Page 110 of Seasoned
“I love it,” the customer said, flipping her dark hair over one shoulder and turning to the left to get a better look at the side view in a hot pink corset.
“You look amazing. Pink is definitely your color,” Jackie said. She stepped back to survey the fit with the black leather pants the woman had brought in. The ensemble screamed sexy night-on-the-town.
The woman continued to study her image in the mirror. “Do you have any babydoll nighties in the same color?”
“Not in the store, but we can order one for you. Let me show you our selection.”
She took the woman over to one of the racks, and they spent a few minutes discussing the different styles. Eventually, she settled on a see-through mesh design with the matching underwear that could arrive in the store in a week. Jackie took the order, rang up both purchases, and sent her out the door with a smile.
Cindy came behind the counter, wearing a sea-green pantsuit and her red Afro in two big puffs today. “You headed to lunch now?”
“Yes. I might be a little late coming back. I have to stop by the bank for a bit. I’ll see you later.”
“I’ve got it. Take your time.”
As Jackie left the store, she pulled out her phone and saw a missed call from her adoption case worker, and he’d left a voice message. Her heart sped up. What could this be about? Surely it was good news, right? Yet she was afraid to call and find out.
“Just check the message, Jackie,” she said out loud, smiling at a man who gave her an odd look as she walked by.
She was about to do just that when she spotted Kendrick walking toward her. He was dressed casually in a navy-blue Biggie Smalls T-shirt and jeans, his thick hair picked out into an almost perfect circle of curls around his head.
“Kendrick. Hi,” she said cautiously.
“Hey beautiful, how are you?” he replied.
Interesting word choice.
Jackie stopped but maintained what she considered a safe distance because something about him was off. “I’m well. How about you?” She watched him closely. His eyes were red, as if he hadn’t been getting enough sleep.
He shrugged and started walking again, so she followed suit.
“I’m living. I was on my way to your store to see if you wanted to have lunch with me.”
“Lunch?”
He laughed. “Yeah, lunch. You know, the meal people eat around this time of day. The one in between breakfast and dinner.”
“Sorry about that. I’m just surprised to see you. We haven’t talked in a long time, and…”
“And you’re dating my father.”
Jackie cringed. She couldn’t help feeling a little embarrassed.
“How are things going with you two?” Kendrick asked.
“Fine.” Her footsteps slowed to a stop at her silver BMW.
“Your relationship should be better than fine, and that answer makes me think that I was right to come here today. I’ve been thinking a lot about us, and I believe I gave up too easily.”
Whoa. Jackie’s eyes widened. “Kendrick, before you—”
He grasped her arms and stepped into her personal space. Eyes earnest and intense, he said, “I still have feelings for you, and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to win you over.”
Caught off guard by the scent of liquor that infused his breath, Jackie leaned away from him. Coupled with his red eyes, it was obvious he’d been drinking quite a bit even though his words didn’t slur as he spoke.
She eased out of the grip of his long fingers. “Kendrick, I’m very flattered, but our time has passed. Your father and I are together now, so your being here is a bit awkward.” Her shoulders tensed as she braced for his response.
“So what, he just swooped in and won you over, just like that?” He snapped his fingers.
