CHAPTER 23

JAZMIN

IT'S BEEN A WEEK SINCE THE 'Kiss' incident with Averi. Thankfully, we haven't spoken and haven't run into each other since then. Dad was out of town for two weeks, and I'm glad he's gone because he'll notice that his Ave and daughter aren't getting along. I'm having trouble dealing with his interrogation right now. He shouldn't know all of this so soon.

Hana is preoccupied with her schoolwork and band. We barely see each other. She kept inviting me to all of her events, but as the OIC at Angel Food, I was too preoccupied with my job. But I miss my little sister.

My phone rang while I was checking the portfolio in my hands. The song Passenger Seat began to play. Since the unexpected kiss, I've been using it as my ringtone. It reminds me of her and our memoirs. I know I'm being crazy again, but this was the original plan all along. I'm hoping Dad will understand.

I'd already been through a lot. It is something I have to do. I couldn't help myself.

"Yo! What's up, Best? Lunch? Okay. Okay. No, I'll be there. Okay. See you later. Bye." That was Pearl. She invited me to lunch.

I still owe them a story. I haven't told my family about what happened to me seven years ago, but they're such understanding friends who never press me to talk about it. I'll tell them anyway. I believe I'm prepared.

They were aware that Mama was no longer alive, which caused us to have an emotional moment while Aiden's eyes were confusedly staring at the three adults' crying faces. They are heartbroken over Mama's death. I'm not sure if they went to her grave because I told them where it was when they asked.

When the company phone rang, I went into a trance. I answered it on the second ring.

"Ma'am, please accept my apologies for disturbing you, but Atty. Santiago has arrived," Kylie, my secretary, stated. Her voice has a slightly excited and nervous tone to it. Before responding, I raised one brow.

"Allow him to come in. Thank you, Kylie," I replied and then hung up the phone. Three knocks on the door were followed by a handsome man in his late twenties grinning widely at me. His beautiful green eyes meet mine.

"Jazmin, it's good to see you, Hun," he said, approaching me with open arms. Even though he has been in New York for a long time, his Mexican accent still comes through. He is half Mexican, one-fourth American, and one-fourth Filipino.

"Jake! Oh my God. I've been missing you terribly," I hugged him.

"I missed you, too, bitch," he said, poking my nose. I burst out laughing. Can he get any gayer? His mouth is full of sweet words.

"Asshole." I drew back, still laughing.

He chuckled and sat on the couch. "That's why we're best friends because we're two fuckin' hot bitches with mouthfuls of swears," he roared. I sighed and sat back. In any case, it's correct.

He scanned my office with his gaze. Then I get up and rummage through my mini-fridge.

"Wow! You never really missed having this in your office, did you?" He said this as he took a bottle of champagne from my mini-fridge.

"You recognize me," I smirk. Jake nodded in agreement as he opened the champagne and poured it into the two glasses.

"A toast to the two lovely creatures." He handed me one of the glasses and stuck his invisible hair in his ear. His homosexuality amuses me.

"Toast!" I said, gently bumping my glass to him.

"Your secretary has been ogling me ever since she saw me," Jacob said, sitting back on the couch and crossing his legs.

"She had no idea you were gay," I said, checking the time on my iPhone.

"Of course she didn't. I'm such a good-looking and sexy man," he said, trying to sound like Johnny Bravo. I chuckled. He was so adorable when he did that.

"Anyway, did you do what I told you?" I ask him while tapping on my phone. Hana texted that she wouldn't be home because they had a gig at BGC that night.

"Of course. Despite the fact that you were so cruel as to put me to work right after I arrived from New York last night, I completed the task you assigned to me," he said this as he placed the brown folder on my table. 'Okay,' I said to Hana. Take care. 'I adore you,' I say as I grab the folder.

"Thank you. So it is true that the FT is falling," When I checked the papers, I said. It's a recent financial statement from Frozen Treat. I'm not sure how Jacob got it, but based on the years we've been friends, I can say he's all-knowing when it comes to pulling secret documents. He's a disgruntled want tobe detective.

"Jake, you did an excellent job. I know I can rely on you," I said sweetly, smiling at him.

"Uh-huh. But I'm still jet lagged and in desperate need of a good night's sleep. So, will your plan come to fruition?" Jake yawned. He's exhausted. Yes, he is aware of my intentions. He is both my best ally and my best friend. Since then, we've been the ideal criminal partners.

"Sorry for the inconvenience, Jake. Just confirm it with Mr. Mendez, and you can take a break for the day," He nodded. He appeared to be drowsy.

"Well, just call me tomorrow, or we'll see each other tonight?" he said, standing up.

"We'll go out tonight." I gave a sly smile. "Why wouldn't you want to stay at my place?"

"Okay, fine. I'll relocate tonight. But I have a reservation at the Manila Hotel, so I needed to sleep first, and I'll see you tonight," he said, kissing my brow. "And you need to pick me up, bitch, because I don't have a ride. You must. Because you owe me a lot of money," He patted my head.

I made a mock pout.

"Put an end to it. You're going to mess up my hair," I teased Jake.

"After all, darling," he said as he walked to the door.

"Adios loco," I said before he left. I thought he'd ignore me this time, but I was mistaken.

"Igualmente puta loba," he smirked and walked out. That was a colossal blunder. I only got the second word of what he said. He called me a whore! What a good friend!

I resumed reading the information gathered by Jacob. My lips formed a sly grin.

It appears that fate is also working in my favor. Frozen Treat will be mine. Most importantly, My Averi will be mine. I knew she was pretending to have amnesia. Averi recognized me. The way she kissed me confirmed my suspicions. I'm going to win her back.

I sipped the champagne one last time before gathering my belongings to meet Pearl at Aiden's. I hummed happily and then walked away.