Chapter 5

Carmen’s POV

I woke up and dressed in my usual outfit. Later, I threw on my old coffee colored knitted cardigan over a pair of dark blue bum shorts and walked into the kitchen.

I decided to make scrambled eggs and oatmeal for breakfast. But when I opened the cabinet, I realized I was out of oatmeal.

“Shit. Forgot to buy it.”

Change of plans I settled for cornflakes instead.

A few minutes later, I was transferring the scrambled eggs from the pan onto a ceramic plate while my bowl of cornflakes soaked beside it. Then the doorbell rang, and I screamed.

“Coming!!” I shouted, rushing to get it.

When I opened the door, Jacques stood there, holding a flat, square box. That guy never stops smiling, does he?

“Morning, Carmen!” His grin widened.

“Hey, Jacques,” I smiled back.

“I brought you doughnuts,” he said, opening the box to reveal six delicious looking doughnuts.

“It’s McDonald’s,” he added proudly, flashing his perfect teeth.

“Oh God, Jacques,” I said, taking the box. “That’s so thoughtful of you. Thanks! Wanna come in?”

“Sure,” he replied.

I opened the door wider, and he stepped in. I shut the door behind us and followed him into the living room.

“Something smells nice,” he said, scrunching his nose.

“I was just making scrambled eggs. Want some?” I asked with a grin.

“Would love to try the delicacies,” he replied.

I dashed into the kitchen and brought out two plates of eggs. Then I poured us both bowls of cornflakes and set everything on the center table.

“Yummy!” he said, digging into his eggs. I sat on the couch opposite him, eating mine too.

“Aren’t you going to work today?” I asked.

Jacques worked at a views press. He always seemed both too busy and too free at the same time. But mornings were prime work hours.

“Nah…” he said. “My mom is coming over today with my baby sister.”

“Really?” I smiled. “I’d love to see your mom again. She’s so sweet.”

“Are you kidding me, Carmen? My mom nags me nonstop,” he groaned. “She’s always telling me to get a wife. Like, who does that anymore?” He facepalmed.

I burst out laughing. “That’s what moms do! And honestly, that’s the fun part of her visits. I always enjoyed hearing her lecture you about waking up early and coming home early.”

Jacques shot me a deadpan look. “Haha… so funny.”

I laughed harder.

“Well, it’ll be nice to have them around,” I said. “Now that I’m home, I can hang out with her. And I finally get to meet your sister. What’s her name again?”

“Chelsea. She’s twelve. But don’t let her age fool you she’s a little devil.”

“I don’t care what you say. I think she’s going to be sweet.”

“Okay, I’ll go grab us some water,” he said, standing.

He returned with two glasses and handed one to me.

“I’m heading out. See you later,” he said, slamming the door behind him.

After Jacques left, I curled up with my laptop to watch Pitch Perfect. Honestly, I never get tired of that movie.

My phone rang, and I checked the caller ID Blake.

“Hey,” I answered.

“Ah… hey, Carmen. How are you doing?”

“Great. You?”

“Awesome. Listen… where are you right now?”

“I’m home. Why?”

“I’m at work and kinda bored. What are you doing?”

“Watching Pitch Perfect.”

“Pitch Perfect?” He sounded surprised. “What’s that?”

“Huh? You don’t know it?”

“Nope.” He replied.

“I’m surprised, Blake. But I guess that’s expected from a serious CEO like you.”

“Me? Serious?” He chuckled. “I’m not that boring. Just because I haven’t seen your Pitch Perfect doesn’t mean I don’t watch movies. I even go to the cinema sometimes.”

“Oh really? With who?” Crap. Why did I ask that? “That is… if you don’t mind,” I added quickly.

He chuckled. “By myself. Is that bad?”

“It’s actually cool and kinda manly,” I admitted, grinning.

“I’m just surprised you’re bored at work,” I teased. “Don’t you have paychecks to sign and meetings to attend?”

“Yeah, I canceled my schedule. I’m exhausted. That’s why I’m calling. If you’re not too busy… do you want to meet up?”

“Meet up?” I echoed. “I could do that. Where?”

He gave me the same reply he used to give back when we were dating: “You’ll see when we get there.”

“I’ll pick you up,” he added.

“Alright,” I replied.

“See you,” he said, and I ended the call, wondering why I agreed to go.

I put on a simple floral blue gown. Just as he said, he picked me up and drove us to a fancy Italian restaurant. Typical Blake.

We had a reservation. Once seated, I ordered for both of us.

“You still eat like a queen,” he teased, eyeing the variety I’d chosen.

I laughed it off. No comeback there.

We ate quietly at first, then got caught up in a long conversation mostly about the weather and how beautiful the restaurant was.

After about three hours, I asked to go home. He drove me back, and I promised to send him my CV.

As I reached my door, I heard someone call my name. I turned to see Miranda Jacques’ mom standing by his door.

“Ma'am Miranda!” I said, walking over to give her a side hug.

“How are you, my dear?” she asked, hands folded across her chest.

“Doing good. What can I say?” Miranda was in her late 60s, petite, and easy for me to tower over in my 3-inch heels.

“You look good,” she smiled. “Tell me, how are you really doing?”

“Fine, Ma'am. Though it’s getting a bit unbearable here.”

“I know, my dear,” she chuckled.

“You look like you just got back from an outing.”

“Oh yes, I was out with a friend.”

“That’s good, dear…”

“Mom?” Jacques interrupted, stepping outside. “Can you let her go already? You’ve asked her the same questions twice.”

“Oh, don’t be silly, Jacques,” she waved him off.

“Hi!” a little girl called from behind him. She was Jacques’ mini-me black hair, oval eyes, pointed nose, full brows, pink lips, and that same slim frame.

“Hi there. You must be Chelsea.”

“Yes!” she smiled brightly. “You must be Carmen. Jacques talks about you all the time!”

I glanced at Jacques, just in time to see him pull Chelsea’s arm.

“Can you shut up, Chelsea?” he muttered, disappearing inside.

“Well,” I said, chuckling, “I am Carmen. It’s nice having you all around.”

“Jacques told me about your job,” Miranda said gently. “I’m so sorry, dear.”

“Oh… yeah. It’s okay,” I replied shyly.

“Since you’ll be around tomorrow, I’m cooking. You should join us.”

“Yeah, Carmen!” Chelsea added. “Come cook with us!”

“Oh… okay. I’d love to.”

“Lovely!” Miranda beamed. “Have a nice evening.”

“You too, ma,” I said, walking back and unlocking my door.

After a shower, I changed into my nightdress and robe and climbed into bed. I dialed Fab’s number, and she picked up.

“Hey! How are you?” I asked.

“Hey, babe! I’m good. You?”

“Great. Guess what?”

“You know I suck at guessing just tell me!”

“Come on, Fab. Try.”

“Ugh, Carmen!”

“Okay, okay Blake offered me a job!” I screamed.

“What?! Are you serious? That’s amazing, Carmen! I told you something good was coming. See?” she grinned, making me laugh.

“Yeah, right. I’m so happy.”

“I’m happy for you too! You know what? I’m taking you shopping on Saturday. Everything’s on me.”

“Wow, really?”

“Yeah!”

“That’s so sweet. I love you.”

“I love you too, Fab.”

“Okay, I have to wrap up some stuff. We’ll talk later.”

“Alright, bye.”