“Yeah, yeah, Cole. What’s your name, ma’am?”
“Jessamine. I’m a southeastern climbing vine with yellow flowers.”
“Wait, are you THE Jessamine?”
Jessamine quirks an eyebrow. “Meaning?”
“The host of that love show. The one Cole has made me watch walk in slow motion.”
Jessamine giggles. “Then yes, that’s me.”
“You killed it by the way. You’re absolutely gorgeous.”
Jessamine is so cute when she blushes. “Thank you. And I am an intermediate gardener.”
“Girl, you’re better than me. I started the Plucking Ladies because I kept killing my house plants.”
“Hang up, Vi.”
“Sorry, Mr. Grumpy wants my attention. I’ll be in touch. Thank you for volunteering!”
Violet is gone before either of us can respond.
“Looks like you’re a Plucking Lady now,” I point out as I pull her into a cuddle.
“Sounds like fun. I was wondering what I was gonna do with my free time.”
“So you moved here for good?”
She nods sadly. “Yeah, less paparazzi.”
“I’m sorry you’re going through this but know I’ll fight them for you.”
She sighs as she hugs me tighter. “You’re such a sweetheart.”
I kiss her forehead. “I didn’t move to Dallas but I will be out here for a long time overseeing this project. I’m glad you moved here. I don’t know why but there is something about you that makes me always want to be close.”
Jessamine is quiet but her grip on me hasn’t changed. “It’s crazy. I know what you mean. I’m glad you’ll be here as well.”
This is what people mean when they say that their heart smiled. I’m confident in the direction we are going.
“I know you have to travel to some events so if you ever need a plus one for anything just let me know. I’d definitely rearrange my schedule for you.”
“I’d like that, Cole. More than you know.
∞∞∞
I can’t believe it’s been almost two weeks since Jessamine left my resort. Opening week was a beast that kept me occupied most of the day and through the nights. I’d left Kacy and Jessamine to iron out the partnership contract while I focused on being in charge. My family will be coming here for Thanksgiving so they can check out the resort.
A few nights, I’ve managed to spend the night at Jessamine’s house and we have small slices of moments to pretend that we’re still in our bubble. I both miss her and am happy that she’s local.
I can still taste her on my lips. I did a driveby quickie before heading back to the resort for the evening activities. I’ve invited her to spend the night with me at the resort when our schedules align. She’s taken to the Plucking Ladies quickly and is so excited that she already has members.
It’s good to hear her passionate about something but I also hope she doesn’t shy away from the limelight because of the bullshit with her ex. While I’m willing to protect her at all costs, I cannot realistically keep her phone or other devices. Instead, I put another plan into motion last week and I’m waiting to see if it will pan out.
A news alert grabs my attention. Shira has released a statement. I tap on the notification, expecting to read a statement but it appears she posted a video instead. It looks like she’s in a dressing room, probably gearing up to release another music video.
It’s either before or after production because she is free of make up and her hair is in a messy bun. Shira is just as beautiful as one would expect from an international pop star.She is the product of a Black mom and Mexican dad. The mix makes her an interesting shade of brown. I’ve always admired how she never shied away from either side of her racial make up. She has spoken up for both sides on multiple occasions and she releases songs in both languages. I was disappointed to know that she aligned herself with such a terrible person but I don’t think she’d have time to know that he is selfish.
