Mine by Kelly Florentia

Author:Kelly Florentia [Florentia, Kelly]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Bloodhound Books

14

It’s been so long since I last saw Jasmine that I’ve almost forgotten what she looked like. I’m not sure what I was expecting, if I’m honest. I suppose I was secretly hoping she’d be a mess. A rough pasty version of herself, given that she’s up the duff and has probably been spewing her guts out all morning. Jasmine always had a bit of an icky stomach, even on school trips she had to sit in the front of the coach with the teachers and a sick bag.

But now she looks vibrant, fresh; has a glow about her that I’ve never seen before. Her sultry brown eyes sparkle against her healthy looking mocha skin. Gone is the middle parting with the nineties-style strands framing her pretty oval face, and in its place is a high ponytail and a thick shiny fringe that starts at the crown of her head. It suits her. It’s taken years off her. I look at her stomach for evidence of a bump, but it’s covered in a loose-fitting running top, which she’s worn over Lycra leggings and high-tech purple and orange trainers. Probably Sweaty Betty, she loves their stuff.

Jasmine speaks first. ‘What a surprise.’ She tugs at the sleeve of her T-shirt and does a little quiver. The hairs on her arms are standing on end. September has brought the chill of autumn with it. It’s hard to believe how warm and humid it was yesterday. Or perhaps seeing me on her doorstep has sent a cold shiver up her spine.

I give her a tight smile, heart returning to its natural rhythm. Not a heart attack or a stroke, thank God. A massive, very, very scary panic attack. ‘How did you… um,’ I croak, then hesitate. This isn’t how I imagined it would be. Jasmine was supposed to be alone for a start, not waving Andrew off on the doorstep looking like she’s just stepped off the front cover of Women’s Running magazine. I expected door slamming, tempers flaring, police calling. This warm friendly demeanour has thrown me. I try to swallow but my throat is dry. ‘How did you know I was out here?’ Then I point over her shoulder. ‘Ah. You saw me. On that.’

Jasmine follows my eyes to the CCTV at the front door. ‘Oh, no. That’s been on the blink for ages. Whole system is a shambles. Mum’s been moaning at Dad to get a new one fitted but you know what he’s like.’ Yes, I do, tight as two coats of paint, despite his millions. ‘I was just coming down the stairs and saw someone standing by my car from the lobby window.’ She glances at her Porsche lovingly. ‘It’s new. Only had it a few weeks.’ I know this. Alison told me. But say nothing. I smile at the car and nod approvingly. ‘Anyway, er… if you’re looking for Andrew, you’ve just missed him.’

‘Actually I was…’ I suck my lips in and look at my pointy black shoes peeking beneath the flare of my wide-leg trousers, and I suddenly feel ridiculous.

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