Unspoken Expectations
Jasmine wanted to forget the encounter with Luke and Belle.
She wanted to go home, take a hot shower, and push the memory out of her mind like it never happened.
But her mind wouldn't let her.
Even as she curled up on her couch, scrolling through a mindless TV show, their words echoed.
"It's important."
"Can you just listen?"
What the hell could they possibly want now?
---
An Unexpected Invitation
The next morning, Jasmine groaned at the sight of a text from her sister.
Rita: Brunch. Now. No excuses.
Jasmine sighed.
She loved Rita, but her sister was relentless when it came to check-ins.
And today… she really wasn't in the mood.
Still, she knew if she ignored her, Rita would just show up at her doorstep.
So, thirty minutes later, she found herself sitting across from Rita in their favorite café, nursing a cup of coffee that was too hot to drink.
Rita was watching her like a hawk.
"You look like hell."
"Good morning to you too," Jasmine muttered.
Rita leaned forward. "What happened?"
Jasmine sighed. "Luke and Belle showed up at my apartment last night."
Rita's expression darkened. "What the hell did they want?"
"I don't know." Jasmine rubbed her temples. "I didn't let them talk."
Rita looked satisfied with that answer. "Good. They don't deserve a second of your time."
Jasmine nodded but said nothing.
Rita narrowed her eyes. "You're thinking about it, aren't you?"
Jasmine exhaled. "I don't care what they want. I just… I don't understand why they suddenly showed up after all this time."
Rita took a sip of her coffee. "Maybe they're feeling guilty. Maybe they just want to mess with your peace. Either way, it doesn't matter. They don't get to walk back into your life whenever it's convenient for them."
Jasmine knew she was right.
She just wished she could stop the lingering unease in her gut.
---
A Familiar Face
Later that evening, Jasmine found herself at a lounge with a few coworkers.
She hadn't planned on going, but after the day she had, she figured she could use the distraction.
The place was classy but relaxed, dimly lit with soft jazz playing in the background.
She was nursing a glass of wine when she felt a presence beside her.
"You look like you're overthinking again."
She turned—and her stomach flipped.
Asher.
Jasmine blinked. "What are you doing here?"
He smirked. "It's a bar, Jasmine. People drink here."
She rolled her eyes but found herself smiling. "I just didn't peg you as the lounge type."
He leaned against the bar. "And what type do you think I am?"
She gave him a once-over. "Strictly business. A man who only drinks when closing million-dollar deals."
Asher chuckled. "You're not entirely wrong."
Jasmine tilted her head. "So, is this a business meeting?"
"Not tonight." He signaled the bartender for a drink. "Tonight, I'm just a man unwinding after a long day."
She raised a brow. "Rough day in court?"
He took a sip of his whiskey. "More like a frustrating one. People love to lie under oath."
Jasmine smirked. "Shocking."
He chuckled. "And you? What brings you here?"
She hesitated before answering. "Needed a distraction."
Asher studied her for a moment. "Luke again?"
Jasmine exhaled. "He and Belle showed up at my place yesterday. I didn't let them talk, but… I don't know. Something feels off."
His jaw tightened slightly. "Do you want me to look into it?"
Jasmine blinked. "What?"
"I know people," Asher said simply. "If you want to know what they're up to, I can find out."
Jasmine stared at him. "You'd do that?"
His gaze was unwavering. "Yes."
She was taken aback by how easily he said it.
There was no hesitation, no ulterior motive—just a quiet offer of help.
Jasmine swallowed. "I'll think about it."
He nodded, as if that was enough.
Then, he smirked. "Now, if we're done with the heavy stuff, how about I buy you another drink?"
Jasmine laughed. "Are you trying to get me drunk, Judge Donovan?"
His smirk deepened. "Would that be a bad thing?"
She shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips. "You're dangerous."
He lifted his glass in a mock toast. "Only in the best way."
And for the first time that night, Jasmine let herself relax.