Imagined Love (37 page)

“Okay, first of all I didn’t have no wild nights with Jalisa. It was one time in Mama’s coat closet when I was sixteen years old. It was whack and we never even spoke after that. So whatever she said was just to get under your skin because I’m sure my sisters went on and on about how in love we are. And she probably got jealous because what you and I have is special, Jade. But how was I supposed to know she was gonna be there? Do you really think I be sitting around thinking about some old bullshit like that?” Pierce frowned. “Look, I’m sorry that happened to you, okay? I wish you had told me then instead of throwing it at me now. But what can I do, Jade? I’ve slept with other women. You know that. And some of them probably still live around here. So what do you want me to do, name them all and give you the dirty details? I mean, I don’t have a problem doing it if that’s what you need, but do you really want that stuck in your head? Do you really, because I can promise you it’s not fun. I hate Richard and I don’t even know the dude! But I get images of him touching you and being with you in a way you won’t let me and it drives me insane! I hate that he knows you intimately and you liked it. That tortures me, Jade.”

“So basically when you ask me about my past or therapy sessions you don’t really wanna know.”

“Of course I wanna know, Jade, just maybe not in all the details you give me. Sometimes it’s too much.”

“Wow, so all this time I’ve been thinking how great it is that I can be so open with you about anything but you don’t even really care!”

“Oh my god I hate when you do this shit! You just gone make me the villain no matter what, aren’t you?” Pierce was exasperated. “I never said I didn’t care, Jade. I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t care. See, here’s what I don’t understand. Richard and Alonzo got away with murder but if I say one thing you don’t like then . . .”

“Ugh!” Jade grunted and kicked a box towards him. “See, that’s what I’m talking about right there! You always throwing them up in my face! Yes, Alonzo dogged me out and paraded other women in front of me. And yes, Richard did things that made me feel like shit. But what the hell does that have to do with what we’re talking about right now, Pierce? What does it have to do with you continuing to hurt and disrespect me? You’re so quick to bring them up instead of facing the fact that my problem is with you! It’s you who humiliates me and makes me feel like I don’t matter! It’s you, Pierce Jamison . . . not any of the men from my past, just you! So why don’t you psychoanalyze that and get back to me when you come up with something, okay?”

“Wow,” Pierce uttered, shocked by how ferocious Jade seemed. It was like she hated him and he didn’t know how to handle it. “I don’t know what to tell you, Jade. This is who I am so . . .”

“And is that like a take it or leave it thing?”

“If that’s how you see it then I guess so.”

“Okay,” she said then snatched her purse to leave.

“Okay, what? Jade, what does . . . oh so it’s like that?” he asked when she stormed out of the storage room towards the front door. “I’m not gonna keep chasing you, Jade.”

“Good,” she said then ran to her car.

Everything inside of Pierce was telling him to run outside to get her, but pride prevented him from doing so. He couldn’t believe she would actually leave him over something so trivial and stupid. As far as Pierce was concerned Jade was the one who needed to apologize. He watched her cry against the steering wheel and was certain she would come back inside. He was heartbroken when she didn’t. Blake asked if he was okay but Pierce just left.

“You have got to be kidding me!” Jade shouted when she pulled into her apartment complex and saw that she had a guest waiting at the door. “Is this some kind of sick joke?”

Things had taken a drastic turn and Pierce didn’t know what to do next. His heart was urging him to go to Jade and fix the mess he’d made, but he went to his

mother’s instead. Tamika and Alejandra were in the kitchen when he walked in looking close to tears. Naturally they asked why he and Jade weren’t out on a date and Pierce told them everything that had happened. His sisters looked at each other several times during his story unable to believe what they were hearing.

“Stupid,” Tamika huffed.

“I know. Can you believe she would . . .?”

“She’s talking about you, idiot!” Alejandra snapped. “Are you really gonna throw away the best relationship you ever had trying to prove a point? And what is your point, you moron?” she asked then slapped him in the back. “How many times have we told you about that stupid ass flirting? It’s inappropriate for you to be doing it anyway but especially when you got a beautiful woman who adores you and loves your son like her own. Chicka doesn’t deserve to be disrespected like that! You wrong, Juan.”

“Take your dumb ass over there and apologize,” Tamika demanded. “We all know she’s the one. I just hope you didn’t screw things up with this ignorant mess, stupid!”

“I’m not stupid! And I didn’t do anything wrong! Why should I have to change who I am when she gets to do whatever the hell she wants with whoever she wants to do it with?” Pierce went into a rant about Landon being in love with Jade and she was probably in love with him too.

“Please tell me you didn’t actually say that to her,” Alejandra said in disbelief. “Please tell me you don’t expect this girl to give up her family and her livelihood because of some crazy insecurity you have! I don’t believe Landon is in love with Chicka, but even if he was it wouldn’t matter. She loves you, Juan, no question about it. So do you know how idiotic you look right now? Why would Chicka wait until you came along to be with a dude she could’ve had years ago? Does that sound rational to you?”

“Look, Juan, I don’t know why you tripping like this but if you really loved Jade you wouldn’t be asking her to give up everything she’s worked hard for because you’re jealous. That ain’t right and you ought to be ashamed of yourself. So quit acting like a punk and go fix this mess you made,” Tamika said.

Pierce actually did feel ashamed and knew he didn’t have a leg to stand on in the battle with his sisters. He was relieved and grateful when Miguel came to the kitchen to get him. They went upstairs to Pierce’s old room and took a seat.

“Is the point you’re trying to prove worth losing her?”

“No.”

“Then go get your woman and put an end to this nonsense,” Miguel instructed. “I don’t think you really believe anything is going on with Landon. It’s just that part of us men that want it all. Even though Jade loves you to death, you want the part of her heart that’s not meant for you to have. Landon’s important to

her and he always will be. If you fight him for her you’ll lose, Juan, trust me. Even if Jade gave up the business and never saw him again, you can’t have the love she has in her heart for him. And believe me, I know how you feel. I used to be the same way when it came to your dad. But there’s a part of your mama’s heart that will always belong to him and there’s not a damn thing I can do about it. Arguing and acting out nearly cost me the love of my life because I was so focused on the little piece of love Luisa has for Jackie that I ignored all the ways she loves me. Do you hear what I’m saying, son?”

“Yes sir. Thank you,” Pierce said then he hugged Miguel before heading out to make things right with Jade . . . or so he thought.

Thirty minutes later, with flowers in hand, Pierce knocked on Jade’s door. He couldn’t recall the last time he’d been so nervous. “Hey, Jade.”

“Hey,” she said, allowing him inside.

“Babe, I’m so sorry and I . . . oh, damn, I didn’t realize you had company, Jade,” Pierce glared at her. “For some stupid reason I thought you’d be upset about what happened between us tonight but apparently you’ve moved on. Wow! So it’s like that? Humph. Well do I at least get to know who this is or is it a secret?”

“I don’t have secrets from you.”

“Really,” Pierce said, as he tossed the bouquet of yellow roses on the couch, “because this is definitely something I didn’t know about.” He stood in front of her with his arms crossed waiting for an explanation. Captain America was pissed off! “Who is this?” he pointed.

“Well, Pierce, this is Reese and he just . . .”

“Reese! Aw, wow! Now see that’s interesting because from what I was told you hadn’t had any contact with him and yet here he is sipping coffee at the kitchen table!”

“I haven’t, babe. He . . .”

“Listen, man, I’m not trying to cause a problem but I did just drop by unannounced. I haven’t seen or spoken to Jade since that night I stood her up and I was just hoping for the chance to apologize and explain myself to her.”

“Oh yeah? And what else were you hoping for, Reese?” Pierce asked, trying hard not to look intimidated by the guy’s massive size.

“Come on, Pierce, you don’t have to be rude.”

“And you don’t have to be so damn hospitable! I mean this is the guy that hurt you, right? But he gets to come in for coffee?”

“Well, you hurt me too and I still let you in.”

“Oh, me and this dude get equal billing with you? So what exactly does that mean, Jade? If his apology is good enough he has another chance at the big bed?”

“How can you even ask . . .? Whatever!”

“Don’t whatever me! Answer my damn question!”

“Yeah, Pierce,” Jade snapped, “that’s all it will take is a real good apology and a cup of coffee and I’ll be all his!” she shouted and rolled her eyes at him as she fought back tears.

“Okay, well that’s all I needed. Just let me know what you decide, alright?”

“Pierce, wait. Don’t . . .” The slamming door put an end to that conversation.

“I’m sorry, Jade. It seems like I’m always causing you problems. Sorry,” Reese said then enveloped her in his arms. “I miss you so much.”

He continued to talk but she wasn’t really listening. All Jade could think about was Pierce and how she may have lost the man she loved. However, she couldn’t ignore what happened between them. They’d had more than just a fight as far as Jade was concerned. Their true feelings for one another had been revealed.

For months she and Pierce had gotten caught up in the fact that everyone in their lives thought they were perfect for each other and would end up married. Though, the hatred and resentment they unleashed on each other made her wonder if maybe they weren’t meant to be together after all. So many times in the past Jade chose to ignore warnings like those and it always turned out badly for her. Perhaps for once in her life she’d put an end to a bad situation before it had the chance to destroy her completely. Then she began to wonder if it wasn’t a coincidence that Reese had shown up on that day of all days.

When Jade pulled up and saw him at her door she wanted to drive off and leave him standing there. Curiosity got the better of her, though. For whatever reason she had to know why he disappeared out of her life without a word.

“I’m so sorry, Jade,” Reese had said when she stood there staring at him refusing to even say hello. “I know that sounds really pathetic considering how long it’s been. All I can say is that I was really messed up. Martin was killed the night you and I were supposed to meet and I fell apart.”

Jade’s facial expression softened and her eyes filled with tears. If there was one thing she knew about Reese it was how much he adored his brother. Her heart broke when she saw tears rolling down his face and she invited him in for coffee. Reese told her about the drunk driver who ran a red light and plowed into Martin’s car, killing him instantly. Jade felt guilty for the horrible things she’d thought and said about Reese. If she had really cared maybe she would have gone to find out what was going on with him.

Reese went on to explain that he didn’t stay away from Jade to hurt her but to protect her from the angry, hateful man his grief had turned him in to. He began drinking excessively which only made the situation worse and he hurt his family tremendously. Eventually they convinced Reese to join them in grief counseling and he slowly started putting his life back together.

“I’m so sorry, Reese,” Jade had said, as she touched his hand.

“I am too. After I finally started getting better I realized I was mourning you too. I really did love you, Jade. I still do. And I know I can’t just pop up and expect to pick up where we left off. But I was hoping you had room for me somewhere in your life . . . in your heart. I pray you can forgive me.”

“I do forgive you, Reese. But as far as a relationship goes, I’m involved with someone else. I’m sorry to say it but you and I just weren’t meant to be.”

At that point Pierce showed up and dashed any hope Reese had of him and Jade being together. Even though they were fighting it was quite clear the two of

them were deeply in love with each other. Jade was heartbroken when Pierce left and Reese knew any chance he’d had with her was lost. So he hugged her goodbye knowing there was no reason to ever return. At least that’s what he thought. He had no idea the turmoil Jade was in over the decision she needed to make.

It was a little after six on Sunday morning when Jade drove over to Pierce’s place. She hadn’t been able to sleep much throughout the night and knew she needed to face him.

“Hey,” Pierce smiled when he opened the door. It was obvious he hadn’t slept much either.

“Hey. I was wondering if I could talk to you for a minute. You don’t have company, do you?”

“Girl, please. Come in,” he said, allowing her inside. “She already left.” Jade whipped around to look at him and saw Pierce laughing. “I’m just kidding. Have a seat, babe.”

“Umm, actually I’ll stand. I just need to say this and then I’ll leave. I was gonna call but I owe it to you to say it face to face,” Jade said, as she fidgeted and looked to the floor.

“Oh,” Pierce uttered. He crossed his arms across his chest and stood in front of her. “Okay . . . but wait, can I tell you something first?”

“Uh, yeah,” she frowned.

“I cried in my pillow last night. And it wasn’t a few tears streaming down my face either. It was that ugly, shoulder jerking cry with sounds and everything.”

Jade looked down for a minute then stared up at him with tears rolling down her face. Pierce’s eyes watered and she could see his nostrils flaring as if he was about to start crying too.

“I appreciate you telling me that, but unfortunately it doesn’t change what I need to say to you.” Pierce dropped his head and let out a long sigh. “I love you so much, dude, and I wanna be with you forever. I can’t imagine my life without you and Dane and . . .”

“Girl, come here!” Pierce shouted, as he snatched Jade into his arms and held her tight. “Why you do me like that? I almost started that ugly crying again thinking you were about to break my heart.”

“You started it, jerk, talking about she already left!”

“Ooh, you got me with that one. You had tears and everything.”

“That’s because I was laughing. What you said about crying in your pillow was funny!” Jade laughed loudly.

“Kiss me,” Pierce whispered, inches away from her lips.

“Kiss me,” she countered.

“You’re something else, you know that? I love you, though. I love you with all my heart and soul and I’ll never let you go again,” he whispered before pulling her in for a soft, sensual, incredible kiss.

If it weren’t for the embarrassment of her stomach growling loudly, Jade might have ended up in Pierce’s bed! He offered to make breakfast and after getting their fill of pancakes, bacon, and eggs, they made their way back to the living room. Pierce grabbed Jade and held her close to him and they stayed that way for a while holding tightly to each other. Eventually they made their way to the couch where they both apologized.

Jade laughed when Pierce told her about all the names his sisters had called him and how mad he was that they were on her side and not his. He also shared his conversation with Miguel and how stupid he felt for how he’d behaved.

“What I was not expecting was to find Sasquatch sipping coffee at your kitchen table! I was trying to act tough like I wasn’t intimidated by his big ass but I never lost sight of the fact that he could’ve killed me if he felt like it.”

“Oh, stop it he wasn’t that much bigger than you. I think you could’ve taken him, Bruce Leroy,” Jade laughed. “But on a serious note, did you really think I would go to bed with Reese even though I never did before?” she asked with a pained expression on her face. “That big bed comment really hurt me, Pierce. It makes me wonder if you do think I’m a whore.”

“Oh, baby, I’m so sorry. I never should’ve let that ridiculous mess come out of my mouth. I was emotional and scared but I promise I’ve never thought you were a whore, Jade . . . not ever. I love and respect you too much.”

They talked about Landon and some of the things that had come out during their argument to clear the air between them. Most important to Pierce was making sure they communicated their feelings to one another. Both of them had been holding on to things which should have been discussed and resolved a long time ago. So he made a pact with Jade to always be upfront and honest no matter how petty the issue might seem.

“There’s one more deal I wanna make with you,” Pierce said, as he kissed her hand. “We’re obviously gonna fight sometimes, but can you promise not to walk out on me? We can go to our separate corners until things cool down but don’t leave me, okay? Maybe I’ve got separation anxiety or something but I need to know you’re still here even if we’re mad. I need to know we’re still a couple even if we are pissed off at each other. Can you do that for me?”

Jade agreed and they shook on it, followed by a kiss. That kiss led to another, more passionate one and they were well on their way to making up.

“I have a confession to make,” Pierce whispered, as they lay on the couch. “When you were cussing at me in the storage room, it turned me on.”

“Umm huh, see that’s the Puerto Rican side of you that’s all about the drama,” Jade teased. “You know that didn’t turn you on,” she laughed.

“I’m serious. When you were like, don’t you stand your ass there . . . umm,” he moaned. “You looked so damn sexy. I wanted to rip your clothes off and do you right there. I still do.” Pierce kissed her again and ran his hands under her shirt.

Jade couldn’t take it anymore! She wanted to make love to Pierce so bad she could barely think! He smelled so good and his body felt amazing. Jade was about to tell Pierce how badly she wanted him when Luisa’s panicked voice blared from the answering machine!

Dane had fallen and hit his eye on the corner of a chair while rough housing with his cousins. Luisa was terrified at first because there was so much blood, but it ended up being a really small cut. His eye was still a bit swollen but other than that Dane was okay. “Love you, Mommy, bye,” he said, rushing off the phone with Jade to get back to playing. Pierce talked to his mom for a few minutes before hanging up and returning his attention to Jade.

“He’s fine,” Pierce said, noticing the worried look on her face. “You might as well get used to it because there will be many more days like this. He’s a boy. I can’t remember all the injuries I had growing up. I was always jumping, climbing, or flying off something. And Dane is no different so get prepared, Mommy. Maybe we’ll be the first ones to finally bring a little girl into the family and she can be dainty and sweet in her frilly dresses and shiny shoes,” Pierce smiled. “I dream of the day my baby girl looks up at me with your eyes. And I can’t wait to torture the little knuckleheads who come around trying to date her!”

They talked for a while on the subject of children and how much they wanted to have them together. Pierce didn’t want to wait more than two years to start so the age gap wouldn’t be too big between Dane and the new baby and then the next baby. Jade wasn’t quite sure about the “next baby” thing, but she wanted Dane to grow up with a sibling. And she had always wanted to have kids before turning thirty so it seemed as though she and Pierce were on the same page as far as their little family was concerned. They also agreed Jade would stay home with the baby since neither of them wanted to use daycare.

At one point during their hours of conversation Pierce noticed that Jade seemed to be in her own little world. He asked what she was thinking about and was concerned by her reluctance to tell him. When she said it was probably best she didn’t, he prodded her even more.

“Well, I was thinking it might be best if I go home now. We’re in that danger zone and I don’t know if I can handle it. I was so damn turned on during our little make up session that I was ready to get to it . . . I wanna go to the moon,

dammit! And I was just about to ask you to take me there when your mom called and I took it as a sign that it’s still not time yet.”

“Damn it, Mama! She’s still jacking stuff up for me!” Pierce shouted. “So you’re saying if she hadn’t called at that precise moment you would be in my bed right now showing me your freaky side?”

“My what?” Jade shrieked.

“Oh don’t try to play coy with me. I know there’s a freak in you and I can’t wait to meet her. I’m definitely one so I say we go to my room and introduce them to each other!”

The disgusted look on Jade’s face was enough for Pierce to know his invitation had been declined. She had her own definition of a freak and wasn’t the least bit interested in becoming one or being introduced to his! Pierce was shocked and a little offended when Jade told him her understanding of the word.

“Why would you think I’d wanna hurt you?” he frowned. “When I say freak, all I mean is that I’m willing to do whatever it takes to please you. But I wouldn’t imagine that involved anything painful like getting beat or choked out! That kind of stuff ain’t freaky, it’s bizarre. And I’m not bizarre, alright? I don’t have any chains or whips or anything remotely close to that. Nor do I have any strange fetishes. You’re not gonna catch me walking around in your panties or making love to your shoes!” Jade burst out laughing which was a relief to Pierce. He knew she was at ease again. “I’m serious, girl. I’m not into anything crazy so you don’t have to worry. You can trust me. But can I trust you?”