A LOT earlier in the day…
Jack Ashford finally decided to wake Kenya, seeing as it was almost two in the afternoon. He understood she was exhausted, having had quite the eventful night. Aside from the love making, she spent a good hour or so crying.
“Hey, time to wake up. Catnap time is over.” Jack sat down on the couch next to Kenya. She stirred, completely naked on the furniture. When she rolled over, she inadvertently exposed herself for Jack to see. He crossed his leg over the other as Kenya sat up.
“What time is it?”
“Ten minutes to two.”
“Oh, damn. I’m sorry, you should have woken me sooner. I can go if…”
“Kenya, you don’t have to go anywhere. You’re more than welcome to stay. As long as you want.” Jack put a firm hand on Kenya’s. She looked up at him, suddenly remembering why she was in his apartment in the first place. Less than three days ago she’d been introducing herself to Nate’s family. And now she was confronting the possibility of spending the rest of her life as Mrs. Jackson Parker Ashford.
“Jack, look, I know you want an answer. Damn it, you deserve an answer. But I just don’t think I can give you one right now.” Kenya said. As she bent over to pick up her discarded clothing, she missed seeing Jack’s face twitch. He was fighting back the urge to get down on his hands and knees and beg her to stay.
“I understand that. I’m not going to pressure you into a decision. But, again, you don’t have to just take off. You’re welcome to anything and everything here. Don’t be a stranger.” Jack said.
“Thank you.” Kenya inclined her head before making a beeline for the bathroom. She didn’t think twice before jumping into the massive shower. The hot water loosened her muscles, and washed away any trace of the previous night’s activities. And as she stood there, Kenya felt like bashing her head against the tiled wall.
“How could you be so stupid? You made a fool of yourself, and what’s worse ruined your relationship with a perfectly good guy. And for what? The money? The ‘good times’? Jack’s wonderful, but I don’t know if I want to marry him. I wanted to marry Nate at one point. Now, I doubt he’d give me the time of day. And I don’t blame him for being angry. I would too. I shouldn’t expect him to reach out again, and if I try, he’ll probably ignore me.” Kenya’s mind raced.
She was vigorously scrubbing her scalp with shampoo, when Jack poked his head inside.
“Don’t worry, can’t see a thing. Just thought you’d like something to change into when you’re done.” he said, pulling his head back through the door. Kenya stuck her own head out from around the shower curtain to see what Jack had left behind.
A set of “plain” clothing from the looks of it. Rinsing herself on last time, and then grabbing a towel, Kenya exited the shower. Once at the counter, she examined the clothes Jack left.
Plain blue jeans, a light gray t-shirt, even underwear. And the oddest part, everything in her exactly size. Either Jack was excellent at guessing, or he’d read the insides of the clothing Kenya always owned and brought with her.
Not wanting to read too much into it, Kenya just dressed herself and walked back out. Jack was in the kitchen drinking coffee. There was a plate of food out on the counter. Some kind of sandwich with a bag of potato chips and a glass of ice water.
“Already had one myself. This one’s all yours.” Jack pointed to the plate.
“You didn’t have to…”
“Wanted to. Besides, you must think I’m incapable of doing anything for myself.”
“What? No, why would I?”
“Well I do have Alfred running around the place all the time. And if not him, then someone else on my father’s payroll to make sure I’m brushing my teeth before bed and tucking my shirt in before I leave.” Jack said with a hint of sarcasm.
“I know you’re very capable, you shouldn’t worry about proving that to me.” Kenya reassured him. Jack smiled, and swiped a chip from her plate.
“Feel free to join me.” he half joked, taking his turn in the bathroom. Kenya could only nod, wondering just how much of that offer was sincere, and how much wasn’t.
“He likes me, that’s obvious. But why? I’ve only ever spent nights with him. He could have any woman in the world, why me? Just because of the sex? No, that’s not grounds for a relationship…” Kenya’s thoughts trailed off as she wondered if she and Nate ever had a real relationship. They spent the majority of their time in the bedroom or kitchen. Everything else was unknown.
Kenya hung her head between her arms. She was getting really sick of this feeling. She knew she had to make a choice. Yes or no…