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“What? No!” I would feel it if I had sex, right? I shake my head, internally assessing my body. Nope, I’m definitely not sore down there and my panties are still on, so that’s a good sign. Heat floods my core when I remember kissing someone... but that was probably a dream. Hopefully.
Ainsley sighs. “Well, thank God you had the sense to lock the door before you passed out. You can never be too careful.”
I smooth down my unruly hair. “How did you get in here?”
She dangles a key chain from her hand. “Donovan gave it to me.”
I look around the room and spot my clothes hanging off the chair in the corner. “Would you mind giving me a minute to get dressed?”
Ainsley nods. “Take your time. I’ll be up front waiting.”
While I’m getting dressed, I glance around the room, trying to jog my memory somehow, but nothing comes. I’ve never been blackout drunk before, especially after only two drinks. Did that guy I was talking to spike my drink? Ainsley was right; thank God I had the sense to lock myself in here. Who knows what could’ve happened?
I check the time on my phone as I meet up with Ainsley and see that it’s quarter after seven. Shit, how am I going to explain being out all night? Sperm Donor is out of town, but surely Ms. Williams would’ve tried reaching me. They never set any kind of curfew—or rules in general that don’t have to do with appearances—but still. My mom trusted my judgment; if I wanted to stay out late, I did, but she always demanded to know where I was and who I was with. She said it helped ease her mind, knowing she can get to me at any time. Does Charles really not care what happens to me? I guess I’ll find out when I get home.
WHEN I WALK THROUGH the front door after Ainsley dropped me off, there’s no one in sight.
“Hello? Is anyone here?”
I startle when Ms. Williams appears out of seemingly nowhere. She eyes me with her usual disgust as she takes in my wrinkled clothes and last night’s makeup. “Miss Jasmine. Good morning.”
“Good morning,” I repeat hesitantly. “Is Charles back in town yet?”
She shakes her head. “No. He’s expected to return tomorrow evening.”
“Isn’t he an attorney? Why is he always out of town? That seems odd to me.”
“It’s not my job to question Mr. Callahan’s whereabouts.” Ms. Williams narrows her eyes. “Nor is it yours. Considering you spent the entire night doing God knows what with God knows who, I hardly think you’re one to place judgment.”
“Wow,” I scoff. “I wasn’t placing judgment; I was just curious. But you definitely were.”
Ms. Williams huffs. “If you didn’t come home looking like you’ve been working the streets all night, maybe I wouldn’t have. Your father will not be pleased when he hears how you’re conducting yourself in such a sleazy manner.”
“Well, then he can take it up with me when he gets back.” I roll my eyes as I march up the stairs.
When I get to my room, I dial Jerome’s number again, but he still won’t answer. I’d really like to see my sister sometime this weekend, but he’s making that rather difficult. Why he’s making it so difficult is a mystery. I pull up my social worker, Davina’s, contact info and press the call button.
She answers right away. “Jasmine, how are things going? I had you on my check-in calendar today but you beat me to it.”
“Hey, Davina.” I take a deep breath. “Things are okay. Pretty non-eventful for the most part.”
“Well, non-eventful is good, I would think, all things considered.” I can hear the smile in her voice. “How are you fitting in with your new family? Any concerns?”
“Nope,” I lie. “Everyone’s been... nice, I guess. We’re all still trying to get to know one another.”
There’s no way I’m telling her about how I’m being bullied at school or how cold Charles has been to me. As much as I don’t like my birth father, or that school, I will admit it’s the best place for me to meet my goals of getting custody of Belle.
“I’m glad to hear it, Jazz. Now, since you called me, I’m guessing you’ve got something on your mind? Talk to me, honey.”
“I was hoping you could give me Belle’s address. I’ve tried calling her dad several times. He answered once and said it’d be okay if I stopped by, but he’s been ghosting me since. I need to see her with my own eyes. Make sure she’s okay.”
Davina sighs. “Hon
ey, you know I can’t do that.”
“But—”
“Hold on, now. I wasn’t done. Like I was saying, I can’t give you her address, but I can try to coordinate a sibling visit. My placement check-in with her is scheduled for next week. I can ask then.”
