Filed to story: My Husband Regrets Divorcing Me (Audrey & Cornell)
The pot of Shrimp and Grits, ordered by Jarrod, filled the air with its enticing aroma. Doreen, attracted by the dish, turned to Roscoe and asked, “This smells wonderful. Would you like to taste this?”
Roscoe, however, was less inclined. “You go ahead. I’ll pass.”
Doreen, pushing a bit, observed, “Really? It seems like you’ve hardly touched your dinner.”
With a cool demeanor, Roscoe replied, “I’m not interested.”
Doreen, enchanted by Roscoe’s charm, ventured a suggestion tinged with a mix of shyness and excitement, “Why don’t we share one pot of Shrimp and Grits?”
The proposition hinted at a closeness that seemed too bold for two people who had just met.
Nicole, stealing a glance at Roscoe, found her vision slightly obscured by the steam rising from the dish, rendering Roscoe’s expression unreadable.
Without any objection from Roscoe, Doreen took his silence as agreement and happily ordered the Shrimp and Grits.
Noticing Nicole hadn’t dug in yet, Doreen said with a radiant smile, “Please dig in. Don’t mind us.”
Nicole felt a pang of discomfort at the inclusionary us”, unable to muster even a polite smile in response.
She understood the connections at play here. Doreen was Jarrod’s cousin’s daughter.
Jarrod had always felt a deep sense of gratitude toward his cousin for the support during his times of need.
The partnership between the cousin’s company and Jarrod’s had proven to be mutually beneficial, propelling their business ventures to greater success.
Doreen, being the cherished only child of her family, was accustomed to a certain level of indulgence, which explained her confident demeanor.
Nicole harbored reservations about Roscoe’s interactions with the Schultz family, uncertain of Roscoe’s intentions and future plans.
The possibility of Roscoe acting for her sake troubled her greatly.
The meal had yet to commence when Jarrod suddenly took Nicole’s hand in his, laying their intertwined fingers on the table.
His hold was firm, Nicole’s skin warming under the strength of his grasp.
Attempting to free herself only resulted in Jarrod tightening his grip, causing Nicole discomfort and a faint expression of pain to cross her face.
Yet, Jarrod’s demeanor remained detached as he posed the question.
“Why don’t you eat? Do you want me to feed you?”
Doreen couldn’t contain her excitement, her smile broadening. “Jarrod, this side of you is new to me. So commanding…”
Jarrod, without lifting his gaze, addressed Nicole softly, reminiscing, “You used to prepare meals for me. While this dish might not match up to yours, it’s the best I could find. I frequented this place often in your absence.”
His words dripped with affection, painting the picture of a man deeply in love.
Doreen was taken aback, realizing the depth of Jarrod’s silence held more than she had ever known. Her surprise was evident as she inquired, “Jarrod, have you been acquainted with her for long?”
Jarrod’s response was soft but firm. “She’s Nicole.”
“Nicole!” Doreen gasped, covering her mouth in astonishment. “The very Nicole…”
The revelation hit Doreen. So, the woman before her was precisely the one Jarrod had cherished for a decade.
“I finally get to meet the woman who fascinates Jarrod!” Doreen exclaimed, her words stunning those around her.
Nicole understood Doreen was oblivious to the full story, suggesting her remark was made in innocence. Yet, if Jarrod’s doings were driven by mere obsession, it would paint him in a disturbing light.
The steam from Shrimp and Grits clouded their vision, obscuring the tense atmosphere.
Unseen by others, Roscoe’s hands were clenched tightly, his knuckles whitening under the strain. His eyes, usually clear, now appeared misty, the distance across the table amplifying his sense of isolation.
The aroma of Shrimp and Grits was overwhelming for Nicole, giving her a sense of nausea. Her complexion turned increasingly pale as she struggled to free her hand from Jarrod’s grasp, her discomfort evident.
Jarrod’s expression grew colder with Nicole’s evident rejection, his icy demeanor somehow accentuating his allure.
Such stoicism, paradoxically, held a magnetic charm that wasn’t lost on the women of Ardlens, including the waitresses who couldn’t help but steal glances at the enigmatic Jarrod.
Doreen, familiar with the attention Jarrod commanded, noted his perpetual aloofness. While his handsome features were undeniably attractive, they sometimes bordered on unsettling. In contrast, she found Roscoe’s warm, ever-present smile and handsome appearance more appealing.
In a less crowded setting, Nicole might have given in to her frustration.
As she attempted to pull away, Jarrod’s grip tightened even more, his hand pressing into hers. His smile, though charming, carried an unsettling edge as he whispered a veiled threat about Nicole’s so-called relative’s company’s survival into her ear.
Nicole’s reaction was one of shock. She raised her eyes to meet his.
Jarrod’s expression remained impassive, betraying no sign of the ominous suggestion he had just made. It seemed as if his words might have been a figment of her imagination.
Nicole ceased her struggle, pondering the implications of his statement. Was he aware of something, or was it merely a ploy?
Observing her hesitation, Jarrod’s gaze grew more intense. He relaxed his hold slightly but maintained contact, extending his hand to feed her a spoonful of Shrimp and Grits she found repulsive.
After a brief pause, Nicole acquiesced, opening her mouth to accept the food.
Doreen watched the interaction, a mix of amusement and awe on her face. This display of tenderness from Jarrod was unprecedented in her eyes.
Witnessing Jarrod’s intense look toward Nicole, Doreen was convinced of his deep affection for Nicole.
Then, with cheeks warming to a soft pink, Doreen’s gaze shifted toward Roscoe. “Roscoe…” she murmured, longing for a similar display of care.
Yet, she was mindful of the pace at which their relationship was progressing, given that it was only their first meeting.
Despite this, her attraction to Roscoe was undeniable, stirring a wish within her to experience the same affection.
Having seen a handsome man like Jarrod, Doreen found it hard to be impressed by just any man. Despite the attention of numerous wealthy suitors, none caught her interest. Instead, she was drawn to a recently acknowledged illegitimate son of the Watts family, Roscoe.
People said Roscoe wasn’t a good match for Doreen.
The Watts family, despite their wealth and influence, viewed Roscoe’s position as complicated due to his illegitimacy.
Roscoe’s brother, the current head of the Watts family, was well over 40. The revelation of a twenty-something half-brother didn’t sit well with him, He was against it but couldn’t overrule his father’s decision to bring Roscoe into the family.
At a social event, Doreen found herself captivated by Roscoe upon meeting him.
When Doreen mentioned this to Jarrod, she didn’t anticipate the Watts family arranging a blind date with Roscoe so swiftly.
Doreen was charmed by Roscoe’s bright eyes. Gathering her courage, she attempted to feed him. “Roscoe, would you like to try this?”
But Roscoe seemed distracted.
With a shy gesture, Doreen moved the spoon toward his mouth, “Roscoe, please try this…”
Then suddenly, “Clap!” The spoon was struck from her hand and fell to the floor.
Doreen was stunned, feeling the sting on her finger. She looked at Roscoe in disbelief, wondering if he was the one who had knocked the spoon away.
Roscoe avoided her gaze and muttered, “Sorry, I didn’t notice it.”
Doreen’s discomfort eased slightly. It seemed Roscoe hadn’t done it deliberately.
The incident caught Jarrod’s eye. “Doreen, are you alright?” Jarrod inquired, shooting a stern look at Roscoe.
Doreen smiled and said, “I’m fine. I didn’t hold it steady and spilled it on myself. I’ll go change my clothes.”
Doreen cherished her appearance, and she detested any exhibitor stains. Being particular about her appearance, Doreen always carried extra clothes for such situations.
Doreen glanced flirtatiously at Roscoe and asked, “Roscoe, could you fetch my change of clothes for me?”
Roscoe observed Nicole’s red lips as she indulged in the Shrimp and Grits, savoring them as if they were the most delectable delicacy in the world. He felt a surge of discomfort.
With a smile, Roscoe took the key and departed.
Jarrod’s gaze lingered on Roscoe. Roscoe appeared much calmer and more composed than before.
Loosening his tie, Jarrod regarded Doreen with an expressionless gaze.
“Doreen, it’s fine to enjoy his company, but don’t get too attached.
He’s not worthy of you.”
At that moment, Nicole’s grip on her spoon tightened.
Doreen was visibly upset by the comment. She sulked. “Jarrod, please don’t speak ill of Roscoe. He’s a true gentleman and treats me well.”
Their acquaintance was barely a day old.
Roscoe had hardly talked, being cold to Doreen.
Yet, love often colored one’s perception, leading to self-deception.