Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 74123 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 371(@200wpm)___ 296(@250wpm)___ 247(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 74123 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 371(@200wpm)___ 296(@250wpm)___ 247(@300wpm)
“Um, I’ll have the Caesar Salad with the seared steak.”
“How would you like that steak cooked?”
“Medium please.”
“You got it. How about you, ma’am?” The waitress turned to Jasmine who was now studying the menu.
“Can I start off with the fried pickles and an order of the chili Thai wings? And for my entrée, I’d like the bacon cheeseburger with a side of sweet potato fries instead of the regular ones.”
“That’s an upcharge. Will that be okay?”
Jasmine raised her head from the menu and stared at Amina with a raised brow.
Amina nodded wondering how much food Jasmine planned on ordering.
“Yes, that’s fine,” Jasmine responded to the waitress. “Also can I get a side of onion rings with that? Oh, plus a side of ranch. In addition to that, I’d like the chicken and shrimp Alfredo in a to-go box. And the chocolate chip blondie boxed as well. I see that comes with ice cream so you don’t have to bring that out until I’m ready to leave so it doesn’t melt.”
Amina wasn’t sure whether to be pissed or impressed. The woman was clearly taking advantage of the situation but it wasn’t like Amina was in a position to say anything. She needed Jasmin’s help.
The waitress finished writing everything down before repeating the order. “Do I have everything?”
Jasmine smiled. “We’ll let you know. Gotta keep baby happy.” She gave her stomach an affectionate rub.
When they were alone again Jasmine’s smile dropped. “You did say that I could order whatever I wanted.”
“I did indeed. Now would you mind telling me how you know me?”
“You’re with Pastor Caldwell’s son. I’ve seen you around a few times. I’ve attended Christ’s Home Baptist for a couple years, until recently. Let me guess, the family sent you as a representative to get me to back off. Mrs. Caldwell already confronted me the last time I showed up at church. She told me she’d have me trespassed, if I return. What now? Am I not allowed to be on the same planet as her?”
There was no shortage of vitriol in Jasmine’s words.
Amina fully understood why the other woman was hostile, because it took two people to have an affair. And to be fair, Pastor Caldwell was more at fault because of the power dynamics involved.
“So, you admit to carrying Pastor Caldwell’s baby?” Amina asked just so she could have verbal confirmation.
Jasmine pursed her lips and narrowed her eyes. “Contrary to popular opinion, I’m not the slut everyone thinks I am. Otis—I mean Pastor Caldwell is the only man I’ve been with and I’d swear to that over a stack of bibles.”
“Jasmine, I believe you. I wouldn’t be here otherwise. I understand how suspicious it seems that I’ve set up a meeting with you, but I’m not here to warn you off. We contacted you because I need your help.”
Jasmine placed her hand against her chest. “You need my help? What could I possibly do for you?”
“Well, I’m having an engagement party this Saturday and I’d like to invite you.”
The other woman slowly picked up her glass and took a long sip. “Why would you invite me to something like that? You don’t even know me. Please don’t tell me you’re one of those kumbaya type people who wants to unite all the family. The Caldwell’s have made it perfectly clear that I’m not welcome anywhere near them and that this baby won’t be acknowledged even though Otis is still trying to have sex with me.”
Jasmine’s eyes welled with tears. It was clear the young lady was suffering despite the brave act she’d put on.
“Jasmine how old are you?”
“Twenty.”
Amina shuddered in disgust. Otis Caldwell was nearly sixty. The dirty bastard.
“I’m going to let you in on a little secret, Jasmine. I don’t plan on going through with my engagement. Mark is a horrible person and so are his parents. They’re hypocrites who preach the word but I have a sneaking suspicion they’re using the church’s money to fund their extravagant lifestyles. I think they should be exposed which is why I’d like for you to come to my ‘engagement’ party as my guest.” Amina held up her hands to air quote the word engagement.
Jasmine cocked her head to the side. “Why get engaged to him in the first place?”
“Because Mark is the kind of person who won’t take no for an answer. I figure if you show up, he’s going to get the message loud and clear. What do you say, Jasmine? I’ll make sure you’re compensated for your time.”
“You’re not scared they’ll do something to you?”
“What exactly do you think they would do to me? I’m grown. They have no power over me.”
Jasmine cradled her belly. “Otis said that if I behave, he’d give me some money for the baby. I don’t know what I’d do without the financial assistance. Like I said, I’m in school for now. I started going to Christ’s Home because I was feeling homesick.”