The following Thursday I have Tristan's bill all completed. I leave a message on his voicemail asking him to call me before my office closes. He doesn't call. I'm assuming he's probably going to cancel altogether after I didn't accept his tasteless invitation.
I'm now home preparing another presentation for a client I received yesterday. Of course, she doesn't own a newly built twenty thousand square foot mega mansion off the water, but it's a job. She wants to meet tomorrow evening so I'm up late trying to get the perfect ideas.
It’s just after eleven at night and Tristan's calling. I don't answer. I want to see if he'll leave a message and to my surprise he does.
"Hi, Jade. Sorry, I missed our appointment. Please may I reschedule? I'm still excited about you doing my home. Please call me as soon as you get this message. Thanks."
He sounds winded as if he's been running. I don't want to return his call tonight, but this is a major monetary deal. I tell myself to call early in the morning, but curiosity gets the best of me. He must have more to say. There's no way he called this late just to discuss a business deal.
"Hey, Tristan. I'm glad to hear from you because I did fear you fired me." I chuckle.
"I'm not petty. I know how to separate the personal from business."
"I appreciate that. Well, are you exercising? You sound like you're running."
"I'm just enjoying the great outdoors."
"Where are you?"
"I'm at Deep Woods campsite."
"Did they find that maniac?"
"Not yet."
"Well, aren't you afraid to be out there this late?"
"The military's still here. ...Can you keep a secret?" He whispers.
"Yeah, ...uh sure!"
"I'm actually with the military. We've been tracking this person across the states. I may only be in Michigan a few months before I have to uproot and leave again."
"Wow, that's a fascinating story! How long has the government been chasing this person?"
"A few years. ...Jade, come see me early tomorrow, okay? Right now, I have to go. Bye."
Once our call ends, I think, now everything about Tristan makes sense. How he dressed and looked the first time I saw him, it's because he's a military man. The buzz cut and the rough but manicured hands are understandable now. The only thing that seems crazy is building this mansion. Why would he do this? Then to pay top dollar to completely furnish it if he might be leaving soon? I will ask him when I see him. Tonight, as I climb into bed, I'm just thankful and relieved I didn't lose his business.
I call Tristan at seven in the morning. He answers groggyly, telling me to come over. I drive up and the front door is wide open. As I enter, I'm calling out his name. Closing the door behind me, I continue calling for him. After no response, I go sit in the kitchen for about ten minutes before I search for him. Now creeping up the stairs, I softly call his name. Every room is empty except the master bedroom which has an inflatable king-sized mattress. Hesitant I walk into his room.
"Tristan, are you in here?" I ask.
He comes out of his bathroom butt naked, brushing his teeth. Immediately, I cover my eyes and hurry downstairs. Unable to get his naked image out of my mind, I sit at the table trying to remove that vision before he comes down. He walks up, pulls out a chair, and then sits but I'm too embarrassed to look him in his face.
"Hey, Jade. Do you want coffee? This coffee is from Lebanon. It's the best." He chuckles.
"No thank you," I say as I glance to see if he's dressed.
He's shirtless and he's wearing those same black shorts. He remains standing until his coffee's ready. Now sitting he says, "Sorry about that. How'd you get in here anyway?"
Still refusing to look at him I answer, "Your front door was open. I assumed you left it open for me."
"Okay, but why'd you come upstairs?"
"I had been waiting for a while, so I assumed you were asleep. Unfortunately, I was mistaken."
"Unfortunately? Ouch. Well, if you're embarrassed, how do you think I feel?"
Rolling my eyes towards him I answer, "I'd love to see anything embarrass you."
He laughs, "I am embarrassed! I don't just show women my body full frontal, especially if they don't like me! They might call it "unfortunate" and destroy my massive ego."
Sighing I slide my folder over to him. With a large sexy grin, he mouths, "Thank you."
Tristan is so fine. This licking of his lips every time he sips his coffee is driving me wild. He keeps biting his bottom lip as he reads through the pricing. It's enticing. His bare chest is begging for me to rub it. I'm examining every inch of him when he says, "You did good. So, when do you get started?"
"Whenever you tell me to go, I'll inform my people."
"Your people? Aww others have to come?"
"Well yes! I can't install crown molding and window treatments on my own."
"Relax, these are jokes. You seem tense. What do you do to relieve tension?"
"Good day, Mr. Black."
"You're done?" He asks as I head to the door.
Grabbing my arm, he stops me. Now he's holding my hand. "Forgive me, Jade. I know I can be overbearing, but I like you. I'm trying to make you like me, but I see I'm failing. Let me take you out to dinner?"
"I teach Sunday."
"Huh?"
"We can go to dinner after church Sunday."
Frowning he says, "I want a night dinner date. I can't seduce you after church."
"Tristan--."
"Jokes Jade. Sunday is perfect. What time?"
"Ten sharp."
"I'll be there. See you Sunday."
We stand gazing into each other's eyes. I drop my head and try to walk past him, but he grabs my arm again and then whispers into my ear, "I'm so glad I met you."
Gently, he kisses the corner of my mouth, but I pull back shaking my head. With a sensuous lick of his lips, he says, "You taste sweet."
Odd, but he wasn't being silly. I stood there lost for words as he watched me with this undiscerning stare. I couldn't make out his motive or if he really thought I tasted sweet. Squinting, I walk away, get into my car without looking back, then head home.
It's Sunday morning and I have to teach bible study. I expected Tristan to be a no-show or call with a classic non-churchgoer excuse, but he was there bright and early. He wore a very nice gray suit. As I taught, he took notes and seemed to be very engaged. All the teen girls were crushing on him. He must've been asked who invited him by every member present, but he remained friendly and polite to everyone. Once I finished teaching, I sat in the row behind the pulpit. Tristan looked at me and shrugged as if to say, Really Jade? I chuckle as I head to his row.
"Your message was very informative. Excellent teaching." He whispers into my ear. I tap his thigh gesturing for him not to be so cozy then I text him letting him know petting and seductive whispering is unacceptable in church.
"Focus on the Lord!" I mouth. He mouths okay then he focuses on the pastor.
By far Tristan was the best church guest I ever invited. He interacted with the people and my pastor very well. He wasn't all anxious to leave and he genuinely listened to the message. Janay was even kinder to him.
We go out to brunch and have a really good time. He then suggests we go out on his boat, but we stop at my condo first.
"Make yourself at home!" I yell from my bedroom.
"I have a $40 box of nasty coffee I purchased if you want some!"
My hair is now in a bun, I change into my favorite white sundress along with a little glittering lotion. I just feel special today with Tristan. As I walk downstairs, he's sitting in the chair watching me. Now standing in front of him I say, "I'm ready."
He stands examining me from head to toe. He then says into my ear, "You're so beautiful, Jade."
"Thank you."
Blushing, I move away, but I'm so turned on I can't stand that close to him any longer. Now I'm thinking hanging out with him isn't such a wise idea. If I'm this aroused at three o'clock in the afternoon, I'll be out of control by six. Although I moved away, he moved closer asking, "May I please kiss you?"
"Tristan--"
Now we're standing in the middle of my living room having this passionate kiss. He feels and tastes so good that I'm tempted to tell him he tastes sweet too. In a few moments, he may need air because I feel myself swallowing his face. I pant out, "Please stop Tristan! I'm so sorry but I can't do this."
Nodding he says, "Okay, I understand. C'mon, let's go."
"Tristan, I think I better stay home. We had a perfect day--"
"I'll keep my hands to myself, I promise. I just don't want this day to end."
I know I shouldn't, but I continue my day with Tristan. He changes into his army green t-shirt with camouflage shorts, looking militant. He has a very nice boat. He's acquainted with some of the other boat owners so he's conversing with them as we passed by in the water. Finally, we're just floating away from everyone. He comes and lies in my lounger with me.
"Tristan I'm falling off!" I scream as we crash to the floor.
"Aww baby I'm so sorry!" He laughs.
He helps me up and then sits me on his lap. For a moment, I gaze into his hypnotic eyes. Hand now covering my face, I attempt to get up, but he pleads, "C'mon baby."
"You promised."
"C'mon. Sit down."
He sits me across his lap as opposed to having me straddle him this time. Now we're kissing again. I allow him to kiss me until he's content, but I refuse to let myself get tricked into making love with him.
"You're frustrating me, Jade."
"I told you to leave me home."
Lifting me he goes and stands in the back of the boat. Trying to be firm in my convictions is making me feel so useless. Now standing next to him I say. "We're acting like a couple. Where's Alex?"
With a sigh he answers, "Alex is dead."
"Dead! How? ...When?"
"She committed suicide after the banquet."
"What? Tristan, are you serious?"
"Why would I play about something like this?"
"Why!?"
"Jade, you know why. She knew I wanted you and she couldn't accept it."
My hands now covering my mouth I ask, "How can you move on so fast after such a tragedy? She hasn't been gone a week?"
"Because I want you."
"Tristan that's not a good answer."
"But it's the truth. I feared you wouldn't be with me if she were still around, so in a way she did us a favor."
"Are you being serious right now? Do you hear yourself?"
"Loud and clear." He shrugs.
I'm looking for a way of escape because he sounds insane right now. We stand in awkward silence for a few seconds more before he bursts into laughter.
"You're joking?" I huff.
"Of course! I want to leave her alone, but I'll go insane dealing with you exclusively." He chuckles.
"That's not funny either Tristan. You need some women's skills. You sound like a borderline misogynist."
Rolling his eyes he says, "Let's dock this before it's too dark."
Before the night ends, he returns to his silly egotistical self. He kisses me goodnight then leaves, and I sleep well.
Early the next morning I'm up finding the finishing touches for my Friday client when Blake calls.
"Hey early bird." I tease.
"Hey, turn on channel two news! Hurry!!"
Supermodel Alexandria Cluze is the headline. She was a model just as I suspected. Last week during her New York photo shoot for a major fashion magazine she committed suicide. It was the day after Tristan's party. Her peers stated how she cried and ranted about how she sacrificed her very soul to protect Tristan.
One model says, "She kept repeating, 'I saw what you did Tristan. I saw you! And I should tell! I'm going to tell!' We kept asking her to tell us, then she just shouted I can't, then shot herself in the head in front of the entire staff!"
After the news story goes off Blake asks, "After church did Tristan mention anything?"
From utter shock, I sit speechless for a moment, but I answer, "Yes! He told me, but then he said he was only joking!"
"What?"
"He has a sordid sense of humor. Is he mental!"
"He took a leave of absence. He hadn't told anyone why, but I'd assume this is why." Blake sighs.
"My first appointment to start decorating his home is Wednesday. I'll see him then."
"Oh yeah! Well keep me posted and tell him if he needs anything don't hesitate to call. Love you."
"Love you too, bye."
Wednesday morning me and my crew arrive at Tristan's. We're greeted by his house sitter Monique. Beautiful, tall, Black lady, with long wavy hair. She must be a model too. "Mr. Black says you may start anywhere you want." "Is Mr. Black available?" I ask. "No Ms. Warring, he's in New York attending his wife's funeral." I'm working for the devil. Monique stands observing my reaction. I give a pursed smile then respond, "We'll be starting in the living area." She answers with an exaggerated, "Perfect." After leading us to the living room she then sashays into the kitchen. I'm instructing my crew but watching her as she makes a private phone call. While playing in her hair she gives a flirtatious laugh when she's speaking. The way she's biting her bottom lip I can assume she's having an erotic conversation. Shaking myself, I focus on my task, but pray she's not sexually talking to Tristan only days after his wife's funeral! How in the world was Alex his wife? What kind
I'm almost done with Tristan's home. It has been three weeks and he hasn't been here once. My feelings are mixed. I'm relieved yet disappointed. Knowing he wanted to meet me long before now was flattering, but learning of his wife tainted it. I had assumed he lied about being in the services too, but Blake confirmed that was true. Monique never offered any information on Tristan's whereabouts so I assumed they were top secret. She started anal but after three weeks I learned she was a sweetheart. Monique had a fiancée she was crazy about. She and Tristan were just friends. "Oh my goodness Tristan is a born charmer. I met him in Paris during a runway show. Alex was the star. Everyone was so busy praising her that the rest of us felt useless. Tristan felt our pain and took every model out for dinner. He too wanted Alex's attention, so he won it by giving attention to us all!" She giggles. "What happened with them?" I ask. "My guess is they were too different. Alex was a bona fide div
The children are having another Christmas play. After rehearsal, I'm rallying my kids to bundle up to leave. The parents drop their children off, but we return them home. Jordan is my absolute favorite. She's a beautiful seven-year-old full of personality and an old soul. The naivety of the other children annoys her. It's comical to observe her interacting with them. Tonight, she comforts another little girl named Chelsea. I walk over and kneel, asking, "Everything okay? What's wrong?""Chelsea saw a monster, Miss. Jade." Jordan answers."Where?""The night we slept in the tents." Chelsea pouts."Really? Did you tell your mom about it?""She did, but her mom doesn't believe her."Now hugging Chelsea, I say, "It must've been terrifying since you're still afraid. I can only imagine your fear.""Miss Jade, I see it all the time, not just that night at camp!" Chelsea cries."Where?" I ask."It lives in my backyard!"She begins weeping, but Jordan quickly kisses and embraces her, whisperin
Although he's not running his business, he looks and acts more like a businessman today—no joking or tactless conceited remarks. Shane just talked and talked as I discreetly watched Tristan. If only he knew how I've longed to find him all these months. I must've observed him for fifteen minutes, and he never cracked a smile. Where's my outdoor, fun-loving Tristan? Had the now yacht-owning billionaire overtaken him? I was curious to find out, and tomorrow evening couldn't come fast enough. We're now driving to drop me off at home. Shane had finally come off his Tristan high. Deep in thought, Shane asks, "I wonder what happened? Tristan was really into Monique. I hoped they'd make it despite everything." "Despite what?" I ask. "Oh, it's too complicated, and I don't want to reveal my friend's business without his approval. He's a great man. You're going to like him! You'll see!" Shane seemed nervous as he escorted me to my door. We kissed good night, and then he left. Wide-eyed, I gl
I'm in the office with a new client when Pastor Gene calls me. I thanked her and told her we'd meet next Tuesday."Hello, Pastor Gene, give me one second," I say as I lock my office for the day."Hey, Jade. I just wanted to check on you. We've been missing your after-service fellowship as of late. All is well?""I appreciate your call, Pastor Gene, and yes, all is very well. God has opened doors for me. I have four new clients that I'm simultaneously trying to accommodate. I've never had this much business since I started. I miss you all very much, too. Once I'm done, I plan to take a vacation. Hopefully, no major deals come along so that I can relax.""Well, we don't want to hope against your blessing!" He chuckles."You're right." I laugh."Well, you sound good. I'm glad. I needed to get in touch with you for Mrs. Connors as well. Her chastity seminar is in a week or two, will you have time to help? She's been incessantly requesting you since she met you on her son's yacht.""Really
This guest room runs circles around my hotel suite. It smells like lavender and vanilla, my favorite. The fireplace is burning, and the atmosphere is so peaceful. I put on the gown at the foot of the bed and fell asleep. Soon awakened, I looked at the clock at 3:54 a.m. After using the bathroom, I sit in front of the fireplace. Suddenly, I hear faint yelling. Tiptoeing to my room door, I crack it, and It's Mrs. Connors ordering someone to do something. I hear a dog growling, and she yells, "Get him out of here!"I'm terrified of big dogs, so I lock my door, and thankfully, I do. Seconds later, I heard the dog running up the stairs. He's barking and growling right outside my door. I am petrified!"Where's Tristan?" I hear a man ask. I assume it's Mr. Connors."Get him outta here!" Mrs. Connors screams.Seconds later, I heard all this tussle and bustle. I see shadows under my door. It's several men fighting to get this dog out of the house. They must've slammed against my door ten times
After Tristan drove off, I felt very uneasy, as if someone was watching me. I leave the lake, and as I approach my front door, I'm startled by Toni calling my name."AHHHH! Toni! You're going to give me a heart attack!""Sorry, but Pastor Gene needed me to deliver this immediately. It's from Mrs. Connors." Toni says, handing me an overnight envelope.I hear rustling in the bushes, so I suggest we go inside. I open the package, and it's a first-class round-trip ticket to New York. She wants me to visit her ASAP. Dropping the envelope, I plop down on my couch."I saw Tristan's white Porsche leaving here. You two fight?"Sighing, I answer, "I don't know what to call what we do. He and I can't accomplish going on a date, yet I have his mom inviting me over to vacation with her!""Is that a bad thing?" Toni squints."No, but it's not good either. Toni, Tristan isn't a good guy. I want him to be, but he just isn't. His mom wants me to tame him somehow, but I can't."I tell Toni of the mass
"Tristan wasn't home, but we refused to leave you hiding there alone. What's going on? Why are you in danger?" Pastor Gene asks. I tell him of the demonic visions I keep having that have come to pass. I then explain how I believe Tristan is symbolically represented within these nightmares. "Pastor Gene, I just discerned he would do something awful to me." "Then, you're right! We need to get you far away now." "Not until he's detained somehow! I can't leave. If he's free, I know he'll come for me." "Well, you'll just have to stay at my home." Pastor Gene lives in a gated community, so my evening ends peacefully, and now it's bedtime. While sleeping, I was awakened by Tristan's scent. Soon, I feel him touching me. Suddenly, I envision him entering my room. He's only wearing shorts as he walks very slowly towards me. I begin to undress. I'm now lying on my back nude. But once he starts undressing, I say no and start covering myself with the comforter. He snatches the comforter and