Chapter 1

Jasmin

formerly Dani

She started to slip away like she usually would, to my disappointment.

‘Are you ever going to tell me why you never stay for breakfast?’

Kennedy: ‘I have told you, I have a lot of responsibilities.’

I pulled her closer and she rolled to face me.

‘How long have we been doing this?’

Kennedy: ‘How long have I been the lucky groupie in this city?’

She pretended to be deep in thought.

'I don't get groupies, but u groupies aren't invited to stay the night, or offered breakfast, or invited to LA...’

Kennedy: ‘I just, I can't, trust me, I'd love to, but this thing we have, that's all it can be. I'm grateful for the offers, the clothes you buy me, the tickets to every show you work, the gifts...’

‘I want more, you make me feel like you just want to be a groupie. Hook-up and head out.’

She froze.

Kennedy: ‘Jasmin, I can't...’

‘No, you won't. Why won't you let me in? I have the day off and I just want to spend it with you. Are you married or something? Have I misread this whole thing?’

She put her lips to mine.

Kennedy: ‘I wish I could give you more.’

‘Wherever you're running off to, take me with you, no one is outside. Please? We've been playing this game for over two years now, I don't want to play anymore.’

Kennedy: ‘Jasmin, you don't want to...’

‘I do, and that's my choice, not yours. Please baby? I force myself to stay awake later and later every time we're together, just so I get a little more time talking with you before we fall asleep, knowing you'll leave early.’

We looked into each other's eyes, and I used my expression to plead with her.

Kennedy: ‘We have to go now, have a car take us to the address I was picked up at last night. Just, promise even if you want to leave, you'll keep cool? You'll understand later.’

I was overjoyed.

‘I promise, anything!’

She looked so conflicted, but I was grateful.

Kennedy: ‘I mean it, we have to go, now!'

I grabbed her face and kissed her again.

‘Thank you.’

We quickly got dressed for the first time together.

In the car she seemed so nervous, but I held her hand, and kissed her often.

Kennedy: ‘Once we get there, no more kissing, no sexy talk.’

I was becoming more curious, but tried to play it cool.

We eventually pulled up to a small two story house.

She handed me a set of keys.

Kennedy: ‘You can crank up my car, get it warm, I'll be out in a minute.’

‘Am I allowed a kiss before we get out?’

She grabbed me by the face and kissed me with enough passion to surpass every night we'd spent together the previous few years.

Almost like a goodbye kiss.

‘Whatever is about to happen, this isn't goodbye, it feels like you're saying goodbye.’

Kennedy: ‘I'm not, but I understand if you do, soon. I need to go in, I'll be out in a few.’

She pecked my lips and nodded, before getting out.

I cranked the small SUV, but stood outside, confused by the situation.

After a few minutes I understood everything.

The secrecy, the early mornings, her late arrivals to shows, never making special events.

She came out holding a young child.

When they arrived he turned as she spoke.

Kennedy: ‘Jasmin, this is the man in my life. Mason, you know who Jasmin is, but we're going to act like she's just my friend. She wanted me to get some breakfast with her, but obviously I have to make breakfast for you. I was thinking, if you didn't mind, maybe she could join us for breakfast?’

He studied me for a moment.

Mason: ‘Do you like Scooby Doo?’

‘I do, very much.’

Mason: ‘What about Legos?’

‘I love Legos.’

Mason: ‘Do you like chocolate chips on your waffles?’

I froze a second, then composed myself.

‘The only thing I like more than chocolate chips on my waffles is some whipped cream!’

Mason: ‘Can we have that too mommy?!’

She and I exchanged a look.

Kennedy: ‘I think that would be ok, I'll have to get some though. Are you ready to go home so I can make them?’

Mason: ‘As long as Jasmin's coming.’

‘I wouldn't miss this for the world little man.’