“So, tell me everything. How’s Jake?” she asks.
“I haven’t seen him since the reading of the will,” I admit. That was two days ago.
“He does have a lot on his plate at the moment. It can’t be easy taking over an empire at such a young age,” Antonia says.
“We’re almost thirty, not that young,” I remind her.
“You’re still babies. What is happening between the two of you? Is it an official thing? Because CJ told me something I’d much rather hear from you.” Antonia quirks a brow.
I roll my eyes. “Jake thinks we’re engaged. That, after everything settles down, we’re going to get married and live happily ever after.” I sigh.
“Is that what you want?”
“I’d like him to actually ask me first, not tell me like some caveman. I am happy when I’m with him, though.”
“You can’t rely on a man for your happiness, Jasmine. You need to find it within yourself first. Own it. And then, and only then, let a man in to share your inner joy. That way, if shit hits the fan and you end up without that man, he doesn’t get to take your happiness with him. Because you own it, and you put an iron-clad prenup on that shit.”
I process my stepmother’s words. “Would you be happy without Daddy?”
“Absolutely not, but I’d be okay. Do you know why?”
“Why?”
“Because I have you and your brothers. And you kids are the best part of your father.” She smiles. “You most of all,” she says as she reaches out and tucks my hair behind my ear. “You want to know what I think?”
“Always.” I smile.
“I think you and Jake are soul mates. You always have been. I saw it the moment you met. When you were only six years old,” she says. “I think everything is going to work out the way it’s meant to be, and I know that you’re going to get everything you ever wanted.”
“I’ve only ever wanted him,” I admit.
“I know.”
“Does Daddy know? About this engagement Jake is so set on being a thing?” I ask.
“No, your brother knows better than to say anything. But I’ve seen the change in your father’s attitude towards the boy lately. He’s beginning to like him.”
“I doubt that.” I laugh. “Daddy never likes anyone I date.”
“True. But he’s not as… opposed to the idea of you being with Jacob,” Antonia clarifies. The buzzer for the oven goes off. “You refill these glasses. I’ll serve up the food.”
“Deal.”
After Antonia left, I slept. A food coma will do that to you. I want to believe her when she tells me that everything is going to be okay. But it’s hard to push back the doubt…
My phone buzzes. Picking it up off the nightstand, I see Jake’s name and smile. I’m not even sure how his number got into my phone. I never put it there.
“Hello?” I answer.
“Jazzy, how are you?”
“Good, you?”
“Were you sleeping?”
“I just woke up. Antonia came over with lasagna for lunch. I ate way too much.”
“I miss her lasagna,” he says.