“Done.” He practically pulled her out of the store and locked the door.
“What’s your hurry?”
“I was hoping to run into Holly. I don’t have her personal number,” he explained. “Adam told Noah he thought I was to mean for his little sister-in-law. Noah refused to give me Holly’s number.”
“That is bull.” Jasmine huffed. Matt’s mean look was all a cover to be anti-social. She learned he didn’t like many people but if you passed his wall, he was rock steady. So was Tony. Matt would be great for Holly. “You’re a great man. Holly would be lucky to have you.”
“I know, right?” He snorted.
“I talked to Holly earlier. She got out of work early and mentioned wanting to go to the haunted house. I told her those things scare me. Let’s stop by there. Maybe you can offer to protect her.”
Jasmine figured somebody should have luck with romance. Matt was a great guy and Holly was too busy to meet men.
“I’ll buy you two corndogs.” Matt smiled.
They stood in line for the food, then walked around. It was crowded and noisy but Jasmine loved all the neon lights and the feel of excitement in the air.
“Look. There’s Holly and Alicia.” Jasmine called out to them and they waved back.
“Are you going in to the haunted house?” Alicia asked Jasmine. Alicia was wearing a short strapless dress and looked really pretty. Holly wore jeans and a bright pink tank top.
“No, but Matt wants to go. I’m too scared.” Jasmine looked at Holly, trying to give her the hint to ask Matt. Holly’s eyes widened and she smiled.
“I’ll go with you, Matt,” Holly offered shyly.
Matt winked at her and held out his hand. “Let’s go for it, doll. You can hold me if I scream.”
Holly giggled and grabbed his hand. He bought two tickets and they entered the large house with the scary music playing.
“Aren’t they cute?” Jasmine gushed. Alicia rolled her eyes and found a bench to sit down and wait. Jasmine joined her.
“How’s it going with Deputy Don Juan?” Alicia asked.
Jasmine laughed at the nickname. It amused her because he hated it so much. He growled anytime someone called him that. “I have been a coward and have been avoiding him. I like him but I am being cautious.”
“He’s not a bad guy, really. He’s a solid man. Just a typical male that can’t say no when a woman offers herself easily.” Alicia sighed sadly.
“I know, but that’s the problem, Alicia,” Jasmine replied with a loud sigh. Why did it have to be so complicated? “Is it so bad to want a faithful man? A man with morals who will say no, thanks, I have a girlfriend. Go on with your slutty self.”
Alicia laughed and shrugged. “I suppose those are a rare breed in this day and age. I haven’t met such a creature. Not sure they exist. Yet a woman is supposed to sit home waiting for her man to remember she exists. Fuck that. I will stay single forever and play the field just like they do.”
“Love sucks.” Jasmine moaned. “Men suck too.”
“Not necessarily,” said a voice behind them. They turned to see Drake and Ray looking grim.
Drake moved to stand in front of Jasmine. “Sometimes you have to take a risk, Jasmine. Nothing comes with guarantees, but a man can be honorable given a chance. When I slept with Nancy I didn’t even know you. I had no idea you were coming into my life. Give us a chance.”
Jasmine looked up at him, knowing he was right. Nothing came with guarantees. “I know, Drake. I’m just wondering if all this is worth the hassle.”
“Will you go on the Ferris Wheel with me?” Drake held his hand out and she took it before her fears took over. She looked at Alicia. “Tell Matt I’ll be right back.”
Alicia nodded. When Jasmine stood up Ray sat next to his sister. He gave her a strange look and pulled her into a bear hug without saying anything.
“What was that all about?” Jasmine asked. She really liked Alicia and wanted to help her.
“Ray is worried about his sister. He thinks some guy hurt her emotionally. He says she’s been acting worse than usual but she refuses to open up and talk to him,” Drake explained, keeping his hand at her back as he guided her through the thick crowd. “I never realized how much she observed us. Ray and I have been players over the years, I can’t lie about that. Now I wish we hadn’t, but it’s too late.”
“Maybe because instead of listening to what she has to say, Ray is too busy shouting orders. There is a double standard and it’s not fair. If men can sow wild oats, why not Alicia?”