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Placing her down onto the large sofa, I sit next to her and tug her close to me.
“Jaden,” she sighs and slides her arms around me, hugging me tight.
“Blaire. I’m serious. We could not go back. You can call your ex and let him know that we?—”
Her hand covers my mouth, and she sits facing me, her legs crossed over one another. She takes my hands in hers.
“I can’t do that. We can’t run away. Your graduation is too close. Your plans are set. Baby, I’m not going to bring you all this way to throw it all away.” She locks her fingers with mine. She shakes her head slowly, then meets my gaze.
“We’ll figure something out, right?” She tilts her head as the corner of her lip scrunches. Her eyes close, then she lays her head against my chest. She whispers, “Right, J?”
“Of course we will, kitten.” I kiss the top of her head and squeeze her tight.
25
BLAIRE
Classes are back in full swing after a much too short winter break. Having Britney the full two weeks made my heart sing. She’s growing up too fast and I miss her when she’s with her dad. But at the same time, I enjoy that time I have alone with Jaden.
Spring break is still three months away, but he said he’s planning a special surprise for me. I’m excited and a little worried that he’ll try to convince me to move to New York City with him. I was firm with him over winter break and he knows moving is not an option for me.
Preston asked to take Brit for spring break, so we’re switching weeks. I’ll have her for two weeks in a row, just before the break. We’ll go back to every other week when they return. Rae’s mom agreed to keep Brit extra when I need to work late.
As my students file in, I finish up their grades from the first semester. Everyone did exceptionally well and I’m so proud of all of them. I have no doubts they will be successful chefs one day.
“Good morning class.” Standing, I walk around to the front of my desk and lean against it. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Jaden staring at my legs. I’m wearing a black pencil skirt and a red blouse with black flats.
“Good morning, Miss Turner.” They sit at their tables waiting for what I have planned for today’s class.
“Today, your assignment is to plan a menu for an a la carte restaurant setting. I want you all to think of the type of establishment you want to work at or own. Being a chef is one thing. Being an owner and a chef of a restaurant is a daunting task. I know each of you are capable of achieving whatever you set your hearts on.” I glance around at each student. When I look at Jaden, he’s busy writing something in his notebook.
I continue, “Take Chef Thomas at The Oasis, for instance.” Out of the corner of my eye, I see Jaden close his notes and watch me. I think I got his attention. Although, that’s not my initial intent. I’m not singling him out. I want all my students to be their best, but I also want them to know how tall of a mountain having it all can be.
Walking around the room, I say, “Now you may not know this, but he didn’t start that restaurant on his own. It was already in business for several years when he was hired as the head chef. Over time, he bought into it and is now the majority shareholder and basically the owner-operator. It took him years to build his reputation as one of the best chefs in the world. He could’ve gone anywhere once his reputation was established. Bought any restaurant in the world.” I wave my arms in a wide arch.
“But he chose to stay here and make The Oasis his own.” I pause and look at my iPad.
A text message from Jaden appears in my previews. I smile, then finish my lecture.
“So, class. I’m not telling you what to do with your lives after you graduate. I’m asking you to keep your options open. Don’t let something right in front of you fall to the wayside because you think you have to go big or go home. That’s not always the case in the restaurant world.”
“Miss Turner.” Jaden raises his arm, waving it to get my attention.
“Yes, Jaden.” I turn and face him.
“Would you give up your dream for love?”
“Um…” I pause and turn away from him. My breath hitches. My words catch in my throat. What the fuck is he doing? I draw in a breath and walk over to his and Candace’s table. Crossing my arms over my body, I try to answer him as honestly as I can.
“It all depends on the situation, Jaden.”
“What do you mean?” he pushes.
“Well, if I could still fulfill most of my dream by giving some of it up and be happy; yes. I would.”
“Really?” Candace asks.
I turn and face her. “Yes.”
