Chapter Fourteen

Friday, September 4th

SYDNEY

I lie awake staring at the ceiling with only one person on my mind. No matter how hard I try, I can't push my thoughts of Jordan aside. I didn't like the way she left things, and then she's not answering any of my calls. I want to be angry with her, but somehow, I can't.

Ugh! Just thinking about makes me feel like a weak-willed woman. I feel like if I were to tell someone, they would see how pathetic I've become. If my mother were here, she would most likely comment on it. Which reminded me that I needed to call her soon. Just not today. Not with Jordan occupying my every waking thought.

I lifted my head off my pillow and looked towards my bay window. Daylight was coming, I needed to get out of bed. To say I wasn't looking forward to today would be a huge understatement. But then a thought occurred to me…I can choose to be miserable or I can choose to enjoy the day and make the most of it. It was there that I made up my mind to talk to Jordan as soon as I saw her. I wanted this mess to be over with. I've never really been good at holding grudges, I'm not going to start now.

I reached over to my nightstand to look at my phone in order to check the time. 5:17 am. I had 4 missed calls from an unknown caller that's been calling me since Wednesday. Passed experience has taught me to never answer those calls. I still cringe when I see them pop up on my screen. I shook my head, trying to rid my thoughts of that time in my life.

No need to wallow anymore. I had a big day ahead of me. Feeling more determined, I jumped out bed and went to take a shower. I did my normal routine and felt like dressing casual today. I picked out a yellow halter top and dark blue skinny jeans, I picked out a long white open sweater to cover up shoulders, then put on my white leather Valentino studded sandals. I straighten my hair out and put on my pendant and medium sized platinum hoop earrings to finish off the look.

I sat in my classroom and checked my messages for what seemed like the millionth time in an hour, the only ones are from an unknown caller. it was now lunchtime, and I still haven't heard anything from Jordan. It's been 2 days since me and Jordan spoke, and I was beginning to worry as the minutes ticked away. Given the state she was in when she left the other night, I wanted to know if everything was okay. Not just between us, but for her parents as well.

The tension was mounting as my vexation continued to take its toll on my psyche. I held out hope that Jordan would show up for class or at the very least, text me that she's ok. My imagination was beginning to run rampant, thoughts that I couldn't seem to control. The realization hit me yesterday, on just what type of person that I was becoming.

On the one hand, I had always told myself that I would never become one of those mindless women that made decisions based on a relationship I was in. Because I see first-hand where that type of thinking could get you. Many of my friends from college, ended up defining themselves by the relationship they were in. Yet, here I was, doing exactly what I said I wouldn't do.

I was slowly becoming one of those women. It's now that I realize why it's been so easy for those people to succumb to those feelings of giving in to the one that you love. It's funny how life can throw those little curve balls.

I sighed and looked at my watch. 12:32 pm. I had just enough time to use the restroom and come back before the warning bell.

As I was coming out of the restroom, I noticed Mr. Wallace walking in my direction. I readied myself just in case he would try to stop me. I continued to make my way to my classroom as he neared me. With a quick glance in his direction as I was about to pass him, he smirked at me and then turned to me. "Ms. Vaughn." He said with a gentle tone, one that didn't seem to fit his demeanor.

Stopping in my tracks, I turned to face him, feeling a little annoyed with him. "Yes, Mr. Wallace." I replied as I did my best to control the irritation in my voice.

With a cockiness, he stepped closer, which I felt he was invading my personal space. "I was wondering, since we're both new in town, that maybe you and I could go and see the sights together this Saturday." He said with his confidence faltering slightly.

I didn't want to lead him on in anyway, up until now, I thought that I had made it perfectly clear to remain professional. "I'm sorry, but I can't. I already made plans to spend time with some friends this weekend." I said as I stepped around him.

"Well maybe some other time then." He stated.

I didn't want him to think he had a chance. "Mr. Wallace, it was very nice of you to offer, but I'm afraid that I would like to keep things with the faulty strictly professional." My tone spoken with authority and confidence. I left him standing there in the hallway as I went straight to my classroom.

Now that he knew the door was closed, I felt a sense of relief wash over me as I sat down at my desk. I noted the time, the bell would ring soon. I checked my phone. Still no call from Jordan.

I sighed at the thought of not hearing from her. I missed the sound of her voice, the soothing way that she would say my name, the husky tone just before she would run her fingertips across my skin. I missed the way she would undress me with her eyes, the feel of her body pressed against me. The feel of her lips pressed against mine. I missed being able to run my fingers through her hair as our tongues would collide.

As my thoughts of Jordan began to become more intimate, I could hear the students begin to walk into class, the laughter and chatter of the students broke any solace that were my thoughts. Now was the time I had to focus on the students, I knew that I shouldn't let my mind be easily altered. Especially when I had an important job to do.

A part of me couldn't help but to be upset with Jordan being a no show, yet again. I was angry that she refused to talk to me, she refused to answer any of my calls or texts. I continuously battled with my emotions. One minute I would find myself reminiscing about us in a passionate embrace and then in an instant, I would be mad with the prospect that Jordan didn't have the common decency to want to speak to me.

By the time I walked into my home, I was livid with being ignored by the one person that I thought wouldn't hurt me. I sat on my couch, upset with the inner turmoil that was now my life. I had this nagging feeling that I needed to tell someone, but who? Who would listen, understand and most importantly, wouldn't judge me for the major dilemma I was in? I couldn't think of one person.

Then, when I thought all hope was lost, it hit me. I took out my phone and called the one person that I knew wouldn't judge me or belittle me.

"Kiera? Are you able to come over? I could really use a friend." My voice broke on the last sentence.

Before I knew it, the doorbell rang. I opened it to find Kiera standing there holding ice cream and 2 spoons. Her long hair put into a ponytail, even in a woman's bright pink and black jogging suit she still looked elegant and well poised. Something I felt I could never pull off without seeming like I was trying too hard.

Giving her a warm smile, I made a gesture for her to come in. Somehow, she knew just how to make me feel better, without even saying a word. She walked over to the sofa and put the ice cream and spoons on the coffee table.

Making herself at home, she kicked off her shoes and sat on the couch, tucking both of her legs under her as she propped her right elbow on the back of the sofa. A look of concern etched across her angelic face. I sat down on the sofa, leaving 2 feet of space between us, mirroring her sitting position, but with both of my hands in my lap.

She reached for the ice cream, placing it between us and then she grabbed the spoons and handed me one. "Spill. What's the matter?"

It took me a few minutes to form the words. I knew I was going to have to explain everything from the beginning if she were going to even begin to understand. Kiera was patient as I collected my thoughts. Until finally I began. "I have a confession to make." Upon hearing this, Kiera's eyes lit up with excitement. She knew she was about to hear some tea.

"I'm in love with one of my students." I confessed. The look on Kiera's face was priceless. She was speechless. Before she could get any more idea's, I continued, "Now before you start to judge me, just hear me out. It didn't start off like how you might think. Let me explain."

By the stunned look on Keira's face, I knew she was at a loss for words. This is a woman who always seems to have something to say. "Whoa." She took a big drink of her wine. "I mean, holy shit Syd. Are you serious?" Keira looked at me like she was waiting for the punchline to a joke.

"One hundred percent." I replied without hesitation.

"Okay. Tell me how this all started." Keira poured herself another glass and sat back in her chair as I told her in detail about how me and Jordan met. Managing to leave out a detail or two.

"We spent the rest of summer together, enjoying each other's company. And by the time summer ended we decided to let fate answer if we should be together or not. So, we didn't make any long-term promises. Which is why it came as such a shock when I seen her in my classroom. At first, I thought it was fate playing some sort of cruel joke, but then at the end of class…" I let the rest hang in the air as I finished my story.

I looked at Kiera and the look on her face said it all. She was definitely turned on by my confession. "Sydney Vaughn, you cannot end it there. Tell me what happened next." She all but managed to say in utter disbelief.

I debated whether or not if I should say anymore, but the look Kiera gave me indicated she was not about to let me get away with it. I continued, "Well, I had every intention for us to just talk. And we did in a way." The last part of my sentence gave away what happened.

Kiera's mouth agape, "You didn't?" She exclaimed, still reeling, unable to believe me. I didn't blame her; I had always been the conservative type. Not necessarily a prude, but I had my views on sex and Kiera knew what I thought and how I felt about it.

"Well…" I answered her with a knowing look of what Jordan and I did next, not really having to say anything at all.

"Oh My God! So, how was it?" She asked excitedly. Finally, able to hear my dirty little secret.

"Jordan is definitely the best I ever had. I mean, I don't know how she does it, but I'm unable to resist her." Kiera's giddiness becoming infectious on me that I had no choice but to swoon thinking about Jordan.

"Well, I definitely have got to meet her." She said as she leaned back on the sofa. As soon as she said that the mood in the air shifted.

As much as I loved talking about how good Jordan makes me feel, I could no longer hold back my worry for what happened the other night. "That's kind of why I called you." I said looking down at my lap, saddened by the shift of the conversation.

"What did she do?" Kiera's beautiful face etched in concern. I turned my head and was distracted by my phone, another unknown caller. I wished so badly that it was Jordan. I missed hearing the sound of her voice.

"It's not what she did, but what she didn't do." I replied with a feeling of defeat, then I went on to tell her what had happened before Jordan left, making sure to edit a few things out but telling her enough to where she would understand. Of course, I told her about the argument, then what happened in the bedroom, this time, I didn't go into too much detail.

When I had finished with the next part of my story, I waited patiently for Kiera to say something. Kiera took her time to think about what I said. A few minutes later, she said, "Honestly, if I were you Sydney, I wouldn't read too much into it. From the sounds of it, Jordan seems like she's dealing with some family issues right now. I mean, she did say that she got a call from her dad before she left, so whatever was said is probably important. And so far, from what you told me, she seems genuine in her pursuit of you. Just give her some time, as for her not calling, what if she's just busy with her family emergency." She patted my leg in an attempt to comfort me.

"Yeah, I guess you're right. Thanks Kiera. I needed to hear that; I've been driving myself crazy the last few days." I said elated that she relieved some of my doubt. We sat in silence for a bit and couldn't believe that Kiera hadn't even commented are asked a single question about my situation. I couldn't take it anymore, "So, you're not going to comment?"

"On what?" Kiera asked trying to play innocent, but we both knew what I was asking.

"You know what. Don't play dumb, it doesn't look good on you." I commented, slightly joking. Although I did want to hear what Kiera had to say.

With a shrug of her shoulders, she said, "Well, what do you want to say? That you shouldn't be together because it's completely unethically? Because I'm not going to. You're my best friend, and if you're happy, then who am I to stand in the way of that. All I have to say is, just be careful." I knew she meant everything she said. I knew Kiera well enough to know that she wouldn't do or say anything to tear down my happiness. But I also knew that she would be worried for me, if something bad should happen.

"Thanks Kiera, that means a lot." I said giving her a faint smile.

"Don't worry girl, I got you. That's what friends are for." She replied, her smile bright and radiant. We talked for a while longer, but then she said she had to meet with her sister Vanessa. By the time she left it was 9 and I was exhausted, I went into my room, changed then laid down and quickly fell into a deep sleep.

Wednesday, September 9th

JORDAN

The rest of the week went by faster than I would have anticipated. The night of the party went pretty well, I did manage to meet with the potential up and coming artist. Although I would have to say that the highlight of the night for me was getting the opportunity to speak with Reign Arrow, music producer/womanizer extraordinaire herself. I felt like I made a good first impression with both introductions.

Suffice to say that after the party, I had another opportunity to meet with Reign to discuss possible future music collaborations. The best part was actually being able to connect with her on a more human level. Seeing as that I am huge fan of her work going back to her mixtape days. I'm really looking forward to working with her, hopefully in the near future.

My father was very happy about it all things considered, even though I knew the label was the furthest from his mind. I understood his pain and I couldn't blame him. The only thing keeping me somewhat sane is staying busy, hence the reason for me managing to seek a few other business connections as well as solidifying said future endeavors.

With my mother's whereabouts still unknown at the moment, it's hard not to want to crawl into a corner and cry. Something that I don't have the luxury of doing. Which brings us to tonight, I am currently standing looking out of the full-length glass wall that overlooks the clubs dance floor and U-shaped bar. The club itself is rather large, built from an old warehouse on the outskirts of the city.

The atmosphere is what you would expect from a nightclub, black lights and lights flashing as the bass from the speaker's thump to whatever song the DJ is playing. This night club is only one of a dozen of Vinnie's clubs, the VIP is in no shortage of drinks and people I've never met before. Bodyguards strategically placed around the entire building itself.

My eyes scan the level below as I swirl the Courvoisier in my glass, deep in thought, hoping that this lead pans out. I take a sip of my drink that I've been nursing all night. Drinking alcohol is something that I don't normally indulge in but seeing as this is a reconnaissance mission, I must at least try to keep up appearances. I can feel the anxiousness beginning to set in as I continue to search for the man described by one of Vinceta's men. And so far, I haven't seen a man fitting his description, from the intel gathered, the man in question comes in here every Wednesday like clockwork.

I've been trying to relax all week but it's easier said than done. I really am trying my best to be patient, hopeful that this is the break we need to find my mom. I can't continue standing here in the VIP doing nothing. I needed to get closer, I needed to be in the thick of the crowd.

I looked in Vinnie's direction and noticed she's busy talking with one of her security detail, most likely giving out orders. I knew she was completely in her element. I walked up to her and waited for her to finish her conversation which didn't take long.

"Vinnie, I'm gonna go to the bar and have a look around." I tried to sound as calm as possible.

"Alright. Just be careful." She says as she nods in approval. However, the gesture is wasted on me considering I'm not one of her henchmen, for lack of a better term. I could see the look of worry in her eyes.

"Of course." I tried to reassure her. I turned and started to make my way to the door.

"Wait, hold up!" She shouted as I was about to exit the room. "I'll go with you." She stood up from the booth and made her way around to the table.

"Alright, let's go then." I gestured for her to come along with me. On some level it felt like she was trying to babysit me, or possibly even gauge whether or not I was going to do something stupid to jeopardize our mission. And at this point, I couldn't really blame her. But one thing I knew for sure though, is that even I know this is our only lead and possibly our only shot at finding my mother and there's no way in hell that I was going to fuck this up.

We made it through the crowd of people. I'm actually surprised that there's so many people here for a Wednesday night. Then again, this is New York, the city that never sleeps. Vinnie and I both manage to find a space at the bar, it didn't long for the bartender to notice Vinnie as she shouted his name.

He quickly came over. "So, what'll it be boss?" He asked as he leaned his right arm against the bar.

"I'll have a Hen and Coke and she'll have a," She informs him as she looks at me to finish her sentence.

"A Courvoisier on the rocks." I say loud enough for him to hear over the loud music.

He nods his head and walks away to fix our drinks. I turn and face Vinnie as we wait for his return. "So, do you think he'll show?" I ask a little apprehensive about the information we were given.

"I'm not sure, honestly. But if there's one thing you should know about me, is that I don't leave much room for my men to fail. Failure will never be an option when it comes to the way I do business. On the other hand, I don't want to give you false hope either." We're interrupted when the bartender hands us our drinks. Vinnie takes a drink of her Hen and Coke. "So let me put it to you this way, if he shows up tonight, then our original plan will be set into motion once one of us has eyes on him. And if he doesn't show then our plan b will be set into motion. Either way Jay, we're going to get him. We will find out what it is we want to know."

"I just want to make it clear; I'm not saying that I doubt you in the slightest or the things your men are capable of. It's just that I can't help but to feel a little anxious, I mean this is my mom we're talking about here. So yeah, I can't help but to feel worried." I admit as I swirl the drink in my hand, contemplating if I should really be imbibing in the beverage. I wanted my head to be clear throughout this whole ordeal.

"Yeah, I know, I want your mom back too." She said looking me in the eyes.

Just then I felt someone bump into my back, almost causing me to spill my drink. I turned around ready to give the person a piece of my mind. Only to find that it was beautiful young woman with long brunette hair and facial features that could stop any man or woman in their tracks. "Sorry. My friend accidentally shoved me." She admitted as I noticed her cheeks getting red from embarrassment.

"It's alright. It happens." I grin instead. I've always been a sucker for a beautiful woman. I could never really find it in me to be mean, especially when there isn't a reason to.

"I'm Jasmine." She said as she extended her hand.

"Jordan." I replied as I took her hand in mine and gently shook it then let it go.

"So, Jordan. Do you come here often? I'm sorry, that sounded like such a line." I could see the blush fill her cheeks. I decided to put her out of her misery.

"Well, I often find that the best laid lines, if said correctly actually do serve a purpose. There is a reason why they become cliché, after all." I smile at her and then give her a wink. She looks down bashful in her demeanor.

However, it didn't last long. Jasmine straightened out her shoulders and looked me in the eye. "Would you like to dance?" She asked, her shyness coming back to the forefront. I could see the hope in her eyes. But I don't hesitate with my answer.

"As wonderful as that sounds, I'm afraid that I can't. I already have a girlfriend who I absolutely adore and love with all of my heart." I noticed the light in her eyes dim. I don't like to disappoint women but at the same time, I would rather not lead anyone on.

"Lucky girl." She said as she quickly regained her composure and smiled a genuine smile.

"I believe that I am the lucky one. Thank you for the invitation though. I really do appreciate it." I reached for her hand and brought it up to my lips and placed a quick gentle kiss. Then gestured for Vinnie to follow me away from the bar.

I found a table that could seat two people and sat down. I looked over at Vinnie and noticed the look of surprise in her eyes. "Okay, what the hell was that?" She asked almost as if she were completely flabbergasted.

"What was what?" I replied nonchalantly.

"What I mean is that Casanova routine you had going on there. When the hell did you become so charming?" Vinnie still looked a little shocked at the previously small interaction.

"She bumped into me. She introduced herself to me. She's the one who asked me to dance to which I had to politely decline. I see no wrong in letting a woman down gently, I didn't want to embarrass her any further." I simply stated then took a sip of my drink and set it down in front of me.

"Whatever." I smiled at the continued look on her face. "So, was it true?" Vinnie asked a moment later. Catching me off guard, mainly because I didn't have a clue what she was asking.

"Was what true?" I looked around, searching the many faces. I didn't want to lose focus as to why we came here in the first place.

"That there is another woman who you adore and that you love with all of your heart?" The sound of her voice serious and genuine. I felt comfortable around Vinceta, and I know deep down she wouldn't hold anything against me even if I did tell her the truth.

I decided to at least give her glimpse, and hopefully she wouldn't ask any more questions on the subject. "Yes, it is true." I finally admitted after a slight pause.

"Who is she? If you don't mind my asking." I knew deep down she was going to pry. Vinnie has always been one for wanting someone to spill the tea.

"I don't know if you'd believe me even if I told you." I didn't know if I was ready to tell anyone about me and Sydney. Don't get me wrong, I would tell the world about her, I would shout it from the roof tops if I could, but the fact that she's currently a faculty member at my school and one of my teachers, most certainly does not bode well for our relationship. Yet the reality of us not being together, isn't an option for me either. I looked at Vinnie, hoping that she would drop it.

Vinnie set her drink down and placed both of her arms on the table. "Try me." She challenged.

Fuck. Was all I could think. I weighed my options for a few moments and came to the only conclusion that made any sense. "Alright." I finally said as I too leaned forward, placing my arms on the table in a crisscross position.

I told Vinnie how me and Sydney met and then how we departed. I even told her the shock I felt when I walked into her classroom, leaving out certain details along the way. I must admit, it felt liberating to finally tell someone of our relationship and the complicated dynamics of it all. Once I was done, the same look of shock was plastered on her face. I couldn't help the smile that formed on my own.

I waited patiently for Vinceta to say something, anything. In all the time I've known her, granted we were kids the last time we saw each other, I have never seen her at a loss for words. Even as children she always had a smart remark or had opinions. Vinnie certainly was never one to shy away from voicing her thoughts that's for damn sure.

The seconds ticked away as I awaited her response, until finally she found her voice. "Well fuck, that's definitely a lot to deal with. So, let me get this straight." She said as she tried to gather her thoughts. "You mean to tell me, that you walked out on her without so much as an explanation or finishing what you started?"

"Seriously? That's all that you took away from that?" I couldn't believe that's all Vinnie had to say. I just told her pretty much everything that's been happening with my love life and that's her reaction. But then again, she is Vinceta Vega.

"What else is there to say? If that were me, I would definitely feel like I was being used or at the very least I would feel like the other person didn't care about me." Deep down I know she's right. I would feel the same exact way, which is why I've been trying to rectify it.

"I know, I know. It's not like I didn't try to call her and explain what was going on. What do you expect me to do when she won't answer any of my calls?" I mean seriously, what more can I do at this point? If I had a choice, I would fly back and explain things, but I can't leave my dad in the lurch. Like I said, my family would do the same for me.

"Well, you got me there. But look, I'm sure everything will work itself out once all this is over." I must admit, Vinnie's attempt of reassurance did make me somewhat better.

"Yeah, I hope so." I couldn't the small seed of doubt.

"It will. I have faith that you can fix this." She smiled, once again trying to reassure me. I just hope that everything will work out. I don't know how much more of life's curve balls I could take.

The conversation lulled as we both took a drink of our beverages. Instead, I concentrated my efforts into looking around the ground level in the hopes of finding this asshole that might have taken my mother. I glanced at Vinceta and noticed she was a little preoccupied. I followed her gaze, hmm…no wonder she's lost focus.

In the far corner opposite of our position was a beautiful young woman sitting in a different VIP section of the club on the second floor. If I had to guess, she was probably a college student, her long brunette curled locks partially covering her angelic face. I could see why Vinnie was becoming enamored with such beauty. I too have fallen for an Angel.

"Go talk to her." I finally said after a few minutes of silence between us.

"Huh, what?" I could see the dazed look in her eyes, as if she didn't comprehend what I just said to her.

"I said, go talk to her." I nodded in the direction of the brunette.

"I can't." She replied looking down towards her drink, like she was going to find the answers to life's problems at the bottom of her glass.

"Yes, you can. Don't be a pussy." I picked up my drink and swirled the contents then took another drink.

"Fuck off." I couldn't help the smirk that crossed my face as she tried to regain her composure.

"I mean it Vinnie, just go talk to her." I encouraged. If I could say I knew one thing in the amount of time that I've been with Sydney, it would be this; I thank God every day that I worked up the courage to ask her out. Even as nervous as I was, I knew that I couldn't let a woman like her slip through my fingers. There is something to be said about having an instant connection, even if it may seem one sided at first, but as it went for me and Sydney, that simply was not the case. We both felt it. I knew it the moment we kissed, that fate had brought us together for a reason. And if the first time wasn't any indication, then us being surprised the second time certainly should be.

"No, I mean it. I can't. We have business to take care of." I could see the sadness in her eyes as she glanced in the direction of the brunette again. I don't know the exact reason behind her reluctance, but I could guess that it probably had something to do with her and her father's organization that was somehow preventing her from pursuing a possible love interest. Which is why I couldn't sit here and watch one of my good friends to lose out on something so profound.

"Look, you said it yourself, your men can handle this. And if I know you, you're not going to fail in helping us find my mom and neither are your men." I leaned forward to convey the seriousness of what I wanted to say. "So, why don't you let them take care of things, at least for one night. I'm sure they can handle it." I tried to reason with her, I swallowed the last of my Courvoisier and put the glass on the table.

"Well, what are you going to do?" She asked finally tearing her gaze from the brunette.

"I'm going to call Oscar and have him drive me back to the hotel, it's getting late anyway. I don't really see me being of much help right now. I've had a little too much to drink and need to sleep it off. Just don't forget to call when you guys find something." I stood up as I finished with trying to convince Vinceta to take a chance.

"Alright." She quickly down at her drink and then looked up at me.

"You got this Vinnie." I said as I lightly patted her shoulder. "Trust me, I have faith in you." I whispered in her ear and then smirked.

"Shut up." She jokingly pushed me away. I let out a chuckle. I straightened out my black waste high leather jacket as Vinnie stood up.

"See you later Vin." I said in Vinceta's ear.

"Yeah, see ya later." She replied as we broke apart.

I pulled out my phone as soon as I made it out of the club's entrance and called Oscar. 45 minutes later, I was safely in my hotel room. After getting ready for bed, I fell asleep as my head hit the pillow.

Friday, September 11th

SYDNEY

A week had passed, and the more Jordan left my calls unanswered the angrier I got. I was coming to the end of my rope. If she didn't want to talk to me then there was nothing I could really do about it. 7th period came and went and still no Jordan. If she really loved me like she said she did, then she should at least have the decency to pick up the phone and call, or answer.

What if while she was away, she found someone else. Is that she hasn't called? Was it really her dad that called? Or was it some other girl? These kinds of thoughts tortured me. I didn't want to believe that Jordan could do something like this. But then again, Jordan certainly was no saint. She told me so herself.

It was late as I sat in my classroom, all of the students had left. Only a few of the faculty remained. I just had a few things that I had to finish up and then I was going to go home, open a bottle of wine and sit on my back porch and enjoy the evening air.

That's when I heard a cough coming from the doorway. "Look, I thought a lot about what you said last week and well, I just wanted to say my piece since you haven't given me a chance." Jackson said holding up his hands in front of him in a defensive manner. I waited for him to finish, "I know sometimes I might seem like I come on too strong, and please forgive me if I made you feel uncomfortable. But I tend to do that when I find someone I like."

I sat back in my chair and put my hands in my lap, "Jackson, you barely even know me."

"Would you at least consider giving me a chance to try to get to know you?" He inquired; he was about to step a little closer but then must have thought better of it.

"I don't know Jackson. I really do want to keep things professional." I replied trying to keep my voice firm.

Jackson looked a little hurt at my reply, "Please think about it. I don't need an answer right now. All I'm asking is for you to just think about it." He pleaded.

I considered my answer, "Fine. I'll think about it. But I am not going to promise anything." I finally said, hoping that this answer would suffice and keep him from further pursuits.

"That's all I ask. Thank you, Ms. Vaughn." He said elated.

"Good night, Mr. Wallace." I remarked and with that he was gone. I sighed hoping that that would be the end of it.