Here Without You (Red Hook 4)

“Well, whatever you feel for me isn’t strong enough to give me a chance. I cared about you, Matt. I would have fought for you, because I was that serious. You weren’t. At the first doubt, you ran and left me hurting. You left me to deal with this pain all alone.”

She got in the driver seat and closed her door. She rolled down her window and started her car. ‘Thanks for letting me know about Pete. I’ll keep my doors locked and sleep with my cell phone by my bed.”

She drove off without looking at him. She was afraid she would beg him to come home with her.

* * * *

“Sorry I am late, girls.” Jasmine shook her head and raindrops flew all over the table. It was cloudy and rainy. “It’s been one of those days. When it rains, it pours.”

They were meeting for lunch at the Hacienda, the Garcias’ restaurant. Holly got there early since she had the day off. Despite the rainy day outside, the warm golden walls made Holly feel warm inside. She relaxed, listening to the soft Spanish music playing in the background. Alicia had just sat down. She was only on a lunch break. Despite Matt’s bad news, Pete and his brother were nowhere to be seen. She didn’t care if they skipped town like everyone thought, as long as they left her alone.

“What’s wrong?” Holly asked.

Jasmine looked rattled, which was unusual. She removed her raincoat and sat down, then grabbed a chip and dipped into the salsa. “Where do I begin?” She crunched on a chip then answered. “My car wouldn’t start just now, but this morning it was fine. I called Drake and he is having it towed to Doug’s mechanic shop. He dropped me off.”

“What an ugly day for that to happen,” Alicia said, looking out the window. It was a windy, stormy day. “I just hope the storms are mild. Remember last’s year crazy storms? We had to get our roof replaced.”

Jasmine agreed with a loud sigh. “Someone stole Aunt Kate’s riding mower this morning, so we opened up late. She was very upset. That is an expensive piece of equipment we have to replace.”

Holly and Alicia tried to comfort her.

“I do have some good news to share.” Jasmine sat up with a wide smile. She held up her left hand. She was wearing a diamond ring. “I got myself engaged last night.”

Holly and Alicia congratulated her.

“I am so happy for you both. Last time we spoke about it, you were unsure,” Holly reminded her friend.

“I know. I realized it wasn’t fair to spend all my time waiting for things to fall apart. We plan a long engagement, and that makes me feel better.”

“Well, as long as it’s before I am senile.” Alicia laughed. “How can I flirt with all the cute guys if I am too old?”

Jasmine laughed. “I was thinking next summer.”

Alana, Alicia’s older sister, brought a plate of tacos and bowls of rice and beans. Her black hair was pulled back in a long braid. She wore an identical uniform to Alicia.

“How are you, Holly?” she asked. “Your sister filled me in on what has been going on.”

“I’m okay. I was worried when Matt told me Pete had been bailed out. That was four days ago, and so far I haven’t seen him,” Holly answered.

“I know people are saying they skipped town, but stay alert. Noah thinks they started those rumors but are just hiding out.” Alana gave her a concerned look.

“I’ll be careful,” Holly assured her. Alana noticed Jasmine’s ring. Her brown eyes got big.

“Oh my, is that what I think it is?”

Jasmine nodded, showing off her ring happily.

“That is awesome, Jasmine. You and Drake make a good couple,” Alana remarked. They heard a bell ring. “That’s for me. See you all later.”

“So, what else did Matt say?” Alicia teased after Alana walked away. “And why are you blushing?”

“Just that.” Holly lowered her eyes. She wasn’t ready to share that hot kiss with anyone. She had gone home and taken a cold shower, but she’d still had hot, steamy dreams of Matt all night long.

She was saved by the bell, so to speak. Jasmine’s cell phone rang and she smiled. “It’s Drake. Probably has an update on my car. I hope it is not serious.”

“Hey, love. That was quick.” Jasmine said sweetly. Her expression changed within seconds. Her brows crinkled with worry. “What? I don’t understand how that happened. Shit. No, I didn’t lock my car. I was upset about the break-in and in a rush to open the store.”

She sighed. “Okay. I’ll be waiting.” She hung up and looked at them with a confused look on her face.