Duke's Jazz

Chapter 6

Jasmine

Walking into this house felt like nothing had changed in ten years. I stood in the doorway after Duke and Avery went inside and remembered all the s**t me and Duke did as kids in this house. I remember playing tag on the stairs, running in and out of the kitchen, to the living room and down the hall to the office and storage rooms. Blinking to keep back tears, I realized both Duke and Avery turned around and gave me the same dubious look and I had to hold back the laugh that was growing inside along with my tears.

“What did you boys do to Jasmine? She looks like she wants to cry.” Mrs. Black-Storm asked

“Nothing” they both said in unison and I looked at Mrs. Black-Storm’s face knew in that second she knew and she was trying her damnest not to laugh.

“I am fine ma’am, I promise.” I smiled at her.

“Young lady, when did you start calling me ma’am I remember correctly, you have called me Ms. B or mom your whole life, so don’t you be changing now.” She was stern and smiling at me. Then she did the one thing that made me bust up crying like a baby. Wrapping me in her arms and telling me, she missed me and she still loved me. Before she let go, she whispered “I understand.” Pulling a way I nodded at her and wiped the tears from my eyes. I turned to look at Avery, who was leaning against the wall waiting for me to stop being a girl.

“Hey little man, are you ready to go home?” I asked, worried. Before he could answer Ms. B did for him.

“Why don’t you and your family stay for dinner?”

“Ms. B that would be nice but….”

“Now. child, you know it would mean the world to me and this family. It has been ten years and I want to catch up with you, and it will only be you three, Sam, Mr. B, Duke and myself.” She said, interrupting my statement. “Also we are having spaghetti and I know it’s your favorite, so what do you say?” let out my breath, I gave in and shook my head, agreeing with her before I told her my ultimatum.

“Fine, but only if I can help, I have to steal that recipe one way or another because ten years without your spaghetti is a crime and I can’t even eat the other stuff out there in stores.” She smiled and knew she had won. Just then Sammy came down the stairs.

“Hey Duke, you wanna play Black ops?” At Sam’s words, I saw my little man stand up straight.

“You know Sammy, if Duke doesn’t play Avery will, he’s a pro at it.” Avery looked adorable, blushing.

“Mom, I am not that good.” He, was looking at the ground. The next thing I saw and heard broke my heart. Duke leaned down and took Avery’s chin, making him take a good look at him. “You know what little man, I am totally going to kick your butt, let’s go play.” Avery smiled at him and then took off after Sammy.

“Thanks, Duke, it would mean the world to him considering I suck that game.”

“Any time Jazz, any time.” He left smiling, following after his brother and son.

In the kitchen I was taking notes and smiling as I watched Ms. B and my Grandmother work. It had been awhile since the last time I was in the same room with both of them. “So, where is Eva, or is Duke just visiting and she’s coming later?” I questioned.

“Oh dear you haven’t heard, Duke and Eva have been divorced for two years.” Not looking away from the pot of spaghetti sauce she was stirring. “No, s**t! What happened?” I asked, not tongue and I knew I should have.

“Jasmine Marie Brooks, watch your mouth.” My grandmother replied. I gave her the look seriously, I am twenty-seven and I still am not allowed to.

“She cheated and he left, that is all I know.” I was shocked, but then I wasn’t. I knew Eva was a w***e in school, so I wasn’t really surprised.

Changing the subject to “So what else is new to the family?”

“Well, all of my boys except for Sammy moved out of school and, so far, are living their lives. Sam just got a job and has yet to tell me where. He also just told Duke that he was gay.” Pausing, then sighing with regret “I wasn’t supposed to say that.” Sighing again, she looked down looking sad that she had betrayed her youngest.

“You know Sammy works for me. I hired him yesterday, and I think it’s amazing he likes boys instead of girls. I mean, come on, he would always put on lipstick and wear your heels while singing Dolly Parton.” That made her smile.

Biting my thumb nail, I had to ask “Do you think he has noticed yet?” She whipped around with a shocked smile on her face acknowledging that I knew she knew about Avery.