SHORT STORY

The next couple of days were a little awkward between the married couple. Every day Jessica came home to a big surprise, one greater than the other. It went from a bouquet of long-stemmed red roses to a diamond tennis bracelet and matching earrings, to a beautiful black and teal cocktail dress with heels to match. On the final day, a note saying, Get dressed, a car will be there in 2 hours, Love Jordan. Smiling to herself, Jessica went upstairs, got dressed for an evening with Jordan. Tonight she will put away her bad feeling for La'Janice and let her husband apologize.

One hour and thirty minutes later, Jessica emerges from the bedroom a vision of loveliness. Looking down at Sasha, "How do I look, girl"? Jessica said, smiling. Sasha barked. "Okay, I will take that as a message of approval," Jessica stated. The doorbell rings, "Sasha, who is that? Is that Nikki? The doggy sitter is here. Come, let us answer the door." walking to the door with Sasha. As Nikki walks in the door, Sasha runs up to greet her. "Hey, Sasha. Good girl. It is us two of and Homeward Bound II tonight. Wow! Mrs. Desanti, looking gorgeous," Nikki admired. "Thank you, Nikki. The room is ready as always. We will probably be late tonight. Make this home, and have fun." Jessica smiled.

A few minutes later, a car pulled up in front of the house, and Jessica's phone rang. "Hello," Jessica answered. On the other end of the phone was this deep and strong voice. "Mrs. Desanti, My name is Donovan, and I will be your driver this evening. Outside waiting for you when you are ready, Ma'am". "Thank you, will be there momentarily," hung up the phone, said goodbye to Nikki and Sasha headed out the door. First, they went to pick Jordan up at the office. Jordan dressed in a black and teal three-piece suit. Jordan got into the car and took a deep breath when he saw Jessica. "Oh my God, you are gorgeous, Babe. (saying to the driver). Is she a beautiful woman or what!" Jordan bragged. "Yes, sir, she is. I must say, Ma'am, Sir, you two look exquisite tonight." The driver complimented.

They pulled up to this elegant restaurant with a"GRAND OPENING" banner on the building's front. It was a beautiful restaurant with lots of space inside and out. The parking lot could accommodate 500 cars. Great for weddings or large gatherings like family reunions. The inside had one side with the restaurant effect, a large dance floor, and a fully functional bar. It had a stage for live entertainment and a booth for a D.J. The kitchens were terrific. It had everything a Chef and his/her crew could ever dream of, and there were two of them. By the time Jordan/Jessica arrived, the parking lot was full. The car pulled up in front of the restaurant; the driver got out and opened Jordan's door. He got out and extended his hand to Jessica to help her out of the car. They walked into the restaurant arm and arm. As they opened the doors, the entire restaurant erupted in applaud.

The evening was going great; the food was delicious. The music was ole skool from the 80s and 90s. The company was astonishing, a sensational evening all the way around. One of the significant points that evening, Jordan was paying strict attention to Jessica all night long. He ignored La'Janice all evening. La'Janice was feeling the effects of the lack of awareness she was getting from Jordan. La'Janice determined Jordan would deny her. The Desantis were dancing together when Jordan received a tap on his shoulder."May I cut in"? La'Janice asked. " Have to decline, Miss Duncan. This beautiful woman has all the undivided attention tonight. La'Janice then stormed off. They both closed their eyes and danced to the music.

All the music has stopped playing, and Jordan/Jessica are still dancing together. Sergio walks up to Jordan, taps him on his shoulder. "Mr. Desanti, it is time," he whispered. "Sergio, baby, good to see you. We need to talk, and please call. Okay?" Jessica said, hugging Sergio. He nods in agreement. Sergio and Jordan grab Jessica's hand and lead her up to the stage in front of the dance floor. While walking up there, Jessica says, "Wh at is going on, guys"? Standing in the center of the stage, Sergio taps on this glass, "Attention, Attention. Ladies and gentlemen, tonight is a celebration of the grand opening of this restaurant. It is also a christening of naming this fabulous place. Without farther-to-do, presenting Mr. Jordan D. Desanti." applauds erupted. "Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, standing here on this stage with two best friends. Sergio Verbena, one of the best assistant a man could ask for and a great friend. Jessica Marie Desanti, the best thing that has ever happen in life. She is a friend, lover, and wife. What to do without her? Love always, Babe. Tonight we are here to open this restaurant to the public and to present the official name. Love, open this envelope and read the contents thereof"? He said, handing Jessica the envelope. "Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the official name from this day forward to be known as "Lady Jessica's." Tears streaming down her face, she turned, kissed, and hugged her husband. The evening ended in nirvana.

The Desantis' marriage was great for the last couple of weeks. The restaurant is starting with great success, have a packed house every night. There were fewer late-night meetings/emergencies lately. Jessica still believes that he is having an affair with little Miss Duncan. Lady Jessica's has taken on a life of its own. Jessica found this D.J. who has an extensive genre of music. D.J. Hercules rocked the mike with his favorite line, "You know what time it is, PARTY TIME." Jessica was looking for live entertainment to generate revenue. Jessica was planning a trip to Barcelona, Spain, to see about recruiting this group she has been following on YouTube. Jordan had a flimsy excuse of why he could not accompany Jessica on this trip. Here is a well-kept secret, Jessica did not want him to go no way.

"Babe, how long are you going to be in Spain again"? Jordan asked. "Ten long days away from you," Jessica answered. Reaching down, scratching Sasha's ears, "It will be just you and me, Sasha girl." Jordan said. Grabbing Sasha's bag, Jessica said, "Just you, I"m taking Sasha with me. So do not have to worry with her when those late-night meetings happen, and she will be great protection while away." Giving a slightly devilish grin, "That is an excellent idea. Babe, have a safe trip and hope it is a great endeavor for Lady Jessicas'," Kissing her passionately, "I am going to miss you. Be careful out there and hurry home. The bags are in the car," he said as he grabbed the bags and left the room.

The doorbell rang, and Sasha became very excited. Opening the door, "Hey, Nikki, thank you so much for doing this for me." Jessica said. "No problem, Mrs. Desanti, I love Sasha. Want to watch her here in the comfort of her own home"? Nikki questioned. "Not unless you need to stay here, but we would be just fine with her being at your place." Jessica re-assured her. "We will be just fine. She likes the place. We have a doggy park, and a couple of times she was there, she made a few friends. Mrs. Desanti, have a safe trip, and do not worry about Sasha; she will be wall taken care of." Nikki replied. "Nikki, I am sorry, her bag is in the car. Jordan put it in there before he left. The door is open, and again, Thanks so much. Be a good girl Sasha. Goodbye, baby," Jessica said. Without a care in the world, Sasha went with Nikki, and Jessica left for the airport.

Jessica has arrived in Barcelona, Spain, to the hotel room. Checking her phone, she had a couple of messages. One of the numbers she did not quite recognize, so she listened to her message. "Mrs. Desanti. Logi Stripe, the private investigator. Checking the arrival was safe and to sync up. Need a call when the chance comes. Good evening," the investigator said. Jessica showered, put her clothes away, order some food from room service, settled down on the love seat, and called the detective.

From the party answering the phone, "Hello," Logi answered. "Mr. Stripe. Mrs. Desanti, returning the phone call." Jessica said. "Yes, Ma'am. Glad the arrival was safe. I just wanted to get in touch with you. For the next seven days, you want any evidence of Mr. Desanti and Miss Duncan together, correct"? Logi inquired. "Yes, sir, exactly. Once I get back to the states, I will contact you to meet to exchange information," Jessica replied. "Confirmed. Thank you for your time and the update. Have a great evening and a safe lucrative trip. Goodnight, Mrs. Desanti." Logi acknowledged. "Goodnight, Mr. Stripe. Be safe out there," Jessica replied.

The next morning, Jessica went to her meetings to see these different singing groups. Five of the groups caught her attention, and she was considering investigating them more. There was a showcase where the five groups will be showcasing. She went to this restaurant and called Sergio. "Hello, Sergio? Yes, this is Jessica Desanti." Jessica said. "Hello, Mrs. Desanti. How are you? and how can I help you"? Sergio answered. "Fine, thank you. And Jessica, please. Sergio, are you busy tomorrow"? Jessica asked. "No, Ma'am, not really. Why"? Sergio inquired.

"One, I would like you to fly down here to Barcelona with me and check out this showcase with me. I am trying to find some new unknown talent to perform at the restaurant maybe once a week. We can work out those details when you get here. I also want you to be my assistant, some more details we can work out once you arrive. I have sent a plane ticket in your name to the airport. And I will see you in a couple of hours? Yes"? sitting with her eyes closed and her fingers crossed. Sounding as though he were crying, "Thank you, Mrs. Desanti, uh, I mean Jessica. You have no idea what this means to me. How many days should I pack? Is the showcase formal? Sergio answered. "Excellent. Four days of clothing, Yes, the showcase is formal. A ticket will be waiting for you, upon arrival a car will bring you to the Barcelona Suites room 1623. See you when you get here," Jessica says with gratitude.

Sergio arrived in Barcelona; the driver dropped him off at the Barcelona Suites. He asks the desk clerk to ring Mrs. Desanti in room 1623 to inform Jessica that he was there. Jessica and Sergio went to the showcase. They both like the same group, The Barcelona Five, three brothers, two sisters, and all can sing lead. They were quintuplets and were nineteen years old. Their father was their chaperone/manager who was working with a minimal cash flow. The three of them sat down in Jessica's hotel room on a conference call with her private attorney and discussed a contract and living terms. "THE BARCELONA FIVE" will become the first act to perform at "LADY JESSICAS."

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