The Key is the Key

By Teresa Boswell

Jazzy has lost everything, Family, Home. Except her best friend, Jack. Can their friendship survive the marriage she has been dreaming of all her life or is just that. A dream.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Teresa Boswell
• Release date: Dec 23, 2013
• ISBN: 9781311565020

Teresa Boswell

I live in Glendale, Arizona. I am divorced and I have two Children, Son Frank, Daughter Dominique.I was given a Kindle in 2011 and started reading like no other, I hated reading when I was younger, Now I can't get enough. I have over 1,000 ebooks and an unknown amount on book shelves at home.I was thinking one night, If other people can write books why not me. Two days later my son comes to my room and says "maybe you should write this crap instead of read it" That's when I decided to start writing. I bought me a very small Acer notebook and would spend hours typing out dribble until the wee hours of the morning. I would go to work and come home read over what I had written and low and behold.......it was crap.After countless starts and mindless words, wasted time and paper. I got divorced and lost my job. Two years later I discovered Smashwords, Thanks to Jack a fellow writer, I love his work.So now here I am. Unemployed, broke and living the dream. LOL

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Hey! Jack, Are you ready? I yelled across the quad of the school. Then I start running to him. He holds out his arms and I jump. We did it! Can you believe we graduated? It has been a long haul. Jack I’m so proud of you. I’m glad you came back from Paris. It wouldn’t be the same without you here"

Jack is the best looking guy in our Graduating class, He has the deepest blue eyes and wavy dark hair, He is 6’2, and has this body that could stop traffic. Arms the size of the rock" and his legs are huge.

He pulls back and looks at me.

Jazzy I’m proud of you too. You have been through so much. I just wish you didn’t have to do it all alone

I wasn’t alone, I had you. If not for you I might have given up after mom and dad died

They would have been proud of you too. He hugs me tighter. When I pull back he turns his head towards me and his lips brush mine. He looks at my lips then my eyes and he kisses me. I’ve been in love with him forever.

Jack?

"Oh God its Katy, the girlfriend from hell."

Jazz be nice I hear Jack whisper.

Damn I need to keep my mouth shut. You see I have this problem. When I’m thinking about something I really shouldn’t say out loud, but, I say it anyway. Only I don’t realize I’ve said it out loud. Jack calls it mind talking

I pull away from him and turn to Katy coming our way. OK, I’ll see you later at your house. I can’t stay long tonight. See ya! I kiss his cheek and run towards the parking lot with diploma in hand, I feel I can do anything. I start college in the fall. It’s only City College, I can’t afford to go full time. So I’m taking Photography. That’s what I want to do. I want to be a top notch photographer. Maybe I can work full time at the college paper and still take my classes. Classes here are so limited. What I need to do is go to school in Santa Barbara. It’s one of the best for photography and film. One of

these days I’ll go, a girl has got to have a dream. Ok I have two but, I will never see my other dream come true. Ok it’s not that it can’t, I won’t let it.

I hop into my jeep. It’s old but it gets me from point A to point B most of the time. Ok, Jeep I need to get to home I turn the key and nothing. Shit. I get out and take off my robe and cap tossing them in the back. Then I open the hood and check it out.

After moving a few wires and kicking the side, I close the hood and jump back in, turn the key and nothing. You piece of sh..

Hey!, Good look’ in you need a ride.? I know this voice. As a m…..

When I turn to look at Jack I see Katy sitting next to him. Oh no. I have someone coming to help

He gets out of his truck. God I love that truck. I would love to be ravaged in that front seat, even in the backseat, hell the bed of the truck would be ok as long as it was Jack doing the ravaging.

What? He asks

What? There I go mind talking again.

You tell me….What’s the problem this time?

I got nothing He looks under the hood for me.

Jack you better go, I don’t need her giving me the evil eye all night, That is if I make it

He looks around the hood at her then back at my engine.

"Well I think it’s these melted wires or even this broken one here

Shit"

Jazzy alright?

It’s nothing. I’ll just get a ride from Jessie or Maria

I saw them leave already, come on I’ll take you home. I just need to drop off Katy first he grabs my stuff out of my jeep, and opens the back door to his fancy truck. Ravage I climb in and Katy sneers at me.

When he takes Katy home he walks her up to the door because she can’t carry her own book bag. I get out and climb into the front seat. When Jack comes back he’s not in a good mood.

Hey, I told you she doesn’t like me. I hope she didn’t ream you to bad

He puts the truck in gear and peels out, Leaving at least an inch of rubber in front of her house.

Hey!. Slow down. Driving angry never did anyone any good

He slows down and looks over at me. When he smiles my heart just melts.

Sorry Jazz. It’s turning out to be a banner day

Oh no, is it my fault?

He stops the truck and puts it in park.

I can walk from here I reach over the seat and get my stuff. When I turn back around he is just staring at me.

Jazzy?, Where are you living?

uh oh. I have a place

Tell me where to go so I can take you home. Because I was just told you live at Jessie’s"

Sometimes I say sheepishly.

I thought you were staying with your aunt, but then why would you be staying with Jessie?

Sometimes I stay with Maria

Jazz where is your aunt? I start to cry, I reach and open the door and get out of the truck. Jack jumps out after me. He grabs my arm and stops me.

Come on don’t cry, I can’t take it when you cry. He hugs me tight. Now where is your aunt?

I went to school one day, when I got home she was gone, everything was gone. Why would she leave me alone like that... I stayed until the landlord made me move out I can’t stop crying. He takes me into his huge arms and hugs me.

"Jazz when did this happen?.

Almost two months ago

You mean to tell me you’ve been going from house to house staying with your friends for over two months. Son of a ….. He wraps his arms around me again. Ahh Jazzy you should have told me. You know you can stay at my house. Dad would love to have you over. Come on let’s go get your stuff. Where is it at this week?

I have it

What?

All my stuff

That’s all you have? Jazzy your mom left you her jewelry and your dad some papers too

I think my aunt sold it all. But I have what I need. I’ve got my Camera, a toothbrush and a change of clothes. That’s all I need. Oh yeah and my jeep

That doesn’t run He looks at his watch. Get in we have to hurry

CHAPTER 2

He takes off down the road, he turns into the mall. After he parks he drags me into the Dillion's.

What happen you forget to get Katy a graduation gift?

No, You

But I don’t want one

Yeah, that’s what you always say He keeps looking over the racks and grabs a few items here and there. What size bra do you wear?

Excuse me, that’s a little personal

He gives me this look, the one I don’t like.

24c

He grabs a few of those. Then he leaves me in the fitting room and goes to get more. When he returns he has some jeans and blouses, a party dress for his party.

Ok what fits so far?

These here, this one and these He takes them with him and goes for more.

Ok what fits?

All of these

Here try these

Jack?

Yeah?

I’m going to pay you back if it takes the rest of my life

Jazzy you don’t pay back for a gift

Your only doing this because you feel sorry for me I open the door and run smack into his very large and hard chest. Oh!, What are you doing in the women fitting room?

Jazzy!, I will never feel sorry for you. Although, I will be concerned for your welfare and I will take care of you. But, only because….. I love you. Now do these fit? I nod. Good lets go. Shit! You need shoes

He drags me to the shoe department. I sit down and he walks up to the counter and tells the man to get me three sandal’s, Two dress shoes and two, no four sneakers. The man ran over and asked me a few questions then he runs to the back. I see Jack over at the register paying for the clothes. Then he runs over to the jewelry counter and grabs a few bracelets and I didn’t see how many earrings.

The sales man comes back and I try on all the shoes he has pulled for me.

Can you get me a pair of those in purple? He gets that look Jack gets, the one I don’t like. I try them on. They look hot. And add ten pair of socks to this three black, four white the no show kind. And these Jack runs over.

What kind of perfume?

Anything you like

He runs back over and talks to the girl and she has him try a few. He gets them all.

Ready?

I think it would have been cheaper to just buy the store

I’ll think about that He hands me some bags and we run out the door and all the way to the truck. People are staring at us like we just robbed the store.

When we get to his house he comes to a screeching stop at the front door. We grab my spoils and run up the stairs.

Jack?, What is going on? He pretends he doesn’t hear his dad. He takes me to one of the Bedrooms down the hall from his.

Bridget will be up to put these away and help you dress. I need to get ready and go see dad. You know let him know your moving in

No, I can’t stay here. Katy will go ballistic

Don’t worry about Katy she won’t be here tonight. Hurry, shower is in there, towels are too. Everything you need is in these bags. I’ll see you in thirty He kisses my cheek and runs out the door.

I jump in the shower taking the fastest shower ever and when I come out all the bags are gone. Look around the room and see the perfume and jewelry on the dresser. I open the drawer and find my new panties. I put them and a bra on and run into the closet and find my new clothes. I put on the party dress. I turn around and see my new shoes on the shoe rack.

Miss I’m here to help you with your hair and makeup

Um, Ok

Please sit here I sit down and before I know it she has my hair done and is working on my makeup. I didn’t even see Jack get this. There you go Miss

Bridget is it?

Yes miss

Please call me Jazzy

Yes m…. Jazzy

Mr. McCarthy is waiting for you down stairs

Thank you Bridget

I look at myself in the mirror looking this way and that. Damn! I look hot

Yes you do Jazzy, Here put this on She put a bracelet on my arm then she puts earrings on me. Go!

Jazzy? I stop and turn to her. She points to the cologne on the dresser. Oh Shit…Sorry, I guess I’ll need to work on that She smiles at me and walks over to the door. As I walk out she puts a wrist corsage on me.

Thank you Bridget I give her a hug and run down the hall.

CHAPTER 3

When I get to the top of the stairs I look down and see Jack and his father waiting at the bottom. As I descend the stairs I hear his dad say something I just can’t make it out.

Wow, You look…..HOT He takes my hand and walks me out to the garden. I’ll have the hottest date here I stop and look at him.

This isn’t a date. You’re with Katy

Yeah! about that, she dumped me today

Oh Jack I’m sorry it’s all my fault

Relax I was going to break it off before we went up the mountain. She was starting to talk about going away to college and marriage. I told her I can’t marry her

Why?

Because I’m betrothed to another

Oh I felt my heart fall out of my chest. I give him my best smile. Then we walk out onto the deck. The first person I see is Katy. Boy is she pissed. If looks could kill I’d be six feet under.

Jazz, It will be alright I look over at him.

What?

You’re worried about Katy, don’t be, you are my guest for the evening

I thought I was your date? I walk over to Jessie and smile like I’m the happiest person in the world.

Wow, Jazzy you look great. Did your rich uncle die?

No. My benefactor was feeling sorry for me

Hi! Maria, How are you? trying to change the subject

Not as well as you, are you staying over tonight?

Ah no, I’ll be staying elsewhere tonight. Hey we leave in two days is everything still on?

Yes! I told you that before graduation

Jazzy, what is going on? I hear Jessie whisper in my ear.

Excuse me Jack is waving at me I give her a hug. I’ll explain later

Help yourself to the drinks I walk over like I’m heading for Jack. He looks up at me and smiles and I walk right passed him. I say hello to a few other people I missed at graduation. I walk into the house, and head for the kitchen. I don’t know why? Maybe it’s because that’s where Jack and I spent most of our time when I would come over.

Then I detour to the den.

Oh sorry, I didn’t know anyone was in here I turn and walk out.

Jasmine?, Can I have a word with you? Shit.

Yes sir I walk back in.

Please have a seat he waves for me to sit across from him. I like Jack’s dad, he has always been good to me treats me decent.

Jack told me about your aunt…

I wish he hadn’t. It just makes me feel like a second class citizen. Not having anywhere to go…..

He hands me a hankie. Thank you Sir

Please call me Philippe

I don’t think so. That would be disrespectful sir

Jazzy how many years have you been coming over here to play with Jack. Well, now you just hang out once in a while

Umm, Twelve years sir

Right, I think that makes you family then, don’t you?

So would I be his sister or something

If you like

Then no, I don’t want to be family. Can I just be a friend, a close friend?

Ok, But why don’t you want to be part of the family?

You know I’ve never lied, well not intentionally and I would not like to start now

Jasmine, I’m not asking you to lie, I would like an answer if you don’t mind?

Fine I look around the room then I move my chair closer to him. I motion for him to come closer. I can’t be his sister that would be wrong. I mean since I’ve been in love with him since the second grade. Do you know what I mean, by not wanting to be a part of your family?

I see He takes my hand in his. Jasmine, have you told him that you’re in love with him?

Heavens no, He doesn’t see me that way, Beside I don’t want to lose my best friend. What if we get involved and it doesn’t work out. Then I’m out my man and my best friend. That would be tragic. I need him, he’s my two am.

Oh! He says he tilts his head to one side like he doesn’t understand. Jasmine, what’s a two am?

"Sorry, let’s say you’re out partying and you have one to many. Well then you call your two am. Or in my case if my jeep brakes down in the middle of nowhere I can call Jack because I know he will be there for me and the same goes for him.

If he’s in trouble he can count on me"

Jasmine, you can still count on him to be you’re……ah two am. He will always be your friend. He’s a very loyal friend

Yeah he’s the best. He said I could stay here. But I don’t know….

Jasmine, Please stay as long as you like. Isn’t this when you need your two am the most?

I guess your right I move my chair back and turn to look at him.

Mr. McCarthy?

Yes?

If I’m going to be staying here you can call me Jazzy and I’ll call you Philippe, agreed?

That will be fine Jazzy

Great I walk over and kiss his cheek. Thank you for the invite

Anytime Jazzy

I walk out the door and out to the garden. I walk around in the roses looking at everyone having fun. I wish my mom and dad could see me now. Jack was right, they would be proud of me.

Can I join you or is this a private talk

Please He walks up to me and stops. Jazzy! Can I ask you something? I need you to tell me the truth"

Always

Do you like me?

Well it’s hard to be best friends if we don’t like each other

No that’s not what I mean. Do….

Jazzy, look. Jessie comes running over and takes my hand and drags me away. Why are you and Jack alone in the rose garden?

He was asking me a question

What question?

I didn’t get to hear it because my rude best friend interrupted

Sorry, But you said you’d tell me what’s up?

I raise my brow. Oh, where I’m staying. Yes. Mr. McCarthy said I could stay here as long as I like"

WITH Jack? I put my hand over her mouth.

Jessie can you say that a little louder I don’t think the people heard you in the west valley

Sorry, you’re going to stay here in the same house with the love of your life, wait the single love of your life?

Jess, He has like thirty rooms here I’m sure I will have to go passed his dad’s room to get to his

So you plan on trying?

NO! You know I can’t do that

Oh yeah your saving yourself for him. If you have to wait for him you might be a spinster before he comes around

So be it

Hey! I wanted to ask you where you got the dudes

From a wealthy benefactor

You’re kidding? When did he do this?

Just after graduation, after he dropped off Katy and she dumped him. But I think it was mutual. She told him about my living arrangements

Nooo

Maybe she was trying to get him to dislike you because you don’t have any, you know I look over at her with a scowled face.

Just say it Jess, I’m Broke and homeless I walk off and go in the restroom on the far end of the house. I stay in there for a while.

Jazzy?

I’ll be right out

I open the door and run into Katy.

I’m sorry Katy I walk around her and keep walking.

He’s in love with you, you know

I stop and turn around. He’s my best friend, he worries about me. That doesn’t make him in love with me

She walks up to me. Jazzy open your eyes, when he was with me, all he did was talk about you. So he never was with me. There was nothing on the other side of those kisses, not like when he kissed you in the quad today. I would have given anything to have him kiss me just once like that. So you win again

Katy this is not a contest, its life. I’m sorry, he doesn’t love you but, I can’t make him love you. Like I said he’s my best friend I won’t stop being his best friend just so you can have him. I need him…. I can’t do this

I turn and walk away from her.

He wants to marry you Jazzy

What? He’s not ready for marriage, I’m not ready, Hell I don’t even have a place to live. I don’t even have clothes to wear. So now you know. I’m Broke, Have no clothes and I’m homeless. Oh yeah and I have no parents. I’m all alone. IVE GOT NOTHING" I run

up the stairs and fall a couple of times. I wind up on the stairs crying. Then I hear the front door slam.

What the hell is going on out here?

Dad, what is it?

I don’t know I heard some talking then I heard someone scream, then someone went up the stairs and the front door slammed

Where’s Jazzy?

I haven’t seen her since we had a talk in the den

Talk, what did you tell her?

I said nothing to her but she told me everything, Jack that girl is in love with you. She’s been in love with you forever. I thought you were crazy but your right

Thanks dad Jack runs up the stairs and almost falls over me.

Jazzy, alright?

NO! I’m ……Shit!….. Jack you don’t want me

I don’t?

What guy in his right mind would want someone like me? Come on who am I kidding. I could never fit….. Forget it

I get up and go into my room. I walk into the closet and take off the party dress and put back on my clothes and head back down the stairs. I open the front door and walk out. I get all the way to the gate and find them locked. I look up at the guard.

Excuse me, I would like to leave, Can you open the gate?

Sorry miss I can’t

Why not?

I’m under orders miss

Who’s?

Mr. McCarthy’s Miss

Alright, enough with the MISS thing. Just call me Jazzy DAMMIT open this gate

Sorry Jazzy this time he closes the window. I take off across the yard I know how to get out of here. I find the right spot and start to climb.

When I get to the top I hear a voice.

Are you breaking in or out?

Piss off I yell over my shoulder to the man.

Well don’t we have a temper?

Leave me alone

I’m just trying to find out if I need to arrest you for breaking in or out

What? that’s absurd I climb down the other side.

As soon as my feet hit the ground he grabs my arms.

You’re under arrest

What? Are you out of your freaking mind I start kicking and punching. I hit him pretty good in the face. He grabs me from behind and holds around my chest.

Alright

Are you going willingly?

I put my head down and let out a sigh. Just as he loosens his hold I throw my head back and break his nose. When he lets go of me I throw my elbow into his ribs. Then I stomp his foot. Then I turn around and knee him in the balls. I take off running.

Son of a bitch I lost her, call for backup she’s outside the wall I keep running. When I get to the end of the road I jump the wall on the other side of the street and sit down. I hear people everywhere. Jesus Christ Aaron, What the hell happened to you?

Jasmine, Don’t underestimate her, FUCK

But she’s just a teenager. How’d she get the drop on you?

Will you stop asking questions and look for her

Yes sir

SHIT! I think she broke my nose I hear a phone ring. And grab for mine, it’s gone. I must have left it in the house.

Yeah? No, What? She beat the shit out me. What’s so funny? Yes, I’ll meet you at the gate. Hey….Could you bring some….. Ice? Nice he hangs up on me. I could have a punctured lung and he laughs at me

I hear him walk away from me toward the gate.

Shit, if I walk this way I can get to Greenway. There’s a circle K at the corner I can call. Nice, I have no one I can call now. I start to cry, the tears running down my face. NO, I won’t be such a girl. Let’s see it was around one when I had my fight with Katy. It might be three now. I’ll hang here until day light, and then leave, they’ll stop looking soon. I lie down against the wall and fall asleep.

CHAPTER 4

Jazzy? Alright? I come up swinging. Whoa, it’s me Jack

Piss off

What did I do?

You sent those goons after me when I tried to leave. You can’t hold me here, I’m an adult

Jazzy? Why did you leave?

I start to cry. Because Katy said you loved me

He chuckles at me. That’s not a reason to leave Jazzy, that’s a reason to stay

Why are you whispering?

Come

We get up and run along the low wall to the end. Then we run across through the gate and across the yard. When we get up to the house he goes around the back and up a spiral stair case to a terrace.

Who room is this?

Yours

What?

Shh

He opens the door and we sneak in. He closes the door behind us. Here put these on he tosses me some jams. I take off my shirt and pants and put on the jams. I look up and see him watching me.

What? He walks over to me.

Jazzy, I love you; I’ve been waiting for years to tell you that. Will you marry me?

Yes

He leans down and kisses me. Very softly, I reach up and run my fingers through his hair and grab hold pulling him to me. Mmm He wraps his arms around me and holds me. With one hand tangled in my hair and the other pulling my body to him. I can feel every inch of his body against mine. He walks me back until we I hit the bed. Then he lays me down. I push back on the bed and pull him to me. My hands are everywhere and so are his. I unbutton his shirt and slide my hands inside rubbing his massive chest. He puts his hand under my shirt and moves it up my back. He takes off my bra and moves his hands to my breast. He rolls over so I’m on top of him. Then he puts his hands down my jams and on my ass, Squeezing and pulling me hard into his hips. I move slightly off of him to the side. Then I unbutton his pants.

And sneak my hand in to his pants. He grabs my hand, and rolls me on to my back. He lifts up my shirt and runs his hand across my breast. Stopping only to lick and kiss them. Then he kisses my belly and puts his hand into my pants. I’ve never done this. Do I stop now? No I’ve been saving

myself just for him. And I know he loves me just as I love him. Mmmmm

Jazzy no, we have to wait

I’m sorry; I’ve just been waiting so long for you to see me as your girlfriend and not just your friend

He buttons his pants and pulls back the covers, I climb under them and he covers me up. Then he kisses me again. He takes off his shirt and lies down next to me. We talk until we see the glow of the sun rising. I lay on my side and he snuggles up to my back and puts his arm over me. He kisses my cheek. Night Jazzy Night Jack"

We don’t wake until almost noon. I roll over and put my head on Jack chest, he wraps his arms around me. Mmmmm Then I hear someone clear their throat. My eyes fly open. Jack sits up with a start. Keeping me held to his chest.

Jack why don’t you go and fix some breakfast for Jazzy

He kisses the top of my head and slides off the bed grabbing his shirt as he leaves the room. I pull up my covers up to my neck and sit up against the head board. After the door closes behind Jack his dad asks me a few questions.

What do you plan to do with your life? Wait before you answer. I will not tolerate lying so give me the truth and I want the first answer that comes to your lips

I’m going to be the best photographer that god will let me be

How do you plan on paying for that?

I have some money from my parents’ estate that has to go towards schooling. I have enough to get me through one year at MCC. If I take a full class load

And if you don’t?

If I just take photography, I can also pay for one or two years in Santa Barbara school of photography

Do you want to join this family as my daughter-in-law?

I tilt my head to the side. Is he for real? I think he just asked me to marry his son. How embarrassing. This could get ugly.

Well? Speak up

Philippe, Jack has already asked and I accepted

If this is about money, I don’t want it. Like I told Jack I have everything I want. My health, morals and enough money to get me in to college. Oh yeah and my camera

Well it looks like you have a plan he sits up in the chair.

And where does Jack fit in your Plan

We want to get married, have kids and grow old together. You see I was always taught that if you marry, it’s for life. If I should die before him, I hope that he finds love again. Because, I love him that much. I just want him to be happy and love me back

When is this marriage taking place?

We haven’t decided that just yet

How many years is Santa Barbara?

At least two but I can go all three

Just one more thing, you will not sleep in the same room until your married I nod my head. Let me know about the wedding plans

Ok after he leaves I fall to my side and just lay there.

God this is so hard. I feel like the guy and had a talk with the future in-laws. When I have kids and they grow up if my daughter’s boyfriend comes to ask for her hand I will not make him feel like he is a piece of shit under my shoe. Jack doesn’t know how lucky he is that he doesn’t have to ask my parents for my hand.

Miss, Here is you’re Breakfast I sit up and look at this tiny little woman. She walks over and places a tray on the table by the window.

Miss I brought you orange juice. If you would like coffee I can get you some

Ah…I’m sorry I didn’t get your name?

Sophie miss

Sophie? Please call me Jazzy I get out of bed and walk over to the table.

Yes Jazzy. If you need anything else please let me know?

Thank you Sophie I give her a hug.

She walks over to the door. Oh miss, when you come down if you could let me know what you would like for dinner I will have it ready for you at six

Oh……I’ll eat whatever you’re making. But I won’t eat liver or veal

Yes mi…..Jazzy she walks out and closes the door. I look at what’s on my tray. Good lord, this is enough for two I sit down and start eating I take a drink of juice then look at my plate again. I take a few more bites. I keep doing this until it’s all gone. Then I walk over and climb back in bed. I feel like a beached whale. AARRHH

Jazzy can I come in?

No! You don’t want to see this

What?

Yes come in

Jack opens the door and peeks in. Is the coast clear?

What?

Did you survive?

Are we talking about your dad or the enormous breakfast?

He walks over to the table then looks over at me. Did you eat all that?

No I think I just opened and inhaled He laughs at me.

Well at least you’re a good eater. I don’t like it when girls eat like birds

You know I don’t eat like this, I just can’t see food go to waste

Jazzy you don’t have to eat everything on the plate

But if I didn’t it would go to waste

Yeah, but now you can’t even move He walks over and lies on the bed