Bargain

As soon as we were out of earshot, Jasper's smile faded, replaced by a more serious expression. "What's going on, Alex? You've been avoiding me ever since that dinner."

I hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. Jasper may have seemed harmless on the surface, but I knew better than to underestimate him. There was a calculating intelligence behind his easygoing façade, a cunning that made him a formidable adversary.

But that wasn't why he bothered me.

"I've been busy," I replied evasively, unwilling to divulge the true extent of my concerns. "And you've been...persistent."

Jasper chuckled, a sound that sent a chill down my spine. "I have a knack for getting what I want, Alex. And right now, what I want is answers."

I braced myself for the inevitable interrogation, knowing that Jasper wouldn't let up until he had uncovered the truth. But as his piercing gaze bore into mine, I couldn't help but wonder just how much he already knew, and what he would do with that knowledge.

For now, all I could do was tread carefully, navigating the precarious dance of secrets and lies with a skill born of necessity.

"Want to go race for it?" Jasper asked me suddenly.

"I'm here to talk about the fish mint. Stop playing around." I scowled.

"Just a friendly race, if you win, I'll give you the weeds." Jasper suggested.

"I can't run very fast." I said flatly rejecting his offer.

"Then admit that you like me."

"You're insane."

"How about another dinner, my treat?" Jasper's playful demeanor seemed to clash with the seriousness of our conversation, leaving me feeling unsettled. His easy confidence grated on my nerves, a stark reminder of the power he held over me at the moment.

"I'm not here to play games, Jasper," I retorted, my tone sharper than intended. "I need those fish mint plants, and I need them now."

Jasper's smile faltered for a moment, replaced by a look of genuine surprise. "Alright, alright, no need to get so worked up," he said, raising his hands in a placating gesture. "But you can't blame a guy for trying to lighten the mood, can you? One dinner, my treat."

I grudgingly conceded his point, realizing that perhaps I had been too quick to dismiss his attempts at levity. After all, a friendly race wouldn't hurt, and it might even provide a welcome distraction from the tension that hung between us like a thick fog.

"Fine," I relented, unable to resist the challenge in his eyes. "But don't think this changes anything. We're still going to talk about the fish mint."

Jasper grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Of course, Alex. Whatever you say, I got what I want."

"I would've let you have it anyway. You shouldn't have agreed to speak with me alone." Jasper winked at me.

"You're unbelievable," I shook my head wondering if he had a head injury.

"You gave me an opening. How could I not go for it?" Jasper laughed.

"Fuck off."

"Don't push away nice people because you've been hurt. I'm not Sam or this brother that hurt you, you know," Jasper's words struck a nerve, reminding me of the walls I had built around myself to protect against further pain. I felt a twinge of guilt for lumping him in with the others who had caused me harm, but it was difficult to let go of my defenses.

"I'm not pushing you away because of what happened with Sam or anyone else," I insisted, my tone defensive. "I just... don't trust easily."

Jasper's expression softened, a hint of understanding in his eyes. "I get that, Alex. But not everyone is out to hurt you. Sometimes, it's worth taking a chance on someone."

I sighed, feeling conflicted. Part of me wanted to believe him, to let go of the fear and suspicion that had become so ingrained in me over the years. But another part of me couldn't shake the nagging doubt, the voice in the back of my mind warning me to proceed with caution.

"I'll think about it," I muttered, unable to make any promises. "But for now, let's just focus on getting those fish mint plants."

Jasper nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Fair enough, Alex. Or should I call you the youngest master of the Todd family?"

The mention of my family's name sent a shiver down my spine, and I tensed instinctively. How much did Jasper know about my family's past? It was a closely guarded secret, known only to a select few. My mind raced with possibilities, wondering what Jasper's intentions were and how much he truly knew.

I forced myself to maintain a neutral expression, not wanting to betray any hint of the turmoil raging within me. "Call me whatever you like," I replied casually, though my heart was pounding in my chest.

Jasper's smile widened, as if he could sense my unease. "You're a fascinating mystery, Alex. I can't wait to uncover more."

His words only heightened my sense of apprehension, and I made a mental note to tread carefully around him. Whatever his agenda was, I couldn't afford to let my guard down. Not with someone who seemed to know more than he let on.

As we stood there in the garden, surrounded by the lush greenery and the scent of the fish mint hanging heavy in the air, I couldn't shake the feeling that Jasper was playing a dangerous game.

"Did you really think you fooled me with that mask at the party? No way I can miss those eyes and the arrogance in your walk. I just stopped chasing you in case you were in danger," Jasper said. "The party was quite a shit show too. Your older brother was fully exposed."

"I don't know what you're talking about, I don't know anything about that family." I averted my eyes.

"You act like I set you up, but have you been telling me the truth about you?" Jasper inquired.

Jasper's words hit me like a sucker punch. How could he have known it was me even under the mask I wore at the party? My heart raced as I struggled to maintain my composure, my mind racing to find a plausible explanation.

"I don't know what you're talking about," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady despite the panic welling up inside me. "And I've already told you everything there is to know about me."

But even as the words left my lips, I knew they sounded hollow. Jasper had a way of seeing through my facade, of peeling back the layers of lies and half-truths to reveal the vulnerable core beneath. And now, faced with his piercing gaze, I couldn't help but feel exposed.

Jasper studied me intently, his eyes boring into mine with an intensity that made me squirm uncomfortably. "You're a master of deception, Alex," he said softly. "But even the best liars slip up eventually."

I clenched my fists, struggling to maintain my outward calm in the face of Jasper's relentless probing. How much did he really know about me? And what did he want in return for his silence?

As the weight of his scrutiny bore down on me, I realized that I was the one playing a dangerous game. And if I wasn't careful, I could end up losing everything.

"You seem like you're set on getting revenge. Why not just let go of the past? Just because they fucked up, I have to miss my chance? Be fair here, Alex." Jasper demanded.

Jasper's words cut through the tumult of my thoughts, forcing me to confront the bitter truth that had been festering inside me for far too long. His question echoed in the hollow chambers of my mind, challenging me to reevaluate the path I had chosen.

But could I truly let go of the past, of the years of pain and betrayal that had shaped me into the person I had become? Could I forgive those who had wronged me, who had shattered my illusions of trust and loyalty?

The answer eluded me, slipping through my fingers like grains of sand as I grappled with the turmoil swirling inside me. Part of me yearned to heed Jasper's call for forgiveness, to release the burden of anger and resentment that had weighed me down for so long.

For too long, I had allowed my thirst for retribution to consume me, driving me to seek justice at any cost.

As I stared into Jasper's unwavering gaze, I realized that he was offering me a choice—a chance to break free from the shackles of my past and embrace a future filled with hope and possibility. And though the path ahead was fraught with uncertainty, I knew that I could no longer hide behind the walls of bitterness and regret.

Taking a deep breath, I met Jasper's gaze head-on, my voice steady as I spoke the words that had long been trapped within the recesses of my heart.

"I'll consider your offer," I said, my tone tinged with a newfound sense of determination. "But know this, Jasper—I won't be swayed so easily. I have my reasons for holding onto the past, and they won't be easily forgotten."

As Jasper raised his hands in a gesture of surrender, Travis and his father returned to the garden, accompanied by a weary-looking Choppy. The tension in the air was palpable, a silent reminder of the tumultuous emotions that had been stirred by our conversation.

Travis shot a curious glance in our direction, his brow furrowing slightly as he took in the scene before him. His father, on the other hand, wore a bemused expression, his eyes twinkling with amusement as he surveyed the group gathered in the garden.

"What's going on here?" Travis asked, his voice tinged with suspicion.

Jasper glanced at me briefly before offering a wry smile. "Just a little chat between friends, nothing to worry about."

Travis narrowed his eyes, clearly unconvinced by Jasper's casual demeanor. "It didn't look like just a chat from where I was standing."

Before Jasper could respond, Mr. Lombardi intervened, his voice laced with authority. "Let's not dwell on the details, shall we? We have more pressing matters to attend to."

Mr. Lombardi extended a check to Jasper, his gaze shifting to Travis with a hint of bitterness. "I can't accept this," he stated firmly.

Jasper chuckled lightly, his expression one of playful amusement. "You know there are penalties for late payments, right?"

Travis bristled at Jasper's remark, his tone sharp with indignation. "We'll compensate, even if Alex has to sell a kidney! Get out of here with your money! I'm taking all of this!"

I felt a flush of embarrassment rise to my cheeks as I interjected, attempting to diffuse the tension. "Calm down, Travis. I've already settled it."

Indeed, the prospect of resolving the matter with just one dinner with Jasper seemed deceptively simple, yet the reality proved to be far more complex and burdensome. The notion that a single social gathering could alleviate the tension and resolve the underlying issues felt absurd and unrealistic. I couldn't help but lament the absurdity of it all. It was a stark reminder of the unpredictable and often convoluted nature of interpersonal dynamics, where even the simplest of tasks could spiral into a maze of complications and challenges. With a weary sigh, I braced myself for the inevitable ordeal that awaited me, knowing that navigating the intricacies of human relationships would require patience, perseverance, and perhaps a healthy dose of luck.

It seems like a crucial detail was overlooked amidst the chaotic exchange. Not discussing the arrangements for the date added another layer of uncertainty to an already tumultuous situation. The lack of clarity regarding when and where the dinner would take place only served to compound the frustration and confusion surrounding the entire ordeal. Without addressing this essential aspect, the prospect of moving forward with the plan seemed uncertain at best. It highlighted the need for clear communication and meticulous planning, especially when dealing with delicate matters such as this.

"Well done, everyone," I said, my voice carrying a note of relief. "To fruitful partnerships and shared success."

Jasper, ever the charismatic presence at the table, chimed in with his own toast, his words tinged with playful humor. "And to a future meal together, where we can truly break bread and enjoy each other's company without the shadow of business looming over us."

Travis, always quick with a witty remark, interjected with a grin. "Just make sure you actually show up to this dinner without business, Alex. We wouldn't want Jasper here to be disappointed again. Looks like my skin depends on it."

I rolled my eyes at Travis's teasing but couldn't suppress a small smile. "I'll do my best to honor the invitation, but no promises."