Dinner Invitation(Part 5)

I asked Jasper if he knew anything else about me that I didn't know about and if anyone else might be looking me up.

"The only person I know looking you up is me." Jasper clarified.

"That's good." I sighed in relief that I hadn't set off any alarms that would inform my family of my plans.

"That it was me?" Jasper asked hopefully.

"What else do you know that you looked up, that can't be all."

"I looked you up and I couldn't find anything but a death certificate. Your records basically say you died in prison and no one in your family claimed the body so you were cremated by the state," Jasper admitted. "I thought it was weird because the paper trail didn't line up correctly."

"Why'd you look me up?" I asked.

"Because Sam was sorry and I thought talking to you could help him," Jasper defended himself.

"That doesn't explain why you looked me up!" I snapped.

"Sam said you went missing, so how else was I supposed to find you? Even Sam was shocked to see that your report said you were deceased!" Jasper held his hands up. "I only kept looking because I thought it was strange that there was no one to claim the body."

"I went missing five years ago!"

"Which is why I looked you up!"

"Why'd you look me up for him?" I prodded.

"Just to help my friend, that's it," Jasper insisted.

The weight of Jasper's words settled heavily in the air, and I struggled to process the revelation of my supposed death certificate. It was a harsh reminder of the tangled web of lies and deceit that seemed to surround my past, and I found myself grappling with a mixture of disbelief and frustration.

It sure was a lot to take in, the idea that there was a death certificate out there with my name on it. There must be a gravestone too, not that I would look for it. The mention of Sam's involvement only added to the complexity of the situation.

"So, you were just trying to help Sam?" I asked, still trying to wrap my head around it all.

Jasper nodded earnestly. "Yeah, he was really torn up about what happened. Thought maybe if he could talk to you, it might bring him some closure."

I couldn't help but feel a twinge of sympathy for Sam. Despite everything that had happened between us, he was still struggling with the aftermath of my disappearance. But at the same time, I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to the story than Jasper was letting on.

"But why keep looking into it?" I pressed, my curiosity getting the better of me. "Why go to all that trouble just for Sam?"

Jasper hesitated for a moment before responding. "I guess I just couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right. It seemed strange that there was no one to claim your body, no one to mourn your passing and no funeral. I just wanted to make sure there wasn't something more to the story."

His words struck a chord with me, stirring up a whirlwind of emotions. There was a part of me that wanted to believe him, to believe that his intentions were genuine. But there was another part of me that couldn't shake the feeling of distrust that had been lingering ever since our first encounter.

"I appreciate your honesty," I said finally, breaking the tense silence that had settled between us. "But just tell Sam that I think it's best if we leave the past in the past. There's no point dwelling on what can't be changed."

"Did you guys use to date?" Jasper's question caught me off guard, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of irritation bubbling up inside me. The mere suggestion of a romantic involvement between Sam and me was enough to make my skin crawl.

"What the fuck made you think that? We never dated!" I replied sharply, my tone laced with disgust.

Jasper held up his hands defensively, his expression apologetic. "I'm just trying to figure out why my friend wants to talk to you so badly! He's been beating himself up over what happened, and I thought maybe there was more to the story."

His words struck a chord with me, reminding me of the guilt and remorse that Sam had carried with him ever since my disappearance. But despite his efforts to understand, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered in the pit of my stomach.

"You're very loyal," I said, my voice sounding extremely annoyed as I acknowledged Jasper's unwavering support for his friend. "But trust me, there's nothing between Sam and me. We were never more than acquaintances."

Jasper nodded understandingly, sensing my discomfort with the topic. "I'm sorry if I overstepped. I just want to help Sam any way I can."

"Just drop it, you're too eager and it's none of your business."

I heard the beep of the dryer, signaling that Jasper's clothes were ready to be taken out. With a sigh, I got up from the couch and made my way to the laundry room to retrieve them. As I folded the warm garments, I couldn't help but feel a sense of annoyance lingering within me.

When I returned to the living room, Jasper was still lounging on the couch, looking far too comfortable for my liking. Without a word, I tossed the neatly folded clothes in his direction, making sure they landed squarely in his lap.

"Here's your laundry," I said curtly, my tone betraying my frustration. "Try not to make a mess this time."

Jasper caught the bundle of clothes with ease, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. "Thanks, Alex. You're a lifesaver."

I rolled my eyes, refusing to acknowledge the gratitude in his voice. Instead, I retreated to the kitchen, leaving Jasper to dress himself in peace. As I busied myself with washing the dishes, I couldn't shake the feeling that our interactions were becoming increasingly complicated.

Jasper's sudden closeness caught me off guard, his warmth enveloping me as he stood behind me, his muscular arms effectively trapping me in front of the sink. Despite my efforts to focus on the dishes, his presence was impossible to ignore.

"You seem to be aware that you've piqued my interest, Alex," he said, his voice low and enticing. "Don't underestimate my fixation, ok."

I scoffed, feeling a mixture of irritation and unease at his boldness. "Weren't you just fixated on your girlfriend being pregnant by another guy?"

Jasper chuckled, the sound sending a shiver down my spine. "Oh, none of that was true. It's Sam's messy life. But never has someone I tried to pick up with that story been so interesting. I'd like to know more about you."

I gritted my teeth, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. "Fuck. Why's that my problem?" I muttered, cursing my luck. Of all the people to attract, I had to end up with a playboy.

"No one's ever rejected me before either," Jasper continued, undeterred. "It makes me want you more. You're an exciting little thing. And those eyes are really intense."

I couldn't help but scoff at his words, feeling a surge of annoyance. "They look crazy," I mumbled, unable to meet his gaze.

"No. They're intense as fuck," Jasper replied, his tone filled with genuine admiration. "I find them exhilarating to look at."

I let out a frustrated sigh, feeling a mix of irritation and confusion swirling inside me. Despite my best efforts to push him away, Jasper's persistence was starting to wear me down. He was obviously blind if he thought I looked good in the moment. I looked liked I belonged in the streets picking up trash or behind bars. "Ok, thanks."

Jasper's grin was infuriatingly confident as he asserted, "I know you're interested in me too."

I scoffed, refusing to give him the satisfaction of a direct response. "You're indeed attractive, doesn't mean I'm interested in you," I retorted, rolling my eyes for emphasis. "I just don't know how to deal with people like you. You're loud and too happy for my taste."

"I'll tone it down for the precious young master," His chuckle only grated on my nerves further. "I'll come over again soon. Thanks for the amazing dinner, and tonight, I hope you'll call me. You still have my number, right?" he asked, his tone teasing.

With a resigned sigh, I admitted, "Yes."

"Sweet dreams, Alex," Jasper said, his voice softening slightly as he leaned in to kiss my cheek. Before I could protest, he darted out of the room, calling a cheerful goodnight to Travis as he left.

"He kissed me!" I whispered.

I watched him go, feeling a mixture of frustration and bewilderment swirling inside me from the sheer audacity. Despite my attempts to push him away, Jasper seemed determined to maintain his presence in my life, and I couldn't help but feel like it would take a miracle to shake off this unwanted attachment.

"Why's your face so red, Alex?"