Page 45 of Maxwell

“What happened, because I don’t remember any of this.”

“I finally came to my senses when I found out he was playing me and a slew of other girls. I spent almost a year devoted to him, but everything hit the fan when his fiancée transferred to our school. She was also from Ghana.”

“Fiancée? Oh, Maura.”

“I was devastated and ended up kissing a few more toads before I met and fell for Brick, but I learned a lot from those experiences. I learned what I liked and didn’t like and what I would and wouldn’t tolerate. All I’m saying is, you shouldn’t eliminate an entire sector of men because of one man. Now you know what you want and know the danger signs in the men you don’t want. Use your discernment going forward.”

Jasmine winced. “Don’t use that word.”

“Oh, right, I forgot that was Leon’s word.”

“But what if I’m wrong again?” Jasmine wailed.

“I don’t think you will be, and don’t think of it as being wrong or making a mistake or that it’s a waste of time. Try to find something positive that you can glean from the relationship and move on. You’re pretty and smart and a good person. There’s a man out there who will appreciate you.”

“Where is he?” Jasmine mumbled. Then, louder to no one in particular, she yelled, “Where are you, Mr. Perfect?”

“That’s your problem right there,” Maura said, jabbing a finger in her face. “No one is perfect. Not you, not me, and not a man. Some people have colorful pasts that paint them in a negative light, but they could have moved on from that. Everyone has to figure out what they’re willing to tolerate and not tolerate.”

“There’s nothing wrong with me,” Jasmine said, straightening her back.

Maura arched an eyebrow.

“What’s wrong with me?” Jasmine demanded.

“You’re too competitive.”

“There’s nothing wrong with being competitive.”

“You have too many pillows on your bed, grouping them around you like a—like you’re in a nest.”

“I feel like these are your personal pet peeves about me, not anything really wrong. Having a bunch of pillows is cozy and makes me feel safe and comfortable.”

“Whatever. You’re lazy on the weekends, staying in bed late on Saturdays until half the day is gone.”

“I work all week. I deserve down time on the weekend. I don’t have kids to force me out of bed like some people, so I’m going to enjoy my time while I can. I’ve never met a man who minded, anyway.”

“They probably wouldn’t tell you if they did. Nicholas has never complained about anything about you?”

“No. He’s never said a word.”

Maura’s eyebrows lifted higher. “Maybe he’s your so-called Mr. Perfect.”

“Maybe. I’m not sure.”

“Are you seeing anyone else?”

“Not at the moment, but I’m open to it. I have a lot of thinking to do.”

Maura stretched her hands above her head. “Let’s do some thinking at the restaurant. I’m ready for eggs and French toast. Race you.” She sped off.

“Cheater!” Jasmine yelled, chasing after her sister.

Chapter Eighteen

Jasmine followed her father as they made their way to a table in the restaurant. Dr. Roberson didn’t like formal meetings. He found them uninteresting and unnecessary. Therefore, once a month they ate lunch together, which gave them the opportunity to catch up on issues in the office.

After she sat down, Jasmine glanced at the menu and made a decision quickly.