Lowering his arms, Cameron took a step, pulled her to his chest, and rested his chin on the top of her head. “I know it’s not realistic and that I sound selfish, but I don’t want you to go back.”
Jasmine looped her arms around his trim waist. “I have to, but I’ll return around Labor Day to assist Hannah when we begin to interview staff for the inn.”
Cameron froze. “What did you say?” He pulled back and met her eyes.
“I’m coming—”
“I know you said that. What I’m not getting is you working with Hannah.”
Jasmine knew it was time to reveal her future plans. “I’ve decided to invest in the inn.” She nearly laughed in Cameron’s face when his jaw dropped. “My parents are definitely moving to North Carolina. They’ve purchased a house in a retirement community and now they’re waiting for a date to close on the house in Freeport. Fortunately, I don’t have to sell my condo because Danita’s daughter is moving downstate and I told her she could live there for as long as she wants.” Cameron picked her up and swung her around and around until she felt the room spinning. “Please stop before I throw up.” Not only was her head spinning but her stomach was also churning.
Cameron set her on her feet. “Sorry about that. Let’s get out of here and get something to eat. After that I’ll take you to my place and show you the plans.”
* * *
Jasmine sat next to Cameron on a banquette in a restaurant that reminded her of one she’d frequented with her high schools friends whenever they met for a weekend brunch. The bar, with strategically placed televisions featuring sporting events, was filled to capacity. It was apparent Cameron had called ahead for a reservation; when they arrived they were seated immediately.
She’d declined the complimentary unlimited mimosa and Bellini in lieu of water, and selected eggs Benedict with sliced melon. Jasmine nudged Cameron with her foot when he ordered chicken and waffles. “You must have read my mind because I was going to order that.”
“Don’t worry, babe. I’ll let you have some.”
She winked at him. “Thank you. How often do you eat here?” she asked after the waitress set down her water and his sweet tea.
“I come here a few times a month, but only for weekend brunch. During the week this place is filled with wall-to-wall folks because the food is great, the drinks are potent, and it’s also a sports bar.”
Jasmine glanced around the dining area. “I like it. It has a nice vibe.” Picking up the glass of water, she took a sip at the same time she experienced a sickening feeling in her stomach.
“What’s the matter?” Cameron asked.
She took another sip. “I don’t know. My stomach feels funny.”
“Funny how?”
“It’s like I ate something that didn’t agree with me.”
“What did you have this morning?” There was genuine concern in Cameron’s voice.
“I had a slice of toast with a cup of coffee because I knew we’d be eating together.”
“What did you eat yesterday?”
Jasmine searched her memory for what she had eaten the day before. “I bought a muffin and tea from a kiosk in the airport before my flight took off. I slept throughout the flight from New York to Miami. I had a one-hour layover, so I drank an orange juice. Hannah had offered to take me out for dinner, but I was so exhausted that she prepared a green salad with chicken, apple and maple walnuts in a buttermilk dressing.”
Cameron rubbed Jasmine’s back. “Maybe you picked up a bug from traveling. Being packed in a plane like sardines with recycled air isn’t the healthiest environment.”
She rested her head on his shoulder. “You’re right about that. Maybe I’ll feel better after I eat.”
Her plate arrived and within seconds of taking a forkful of eggs topped with a delicious Hollandaise sauce, Jasmine grabbed her napkin, and held it to her mouth. “Excuse me,” she mumbled and bolted off the seat and headed for the restroom just in time not to embarrass herself when she purged her stomach of its contents.
She rinsed her mouth and stared at her reflection in the mirror over the sink. Then she splashed water on her face and patted it dry with a paper towel. Jasmine couldn’t remember the last time she’d thrown up. Once she was back in control, she left the bathroom and returned to her table.
Cameron stood up and kissed her forehead. “Are you all right?”
“I think so. I’m going to try and eat some more and hopefully I’ll be able to keep it down.”
Unfortunately luck wasn’t with her when she found herself in the bathroom once again, regurgitating until she struggled to breathe. Tears streamed down her face and she sagged against the door to the booth to stop the room from spinning. She flushed the toilet and stumbled out to wash her face. Jasmine was rinsing her mouth when the door to the bathroom opened and Cameron walked in, carrying her cross body bag. She saw fear on his face as she stared at him with red-rimmed eyes.
“I’m still nauseous.”
