you punished me by forcing me to work late hours before you paid me for the job I did. Then you threatened to not send any jobs my way," Jason said his eyes boring into Bello.

"Is this any better?" Bello asked angrily.

"Not necessarily, but wanted to make sure you couldn't say Calvin was sloppy or Nardo botched something and blamed it on me."

Bello straightened up. "Suh do  a walk through with them already?"

"No I didn't but I plan on coming here early Sunday morning to do a review for myself. But I'm only going to be here for two hours," Jason replied.

"Jasey, what is going on with you? Eeh?" Bello asked. "Is it that girl? This new jaanu you have?"

Jason nodded defiantly. "Maybe. You know I almost made a fool myself last night asking her stupid questions I know the answers to," he said.

"Weh yuh mean?" Bello asked.

"There was this guy who was a good friend of hers who had big crush on her. I saw them kissing and I had confronted her on it. She had reassured me back then that nothing serious was going on between them. It was he who kissed her not the other way around. She and I had moved past that but then yesterday, after you got in my ear, I asked her about him, and you know what she told me ..." Jason paused waiting for his dad to ask him.

"What did she tell you?" Bello asked. 

"She hadn't spoken to him since the last time she saw him and she hadn't seen him since then," Jason answered his dad. He felt frustrated and angry.

"I hate the fact that you get under my skin so easily!" Jason said his voice rising slightly.

Bello swore again. "And you don't think you get under my skin?" You arrogant little prick! You come down here to do a job, then you leave in the middle of it to see some frock tail, and then come back with a chip on your shoulder and your mind distracted. Now you send home my crew like it's your business name 'Singh Painting and Finishing Company'?"

"I was not distracted when I came down here. You got in my head and distracted me. I was doing my job before I left and I did my job when I came back, and after I leave tonight I will continue to do what you hired me to do. Right now though I have someone to see," Jason said. He opened his car door. 

Bello walked up to him and slammed the door shut. Jason turned around and looked at him. "Don't do that again." Jason said to his father. He spoke to him very softly but the tone was so cold Khemar could feel the hairs on the back of his head stand up. Bello looked down. He saw Jason's fists clench and unclench. He stepped away from his son's vehicle. He backed off a few more inches. "I hope she's worth it Jasey. I hope she's worth it," Bello said. His voice held a warning. 

"She is more than worth it. She's going to be my wife in a few months. If you were a decent enough father you would know I don't go for just any 'frock tail' as you've said," Jason answered his dad angrily. He opened his car door and locked it. He started the car engine, briefly looked over at Bello and Khemar, then drove off.

Khemar scratched his head and said, "Uncle B, it look like Jason love dah one yah man."

Bello grunted. Women usually bring trouble. Good, decent women were rare gems, but they too can bring problems. He hoped his son knew what he was doing. Bello shook his head. "Come Khemar, mek mi show yuh how fi duh a review."

"Yes uncle," Khemar replied. 

Bello walked into the building. Khemar looked off in the distance where Jason had driven off  and wondered who this girl was. He followed behind his mentor.

****

Carli was packing light for her visit to Montego Bay. Omar was supposed to come to her house and pick her up. He was bringing his girlfriend Aisha with him. They would stay with her until Jason was able to get away and see her. She was excited to see him. To wrap her arms around him, and her legs too if he wanted her to. She had promised her parent that they would not have sex down there and she wanted to honor her promise to them but at the same time, she longed to e one with him again. 

The experience of his body on hers and his member slipping into hers was amazing. She was glad he was the one she gave herself to. He was gentle and knew how to satisfy her but there was a wild side she longed to experience. He promised on their wedding night he would allow her to see a little more of it. She would wait with bated breath for the time to come.

A few days before she took the money he gave her and got her hair retouched. She also asked Andre, her hairdresser to dye her hair black. Andrea used a special dye that made her hair look shiny in the sunlight, and she also gave her a leave in treatment and trimmed her ends. Her hair still rested on her back, fortunately there wasn't much that needed to be trimmed off. Carli saw a special line of shampoos and conditioners and creamy leave-in moisturizers being sold on Andrea's product rack so she bought the set. She gave her a complimentary bottle of oil treatment to strengthen her scalp. Everything came up to $9000. 

After she left from there, Carli walked through the shopping plazas in Half Way Tree. She was looking for a new outfit. Jason never said he would take her out, but she had a feeling he was planning to. She bought a baby blue colored tank top and pants set, with a pair of black sandals. She also bought new underwear and a special perfume. While passing by a store she looked in and saw something she thought Jason would like. She went in and bought it for him. She only had $2000 left but she was happy. 

She had lightly washed her new suit and underwear. She pressed the suit and hung it up on clothes hangers until Saturday morning came. It was Saturday. Couldn't wait to see him. She was thinking of painting her finger nails but decided to just do her toe nails instead. She however clipped her finger nails and buffed them down and only added clear nail polish. She painted her toe nails a rich magenta then used a glossy silver polish to make silver strokes that resembled lillies. She was good at nail art but never wanted to pursue it as a career. Now she wondered if she should take it more seriously.

At 9:30 a.m, Omar and Aisha came for her. Carli wore her favorite short short: the black one with the fringes. She wore a white cotton t-shirt and black flip flops. She sprayed on the special perfume so when she sat in the backseat of the car, the cabin was filled with the fragrance. Omar looked around at her and smiled. She looked gorgeous and smelled good too. Aisha was also impressed. She looked her up and down, and smiled at her. Carli decided to keep the bags by her side. Omie had offered to stuff her bags in with theirs but she declined. She had Jason's gift and she didn't want it to be damaged. 

 They drove off quickly. They had a long distance to cover even with the highway route. Carli sent Jason a text but he did not respond. He's probably at work, she thought to herself. 

Aisha turned around, looked at her and smiled. "So Jasey told us you've been seeing each other for a while?" Aisha asked.

"Yeah, not too long but yeah, it's been really good," Carli said smiling back at her.

"You love him?" Aisha asked. She looked at Carli intently.

Cali smiled at her. "Yeah very much," she replied.

Aisha nodded. "I'm glad to hear it. Jasey is a really cool guy. I wouldn't want his feelings hurt."

Carli smiled. "I understand," she said. "I wouldn't want his feelings hurt either. He means a lot to me," she answered.

Aisha smiled at her broadly. She nodded. "Okay." 

Aisha noticed the ring on Carli's finger. "That's a pretty ring," she said. 

Carli smiled. "Yeah, Jason gave me this promise ring," she said.

"Promise ring you say?" She looked at her curiously.

Carli nodded, "Mhm."

Aisha turned around and looked at Omie. Omie looked at her and smiled. She smiled back. He refocused his gaze on the road. Aisha looked out the passenger side window with a smile on her face.

Carli smiled inwardly. Jasey, eh? That must be his nickname. She thought. She liked it.

They arrived at the airbnb and met the owner, Mrs Flowers. She gave them a brief tour of the place. She informed them that everything was set up for them and that if they needed anything, the maid would be of assistance.

Mrs. Flower showed Carli to her room and told her that a bottle of non alcoholic sparkling wine was chilling in the mini fridge. She thanked her and Mrs. Flower said would check in on them on Sunday afternoon. The maid would be available until six in the evening when she went off duty. Carli thanked her again and Mrs Flowers left her room. She showed Omar and Aisha their room which was further down the hall. Mrs. Flowers came back and told them if they wished to cook after the maid left that was fine. The fridge in the kitchen was stocked and Jason had said he would pay for any items used. She then wished them goo evening and left. 

Carli sat at the edge of the bed and looked at the satin flower petals decorating it. She wondered if they would really be able to keep their promise to her parents. 

Jason arrived at the house at 7:34 p.m. He had gone back to Dwight's place and packed some sleep over clothes, his favorite cologne, soap, a fresh rag and towel, a shirt, jeans and a pair of crocs. He washed his car and cleaned out the interior. He also took a shower. On his way over to the Airbnb he stopped for gas. When he arrived the light were on and he heard music coming from the inside of the house. He parked the car in the driveway and closed the gate. He walked up to the door and knocked. He heard laughing and Omie's voice coming close to the doorway. His friend opened the door and on seeing him gave him a hug. Omar moved back so Jason could enter the house.

As he walked passed the foyer he could Aisha gyrating her waist while listening to some dancehall music. To his surprise Carli was also moving her hips in a seductive motion. Omie came up behind him. "The girls are competing to see who has the more flexible waist. Omie had a beer in his hand. He walked over to the couch and sat on it looking at the two girls dance. 

Jason stood in the hallway watching Carli move her hips. She was good. She bent over and started gyrating her butt faster. Jason felt his body respond to her. He watched almost in a trance. He was biting his lip. Aisha was having a good time, she looked up and saw Jason watching her and Carli. She stopped whining and touched Carli. Carli straightened up, turned around and saw Jason watching her.

"Baby!" She screamed happily. She rushed to him and jumped on him. Jason caught her and kissed her lips passionately. He let her down on her feet and looked lovingly at her. "Didn't know you could whine like that," he said his voice low. 

Carli smiled. "Do you mind?" she asked cheekily. 

Jason bent forward and kissed her forehead. "No, but make sure you only do that when I'm around you. I want a private show for me only." 

"Okay," she said, "understood. For your eyes only from now on."

He bent forward and squeezed her bottom, caressing them gently. "I don't know if I can keep my promise to your parents, especially after seeing that. Carli I really want you." he whispered. 

Carli leaned into his chest. "I know," she said. "I want you to make love to me again."

"If I take you again would you be mad at me?" he asked teasing her. He whispered in her ear.

Carli wanted to make those sounds he liked, but she bit her lips trying to control herself. "No," she whispered, "I wish you would, Jasey."

Jason straightened up slightly and looked into her eyes. He saw the tenderness in her gaze but also the mischief. He chuckled. "So you know my nickname now?" he said.

Cali laughed softly and said, "That's all they've been calling you the car ride down here. Do I have permission to call you that?"

"Of course," he chuckled, "and any other interesting names you want to call me," he said teasing her. 

"Eh hemm!" Aisha said. 

Jason looked up and smiled at her. "Hey, 'A' yuh good?"

"Yes Jason, mi good. Are you good?" she asked cheekily.

Jason laughed. He looked at Carli and gently slapped her on her butt. "I'm very good," he said. 

They ate the meal the maid had prepared for them and then watched some cable television. Afterwards Omie and Aisha decided to go to bed early, while Carli and Jason sat up and snuggled on the couch. Carli threw her legs over Jason's lap and leaned on him. He gently rubbed her thighs. 

"I have missed you sweet baby," Jason said. "You don't know how much."

Carli kissed his cheek. "I'm here now. Let me soothe you," she said. 

He looked at her hungrily. "How will you do that," he asked her. Carli swung her feet off him and planted them on the floor. She stood up and extended her hand to him. He took it and stood up and followed her to the bedroom. "Take off your shirt and lay on the bed," she said.

Jason did as he was told quickly. He looked at her. 

"Lay on your belly,"she said, her voice was low and sensual.

Jason lay stretched out on his tummy. Carli went into her bag and retrieved the lavender oil she brought with her. She climbed on top of him, squeezed a little of the oil in the palm of her hands, rubbed her hands together and began gently massaging Jason's back and shoulders. She massaged him slowly while she spoke to him in a seductive tone. "Is this okay baby"? she asked.

Jason groaned. "Yes baby, this feels so good. Thank you."

"Your back feels tense," she said.

"Yeah? Well I guess so," he replied. 

"Mhmm, baby. Your touch feels so good," he said.

"You like it Jasey?" she asked smiling.

Jason chuckled. "Yes baby, I love your touch."

After she massaged his back, she took a shower and came to him in a little night gown. He looked at her and pulled her down under him. He kissed her lips and told her he loved her. She touched his face and said she loved him too. He turned on his side and made Carli turn on her side also with her back to his chest. He wrapped his arm around her and smelt her hair. "You had it done?" he asked her. 

"Mhm, yes, I wanted to look good for you,' she said.

Jason did notice her freshly painted toenails and that her hair roots were wavy. Her beautiful tresses were no longer purple at the ends but all of her hair was black and shiny. She smelt wonderful also.

"Is that a new perfume?" he asked her.

"Yes it is. I hope you like it," she replied.

He breathed her in. "Yes I do," he said kissing her hair. He bent his head and smelt her neck. He could faintly smell the perfume. It was really good. But the lavender oil was what he adored, and it was in her hair. He smelled her hair again and closed his eyes. "I love you baby, hmmm," he said. He pulled her closer and kissed her shoulder. Carli closed her eyes. She loved this feeling. She wouldn't press for them to make love. Just being close to him was fulfilling something in her she couldn't explain. They fell asleep in each other's arms.

Sunday 

Jason cooked scrambled eggs and pancakes for all of them then he kissed Carli and said he would be back soon. It was around 6:00 in the morning. Carli asked if she could come along with him. He had told her it would be best if she stayed because the site was dusty and there were hazards but he really didn't want to be in a confrontation with Bello and Carli be there to see it. Omie however pulled him aside and told him to allow her to go. Reluctantly he agreed.  

Carli rushed to wash her face brush her teeth after eating breakfast and pulled on a pair of jeans pants and a blue t-shirt. Jason gave a cap for her hair to protect it from dust. She put it on. They jumped into the car quickly and he took her to his job site. 

As he stepped out of the vehicle he could see that Bello was already there. He looked back at Carli just closing the car door. He armed the vehicle and clasped her hands in both of his. "Carli, you're gonna see my dad," Jason sighed. "He can be very disagreeable and he loves to play mind games. I didn't want you to come because of him. He can be very rude especially to women."

Carli  reached up and touched his face. "Baby I'll bear anything for you," she said. She tugged at his hands. "Let's go," she said. "I promise to be polite and be tolerant. Okay?"

Jason nodded. "Okay," he said.

He let go of her left hand but still held on to her right as he led her into the construction site. He called out to Bello, who responded briefly then came downstairs. When he saw Jason with a young woman he slowed his pace coming down the stairs and stared at Carli. He stopped at the stairs and looked at her curiously.

"Carli I presume?" Bello asked. His usual bland expression cracking into a charming smile.

Carli smiled back at him and nodded. "Yes in the flesh," she quipped.

Bello chuckled. "How charming," he said. He stepped closer to the two young people so he could get a better look at her. She was indeed beautiful, Bello thought. No wonder Jasey was acting so unstable. 

He wiped his hand on his shirt and extended it for a handshake. Carli looked up at Jason who was eyeing his dad suspiciously. He turned to Carli and nodded. Carli reached out her hand and shook Bello's hand.

Bello squeezed her hand a little then released it. He looked her up and down. She was gorgeous. Bello looked over at his son and winked at him. He looked at Carli again. "So Jason has decided to give you a tour of his work space?" Bello asked amused.

"Yes, he has," Carli replied pleasantly.

"Well, we don't usually allow that though," he said looking over at his son.

Carli smiled broadly at Bello and said, "That's my fault I'm afraid. He has been telling me about it and so now that I have the opportunity, I really wanted to see it. I asked him to take me. I am very sorry." 

Bello grunted. "Okay. I see," he said scratching his beard. "I suppose it can't hurt for you to look around a little. The site foreman isn't here today." He eyed Jason as if to say 'don't let it happen again'. Jason nodded. He understood loud and clear. 

Bello stepped aside, and still holding Carli's hand, Jason led her up stairs. He walked her through room to room of each apartment and explained what will be done. She actually found it fascinating and asked a few questions. When he was done walking her through he brought her back downstairs and told her he had to do reviews of the work done yesterday and he would have to talk to his dad. He asked her to wait in his car. She nodded and did as he told her.

Jason walked over to Bello. Bello was stooped down applying sealant to a crack the crew missed. Bello pointed to the area "See why reviews are important," he said pointing to the area. 

"I know," Jason said.

Bello straightened slowly. He held his back and stretched. He looked at his son with a sober look. "She is gorgeous Jasey. I can see why you've been distracted. If I was young and strong like you, with all my faculties in tact I would probably have trouble thinking straight too. And you love you her?"

Jason nodded. "Yes I do," he replied.

Bello nodded. "Understood," he responded. 

"You plan on marrying her?" Bello asked. 

"Yes I do," Jason said.

"Do you think she loves you?" Bello asked him.

"I know she loves me," Jason said.

"And how do you know? Sex is not all son," Bello said. "I loved your mother. Maybe I wasn't the best at showing affection maybe that's why she got distracted by Joseph, but one thing I do know your grandmother was a good woman and she showed her love by the things she did, not by the words she said."

"Carli shows me she loves me every time she's with me. She wanted to be with me so she came with my friends to stay with me. She has coked for me on multiple occasions. She listens to me. She respects me. She wants to know how I feel. She even baked me a cake for Christmas, and last night she held me close and told me she loved me," Jason said confidently.

Bello leaned on one of the walls. "Okay, and about the man you mentioned yesterday. Is that resolved?" Bello asked.

"Yes it is,"

You're sure?" Bello probed.

"Yes I'm sure," Jason answered.

"Okay. She does seem like a nice girl and very pretty. I hope you're right. Look Jasey, I know I haven't been much a father to you, but I want to try," Bello looked at his son.

Jason was shocked to hear what Bello said. "What does that mean?" he asked suspiciously. 

Bello chuckled. "It means I want us to have a better relationship, if possible. You and I are too much alike for you to be a jacket," he quipped.

Jason grunted. "Is this your way of saying I'm sorry?"

"It could be," Bello said.

Jason turned as if heading outside. 

"Yes Jasey," Bello called to him. "Yes this is me saying sorry for the times I told you I didn't care and you weren't my son."

Jason turned towards him. "Why now?" he asked. "What do you want from me?"

Bello shook his head. "My conscience is eating at me I guess. I wanna know my son better," he said.

"Up to a year ago you told me to my face I wasn't your son," Jason said sardonically.

Bello nodded. "Yes I said that but that was because I was pissed off at you," he answered. 

Bello stepped closer to Jason and said, "Almost everything about you is me. Your height, how you talk, your face except for your mother's eyes and lips. Even how you take to your work: your business acumen. All of that is me. I realized that a few years back but I was too stubborn to say."

Jason felt this ache building in his chest. He couldn't allow himself to develop a soft spot for him. He was going to suppress it. He didn't trust the old man.

"What do you want Bello?" he asked flatly.

 Bello sighed. "Nothing. Jason I'm ill. Things aren't good with me. I got a call this morning. I have cancer,"  he said.

Jason felt like his head was reeling. "No! No! Don't tell me that! You're lying!" Jason shouted. "You cruel old geezer. Stop playing these games. This is not funny!" Jason stepped back. His legs felt wobbly.

Bello sighed. "My doctor called this morning. He's a good friend of mine. He is very accurate. I know I say a lot of crap and I run a lot of jokes, but I'm not fibbing about this," Bello said. 

Jason turned around and walked away. Bello called after him, "Jasey! Jasey! Jason!"

Carli was listening to music through her earphones when Jason entered the car and slammed the door angrily. He bent his head forward on the steering and began to cry. She pulled out the earphones and turned off the music, placing the phone in her lap. "Baby, what's wrong?!" she asked alarmed.

She touched Jason and he turned to her, leaning into her embrace. Carli leaned back in the seat and pulled Jason onto her bosom and stroked his hair. She felt him shaking. "Jasey, please tell me what's wrong?" she asked gently. 

"He says he has cancer," Jason whispered sadly. "I don't know if I should believe him or I should see this as one of his cruel pranks he loves to play."

Carli was stunned. That was terrible news. She didn't know what to say. "Baby, I'm sorry." She continued to stroke his hair. She couldn't believe someone would be cruel enough to make up something like that. She held me close silently until he calmed down. 

He sat up and looked at her. "I'm sorry. This is so embarrassing," he said.

Carli touched his face. "No baby, not at all. I want to see all of you the good and the bad. I love you. Please don't be embarrassed. You were there when I needed you the most, now it's my turn." She leaned forward and kissed his lips. 

Jason kissed her gently. "I love you," he said.

"And I love you, Jasey," she replied.

Jason smiled. He was getting used to her using his family's pet name for him. He felt safe with her. He cupped her face. "I'm so glad God gave you to me. You're a blessing," he said.

He turned the car key in the ignition and started the vehicle. "Let's go somewhere today. The beach any where you wanna go," he said smiling at her. 

Carli looked at him. There was sadness in his eyes but he was trying to hide it. "Okay," she said, "Take me to the beach then."

The beach it is," he said. 

After all of them came back from the beach: Carli, Jason, Aisha and Omie they sat around playing cards for a little bit then Jason pulled Carli into their designated bedroom and kissed her passionately. 

"I wanna take you out tonight. What do you say?" Jason asked her.

Carli nodded. The kiss took her breath away. 

She showered and changed into the suit she bought a few days before while Jason wore a pair of black jeans a dark blue and black polo shirt and a pair of black loafers. He pulled the chain Carli gave him over the shirt so it could be clearly seen. As they walked through the door they waved bye to Aisha and Omie and stepped out arm in arm. 

Jason took her to Montego Bay's famous hip-strip and they dined at a restaurant. Carli ordered crispy chicken with noodles while Jason asked for garlic shrimp with fried rice. For drinks, Carli asked for strawberry daiquiri while Jason asked for a fruit punch mix with no alcohol. For dessert Carli ordered cheese cake, but Jason chose not to eat dessert. 

After they ate Jason reached for her hand and Carli gave it to him. He smiled at her appreciatively. "You look very beautiful tonight Carli. I love the outfit," he said smiling at her. He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it. Carli blushed. "Thank you. I wanted you to like it," she said smiling at him shyly.

He looked at her as if mesmerized. "I do sweet baby," he said. "Everything about this time with you has been wonderful. I'm so blessed to have you. I thank God for you every day."

Carli smiled at him and said, "You are the love of my life. I'm so glad we met. So glad you knocked me on my bum." She chuckled.

Jason laughed softly. He remembered the first time they met. "You were so shy, but look at you now. Gorgeous and more open to me." Jason reached across the table and briefly touched her face.

"I love you," he told her.

"I love you," she replied.

Later that night he brought her back to the Airbnb and they snuggled in each other's arms. They could faintly hear Omie and Aisha making love, but Jason held Carli close to him and kissed her forehead. He looked into her eyes and smiled. Carli chuckled as she heard Aisha making love sounds. She remembered a few days ago that was her. She touched Jason's face and blew him a kiss. Jason grinned and tickled her. She laughed and tickled him back. Jason pulled her closer and planted a firm kiss on her lips then made her turn around so she could rest her back on his chest. 

"Good night baby," he said.

"Good night Jasey," she said.

Monday morning 

 Cali took out the gift she had bought for Jason. It was gift wrapped. She told him not to open it until she and Omie and Aisha had left. He kissed her good bye, then gave Aisha a hug and Omie and fist bumped. 

"Thanks for doing this for me bro," Jason told his best friend.

"No. Thank you," Omie said. "This was a nice experience. I had fun." Omie looked over at Aisha who winked at him. Jason shook his head and laughed. 

Jason went over to his beloved again and tenderly kissed her lips. He didn't care that his two friends were watching. He slipped his tongue into her mouth and kissed her fervently. Carli was trying her best not to make those sounds but in the end a few escaped her lips. Aisha and Omie looked at each other knowingly and grinned. When he pulled away from her he knew he was aroused but he didn't care if Omie or Aisha noticed. Carli noticed and blushed. She stood in front of him and hugged him. 

"Omie," she said, "I'll be a minute can you carry my bags for me?" 

"Sure," Omie said chuckling. He lifted her bag along with his and walked towards his car.

Aisha grinning from ear to ear, walked behind him pulling her bag.

Jason laughed softly. "I think they noticed," he said. 

"Maybe," said chuckling.

"I love you," Jason said squeezing her bottom.

Cali groaned. "I love you baby. Please take care of yourself. Okay?" she said.

"I promise."

"Talk to your dad, okay? Maybe he's serious."

Jason sighed. "I will try." 

Carli nodded. "Okay. I love you," she said hugging you.

"I love you," he replied. He kissed her forehead.

Carli moved away from him and walked towards where Omie and Aisha were waiting. They all entered the car. Carli blew him a kiss as they drove off. 

Jason entered the bedroom they shared and took up the gift. It was a solid structure of some sort. He tore off the wrapping to discover it was a wooden sculptor of a man and woman in a passionate embrace. Observing the base of it closely one couldn't tell where the body of the man or woman began they seemed to be one with arms embracing each other and faces touching cheek to cheek. Jason sat on the bed and smiled. Yes, he liked it. He liked it very much. 

He got up from the bed and smoothed it out. He called Mrs Flowers and told her thanks for her accommodation and told her that he would deposit extra money besides the service fee as a way to say thank you. She was delighted. 

When he hung up he smiled at the sculptor again and brought it to his car. He placed it on the floor of the passenger side. He started the engine and drove off to work. He would talk to his dad, but at the end of the work day. Right now he was just happy he spent the weekend with the only girl that made him feel special.