Chapter 21

The following Sunday afternoon, Jalen was trying to relax and recharge. Sundays were supposed to be the days he could take time to himself since the rest of the week was spent being there for the seven women in his life.

Jalen was stretched out on his couch, controller in hand, locked in a heated Call of Duty match when his phone rang. He groaned, seeing Rodney’s name flashing across the screen.

Man, I already know he’s about to ask me for something.

Setting the controller down, Jalen sighed and answered. “What’s up, Rod?”

“Bruh! You gotta roll with me tonight!” Rodney’s voice came through the speaker, full of urgency.

Jalen shook his head. “Comon Bruh ... I’m tired. My life has been a circus. I just want to play Call of Duty and chill the rest of the day.”

“Bruh, they got the hottest women and the best vibes at this spot, and I need a wingman. Please?!”

Jalen leaned his head back on the couch. “What even is this club?”

“It’s a new spot called The Ice and Flame Club. I went last month, and I went again last Sunday. It’s fire, bruh. They got this whole 1940s vibe. Old-school glamour, live music, the whole nine.”

Jalen rubbed his temple. “Rod, you don’t even like jazz music. Why the hell are you suddenly obsessed with this place?”

Rodney took a dramatic breath. “Jalen. Jessica Robinson.”

“ ... Who the hell is Jessica?”

Rodney scoffed like Jalen just disrespected the Queen of England. “Bruh..., Jessica Robinson is a goddess. She’s the hottest woman to walk this earth. She performs there every so often, and she’s scheduled to perform tonight. Men would kill for a chance to touch her.”

Jalen chuckled. “You sound down bad.”

Rodney didn’t even deny it. “I am down bad, bruh! That’s why you gotta roll with me!”

Jalen sighed, rubbing his face. “Man...”

“Come on! One night. Just one night! You need to get out, take a break from all the madness. Just chill, have a drink, and enjoy some fine-ass women. I promise you’ll thank me.”

Jalen groaned, knowing Rodney wasn’t gonna let up. “ ... Fine. I’ll go.”

“YES!” Rodney shouted. “I’ll pick you up at nine. Dress sharp. This ain’t no throw-on-a-hoodie spot. You gotta clean up nice.”

Jalen smirked. “I always clean up nice.”

Rodney laughed. “You right, you right. Aight, bet. I’ll text you when I’m on the way.”

Jalen hung up, shaking his head. “Man, what the hell did I just sign up for?”

Later that evening, Jalen stood in front of his bathroom mirror, buttoning up his silver dress shirt with a reluctant sigh. He adjusted the black blazer over his broad shoulders, the tailored fabric hugging his frame just right. His black slacks were crisp, and his shoes were polished to perfection.

As he smoothed out his collar, he eyed his reflection. Damn, I do clean up nice.

His phone buzzed on the counter.

Rodney: “I’m outside. Let’s go, bruh. You ‘bout to witness history.”

Jalen chuckled, shaking his head. History? Rodney was way too hype about this chick.

A few minutes later, he grabbed his keys and phone, heading outside.

Rodney pulled up to The Ice and Flame Club at exactly 9:27 PM. Jalen stepped out, taking in the sight of the building. It was stunning, art deco architecture, glowing signage, and a vintage aesthetic that made it feel like they’d stepped back in time.

“You weren’t kidding about the vibe,” Jalen admitted as they approached the entrance. “This place is classy.”

Rodney grinned, practically vibrating with excitement. “Told you! And we haven’t even gotten inside yet.”

The moment they entered, Jalen instantly felt the shift. The place oozed old-school sophistication. The interior was dimly lit with golden chandeliers, dark wooden accents, and plush red velvet seating. The air was thick with a mix of cologne, perfume, and the distant scent of expensive cigars. A live jazz band played softly in the background, setting the perfect sultry tone. Women floated through the space, draped in silk gowns, glittering dresses, and dramatic high heels. The men were equally sharp, wearing suits and ties, with a few rocking suspenders and fedoras to match the club’s era-inspired theme. A black-and-white photo of Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington hung near the entrance, emphasizing the venue’s deep jazz roots.

Jalen exhaled, impressed. “Alright, Rodney ... you might’ve actually put me onto something.”

Rodney smirked. “Man, we ain’t even got to the best part. Let’s hit the bar, get some drinks, and get a good spot before Jessica takes the stage. You gotta see her to believe it.”

Jalen followed his boy to the bar, wondering just how legendary this woman really was. He already had seven gorgeous women in his life so his expectations were very low as to how impressed he could really be. The two ordered drinks, Rodney was fidgeting in his seat, practically bouncing with anticipation as he kept glancing toward the stage at the far end of the room. Jalen, meanwhile, leaned back, sipping his bourbon and ginger ale, taking in the atmosphere. He had to admit, this place had a vibe. The energy was intimate, classy, and electric all at once.

Then the lights dimmed, and the low hum of conversation around them quieted. A voice came over the loudspeaker, smooth and theatrical.

“Ladies and gentlemen ... may we present, ... the gorgeous and divine ... Jessica ... Robinson...”

Rodney tensed beside Jalen, nudging him hard in the arm. “Here she comes!” he whispered excitedly. Jalen just smirked and shook his head, amused at how giddy his boy was acting over a woman he had never even spoken to.

Then it happened. The stage remained in darkness, except for a single spotlight illuminating the curtain. From behind it, one single, long, toned leg stepped out, slow and deliberate. The red Christian Louboutin So Kate stiletto caught the light, gleaming with every shift of her foot. The energy in the room shifted immediately as if every man in the place suddenly forgot how to breathe.

Then, that voice...

Smooth, velvety, with a sultry richness that wrapped around the room like smoke. A voice that wasn’t just heard but felt.

“You had plenty money, 1922...”

Rodney exhaled sharply. “Fuuuuck,” he muttered under his breath.

Jalen was still unfazed. That is, until she fully stepped out from behind the curtain. And holy shit ... Jessica Robinson was breathtaking.

She wasn’t just beautiful. She was stunning to the point where she almost didn’t seem real. She was like a woman out of time, a classic Hollywood goddess reborn in the modern day.

Her long, voluminous auburn-red hair was styled in soft, cascading waves that shimmered under the light, a glossy sheen accentuating the movement. Her high cheekbones, perfectly sculpted jawline, and large, almond-shaped green eyes made her look like she had stepped right out of a painting. Her lips, plump, painted a deep, rich red lipstick color, parted just enough to let her sultry notes escape effortlessly.

And then there was the dress. A strapless, form-fitting, sequined red gown that hugged every sinful curve of her hourglass body. The slit riding high up her thigh left just enough to the imagination while still taunting the mind. And those huge, round breasts? The dress looked like it was struggling to contain them.

She was a walking fantasy. A siren in human form.

“You let other women make a fool of you...”

And then Jalen felt it. That same warmth, the same pull in his chest and gut, the unexplainable yet undeniable force that he had now come to recognize. Jalen swallowed, his grip tightening around his glass. “Fuck, man...” He thought.

Rodney leaned closer, still lost in his daze. “This is the first time I’ve seen her without her gloves on,” he murmured.

Even Jessica’s hands matched the rest of her body’s stunning aura. One of her wrists had several bright gold bracelets that gleamed in the light, and she had perfectly manicured long red-colored, almond-shaped acrylic nails. The nail color perfectly matched her dress, heels, and lipstick.

Jalen barely heard Rodney because he was realizing exactly what this meant. She was the eighth. Jessica Robinson was the final woman.

Jalen found himself leaning back in his chair, watching as Jessica commanded the stage with every subtle movement. Her presence was mesmerizing, her voice dripping with the kind of seductive confidence that could ensnare any man in the room.

“You sittin’ down wonderin’ what it’s all about You ain’t got no money, they will put you out Why don’t you do right Like some other men do?”

Her emerald-green eyes scanned the crowd as she sang, locking onto different men, making them feel like they were the only ones in the room. Rodney was practically drooling, his hands clasped together in front of him like he was praying to the goddess on stage.

“Bruh...” Rodney muttered, shaking his head. “She’s perfection.”

Jalen smirked but didn’t respond. He wasn’t immune. Jessica was stunning, captivating, unreal, but Jalen had been around enough incredible women to know when something was dangerous.

Then it happened. Jessica’s gaze landed on him. Unlike the fleeting glances she had given other men, this one lingered. She didn’t just see him, she studied him, as if she was trying to memorize every inch of his face. The way her lips curled into a small, knowing smirk sent a shiver down Jalen’s spine.

And then ... she winked.

Rodney noticed immediately. “Oh, hell no. Did she just—?!”

Jalen exhaled through his nose, keeping his expression unreadable. “Relax, bruh.”

“Relax?! She just singled you out! Do you understand how many dudes in here would sell their soul just to get a damn handshake from her?!”

Jessica continued her performance, but the exchange between them felt pointed. That look, that smirk, and of course that wink. Jessica had to be feeling it too. That same pull that had drawn Jalen to Sydney, Kristen, Megan, Rachel, Heidi, Karla, and Chrysti.

The Beyonder’s Prophecy was on the verge of being complete.

Jessica finished her song and then returned backstage. There was a roar of applause as the curtain closed behind her. Then the lights returned to their original setting and the club resumed its usual lively atmosphere of background music, conversations, and drinks flowing. Rodney was still buzzing with excitement, damn near shaking Jalen’s arm.

“Bruh, listen, I need you to go back there and talk to her.”

Jalen raised an eyebrow. “Why the hell would I do that?”

Rodney looked at him like he was crazy. “Because she winked at you! Bro, you don’t understand. She’s never done that to anyone before. Ever. This is your shot!”

Jalen exhaled, rubbing his chin. Rodney had no idea what was actually happening. Jessica wasn’t just a beautiful woman showing interest. She was the final piece to an insane, cosmic puzzle that had upended his entire life. Jalen had already accepted seven pregnancies, seven relationships, and the burden of being the father to the future saviors of the galaxy. Now, the last woman had appeared, and all he could do was brace himself for whatever was coming next.

Rodney kept pushing. “Just—just try, bro! What do you have to lose?!”

Rodney’s insistence aside, Jalen knew that the prophecy dictated that he needed to find some way to talk to her. The problem was security wasn’t going to let just anyone backstage. Jalen wondered how many men have been caught trying to sneak back there to see Jessica. He sat at the bar, thinking. There were two large bouncers posted at the hallway entrance leading to the dressing rooms. There was no way he could just walk in without them stopping him.

Then, an opportunity presented itself. A waitress carrying a tray of drinks passed by, heading toward the back. She disappeared behind the velvet curtain, nodding at the guards who let her through without question. Jalen smirked.

“That’s my way in.” He thought.

He acted quickly.

Rodney almost jumped out of his chair in excitement. “Yo, my boy is about to go holla Jessica Robinson! Oh my God—”

“Shut up, Rodney,” Jalen muttered, making his way toward the backstage area.

He casually walked over to the bar near the back entrance. He grabbed an empty serving tray left behind by another waitress. Then, he waited, watching the timing of the staff coming in and out. After about five minutes, another busboy carrying a tray of empty glasses walked past. Jalen followed just a few steps behind him, making himself blend in. When they reached the bouncers, the busboy was waved through. Jalen acted like he belonged, giving a subtle nod to the guards. He kept walking, keeping his expression neutral, his posture confident.

And just like that ... he was in.

Jalen moved quickly down the hallway, passing a few doors until he spotted the one labeled “Guest Dressing Room.” This had to be her. He didn’t hesitate. He set the tray down and then turned the handle and slipped inside before anyone could stop him.

The room was a mix of old-school Hollywood glam and modern luxury. A vanity mirror lined with warm lights reflected an array of makeup, perfumes, and jewelry. A plush red couch sat against one wall, and an elegant black-and-gold gown was draped over a chair.

Jessica was sitting in front of the mirror, removing her earrings. She froze when she saw his reflection in the mirror. She slowly turned around, her green eyes narrowing.

“Who the hell are you?” Jessica’s sultry voice was laced with suspicion.

Jalen held up his hands in a placating gesture. “Relax. I just wanted to talk.”

Jessica crossed her arms, eyeing him up and down. Her posture wasn’t afraid. She clearly wasn’t the type to get scared easily. Instead, she was studying him, trying to figure out if he was just another crazed fan or something else entirely.

“ ... You’re bold. Sneaking into my dressing room? You got a death wish or something?”

Jalen smirked, leaning against the door. “Nah, but something tells me you wouldn’t have let me in if I knocked.”

Jessica tilted her head slightly, watching him. There was something familiar about him, and she couldn’t put her finger on why.

“You’re funny. And you’re not wrong,” she admitted. “I don’t entertain strange men in my space.”

“Then why haven’t you kicked me out yet?”

Jessica didn’t answer immediately. It was a good question. There was something about him that made her hesitate, something pulling her in, and that unnerved her.

She narrowed her eyes. “ ... Who are you?”

Jalen took a step forward, meeting her gaze. “I’m Jalen. Jalen Moss.”

Jessica exhaled slowly, running her tongue over her red lips. She was intrigued now, but she still wasn’t about to drop her guard.

“You got ten seconds to tell me why you’re here before I have security come in and rip your arms off.”

Jalen just chuckled.

“Go ahead.”

Jessica blinked. That wasn’t the reaction she expected. Most men tried to impress her, flatter her, or shrink under her intensity. Jalen wasn’t doing any of that, which pissed her off.

“You think I won’t?” Jessica challenged.

Jalen tilted his head, eyes locked on hers. “No, I think you don’t want to.”

Silence. Jessica can’t deny it. She doesn’t. What the hell was happening? She didn’t know this man, but for some reason, he was standing in her dressing room, looking at her like he’d known her forever, and what’s worse, it didn’t feel wrong. She hated how her body responded to him, how his presence alone was making her heart race. She was not some love-struck idiot. So she did what she does best. She regained control. She stood up and took a slow step forward, her red-soled heels clicking against the floor. Then another, until she was right in front of him.

“I don’t like games, Jalen Moss.” Jessica said softly, her voice dangerous.

Jalen doesn’t move or flinch.

“Neither do I.”

Jessica tilted her head, studying him.

“Then what do you want?”

Jalen’s voice is steady.

“To talk.”

Jessica smirked.

“You snuck past security just to talk? Sounds like bullshit.”

Jalen smiled back. “Maybe.”

Jessica let out a short laugh, half amused, half irritated. She still didn’t know who the hell this man was, but for some reason ... she wants to. Her eyes locked onto his. She felt something ... something undeniable, but it made no damn sense. She wasn’t the type of woman who let men in easily. She was used to attention, admiration, and controlling every interaction with men who wanted a piece of her, but this was different, and it frustrated her.

“So,” she said, turning around and walking back to her chair, arms folded. “Did you sneak in here just to stroke my ego, try to have your way with me, or is there something else you want?”

Jalen eyes never left her. “Maybe I just wanted to see if the woman behind the voice is as mesmerizing as the one on stage.”

Jessica’s red lips curved into a dangerous smile. “That’s bold.”

“I tend to be.” Jalen responded.

Jessica sat back down and leaned forward, resting her elbows on her vanity. “So, tell me, Jalen. What exactly makes you think you’re so special?”

Jalen smiled again. “You tell me. You’re the one who still hasn’t kicked me out yet.”

Silence. Jessica hated that he was right. She should’ve had security drag him out by now.

Jessica exhaled sharply, her long red acrylic nails tapping against the vanity. “I will kick you out if you don’t stop bullshitting me with your cryptic lines.”

“Okay. Fine.” Jalen said, crossing his arms now. “Why did you wink at me?”

Jessica turned around to look at him again.

“Is that why you’re here? Because of a stupid wink?”

“No. It’s because I was with my friend who has seen all of your performances, and he said you’ve NEVER done that before. So, I’m asking, why me?”

Jessica froze for a second. Damn. He caught that? She had no intention of drawing attention to him like that. She barely even registered the wink when she did it. It was instinctual, like her body acted before her mind even processed it. Now this man, this stranger, was standing in her dressing room, staring at her like he had all the answers she didn’t even know she needed.

She folded her arms again and tilted her head slightly. “So let me get this straight. You snuck past security, came into my dressing room, all because I winked at you?”

Jalen didn’t back down. He stood his ground, arms crossed, staring right back at her.

“I ask you again, why me? Why, after dozens of performances, hundreds of people watching you, did you single me out? What made me different?”

Jessica felt her pulse quicken. She wasn’t used to being questioned like this. Usually, she was the one in control. She set the tone and decided how the night went. Her lips parted slightly, but she had no answer, or at least, not one that made sense.

“I don’t know,” she admitted, and she hated that she had to say it.

Jalen took a slow step toward her. Deliberate and controlled. “That’s not good enough.”

Jessica exhaled sharply, annoyed at how easily he was getting under her skin. “Then take whatever answer you need and get the hell out.”

Jalen studied her for a second, and then ... he made that smirk. Jessica hated how that smirk made her feel.

“You felt it, didn’t you?” he said smoothly. “The same thing I did.”

Jessica’s stomach tightened. She didn’t answer because she didn’t have to.

Jalen smiled harder. He looked down for a second before looking back up at her. He then uncrossed his arms.

“I’ll go now.” He said. “I’m sorry for bothering you. It was a pleasure to meet you Ms. Robinson.”

Jessica watched as Jalen turned to go. She felt an immediate pull in her chest, something deep and frustratingly irrational screaming at her not to let him leave. But why? She had never been the kind of woman to chase a man. She’d never been the kind of woman to let anyone, especially a stranger, get into her head. Then just as he was about to open the door, she shut her eyes tightly before saying:

“Wait.”

Jalen stopped, his hand hovering just above the door handle. He turned back, his expression unreadable.

“Yeah?”

Jessica stood up and folded her arms yet again, suddenly feeling exposed, vulnerable in a way she didn’t like, but she couldn’t ignore this feeling.

“You walked in here with all this confidence, like you already knew something I don’t,” she said, narrowing her green eyes at him. “So, tell me. What is it that you think I felt?”

Jalen studied her for a second before stepping forward again, just close enough to command the space but not invade hers.

“You really wanna know?”

Jessica held her ground. “Yes, enlighten me.”

Jalen exhaled softly, shaking his head like even he couldn’t believe he was about to say this.

“The second you looked at me, I felt like I’d known you my whole life,” he said simply. “Like you were already mine, and the way you looked back at me?” He tilted his head. “Even if you don’t want to admit it, you felt the same thing.”

Jessica’s pulse spiked. She forced herself not to react, not to let him see how much his words rattled her.

“You’re awfully sure of yourself, aren’t you?” she said, arching a brow.

Jalen smiled again. “I only say what I know.”

Jessica scoffed, trying to play off the sudden heat creeping through her body. “Well, you don’t know me, Jalen.”

“Not yet.”

That response sent a jolt through her. She clenched her jaw, turning away from him and sitting back down at her vanity, pretending to adjust her makeup even though she was already flawless. She needed a second to think. Jalen let the silence hang between them for a beat before finally sighing.

“Alright. I’ll go for real this time,” he said, moving toward the door again.

And then there it was again. That sinking feeling in Jessica’s stomach at the thought of him leaving.

“Damn it.” She thought.

“ ... What are you doing tomorrow night?” She suddenly said without turning around.

Jalen stopped again, looking over his shoulder.

“That depends. Why do you ask?”

Jessica swiveled back toward him, crossing her legs slowly, deliberately. “Because if you really think you ‘know’ me, I want to see how well you handle sitting across from me for a whole meal.”

Jalen chuckled lowly. “Are you asking me out on a date, Ms. Robinson?”

Jessica smirked now, finally regaining some of her usual control. “No. I’m testing you.”

Jalen grinned. “Same thing.”

Jessica rolled her eyes but couldn’t stop the small, amused smile from forming on her lips.

“Fine. Tomorrow night. Seven-thirty,” she said. “Meet me at the St. Regis Bar. And it’s NOT a date.”

Jalen smiled and nodded. “I’ll be there.”

And with that, he finally left. Jessica exhaled slowly, staring at the door long after he was gone.

“What the hell was that?” She thought.

Bro! What happened in there?! Rodney asked Jalen, barely able to keep calm as Jalen returned to the bar. “Comon, don’t get all tight lipped on me now!”

“I’m gonna catch an Uber home, bruh. I’ll holla at you later.” Jalen said, raising his hand to dap him.

He couldn’t hide his smirk though.

“Na, bruh. You can’t do that. Tell me what happened!” Rodney implored.

Rodney then scanned Jalen’s face as he dapped him up.

“Wait ... Did you ... You got a date with her, didn’t you? You bastard! You’re gonna get to see her again, aren’t you?!”

Jalen smirked and simply said, “‘Night, dawg.”

The next day Jalen had lunch with Sydney on her lunch break. Sydney was now more noticeably pregnant at six months. She still looked effortlessly stunning though.

She recently had her nails manicured with periwinkle blue colored acrylic nails. Her blond hair cascaded down her shoulders and back in loose waves. Her makeup was flawless including her nude-colored lipstick. Even her maternity work outfit was stylish. Her heels were much shorter now given her pregnancy, but again, Jalen felt privileged to be next to her. They were sitting side by side in the booth so they could be more handsy and loving to each other.

“I spoke to my mom on the phone last night.” Sydney said.

“Oh yeah? How was that?” Jalen replied as he took a bite of his philly cheesesteak sandwich.

Sydney exhaled. “She wants to meet with you one-on-one. Says she wants to get to know you better in a more civilized conversation this time.”

Jalen swallowed his food before answering. “This is the same woman who hates my guts for being black and not marrying you, isn’t it?” Jalen says chuckling.

Sydney sighed, rolling her eyes as she took a sip of her iced tea. “I never said she hated you for being black. I just said she—”

“—doesn’t approve of me because I’m black and because I’m not Greg,” Jalen finished with a smirk.

Sydney groaned and playfully nudged him with her elbow. “Okay, fine, maybe there’s some mild racism mixed in there, but to be fair, she barely approved of Greg either because we weren’t married yet.”

Jalen raised an eyebrow. “And now she suddenly wants to have a heart-to-heart with me? The same guy she thinks knocked up her daughter and ruined her perfect 1950s dream life?”

Sydney sighed, running a hand through her wavy blonde hair. “Look, I don’t know what her angle is yet, but she says she just wants to talk. No ambushes, no lectures. Just ... a conversation.”

Jalen studied her, noting the slight tension in her shoulders. “And you believe her?”

Sydney hesitated. “ ... I want to.”

Jalen exhaled through his nose, rubbing his thumb over the back of her hand. “So, what do you want me to do?”

Sydney turned her body slightly toward him, looking into his eyes. “I want you to meet with her.”

Jalen tilted his head. “Seriously?”

“Yes,” Sydney said firmly. “I know my mom. She’s stubborn, she’s judgmental, she’s annoying as hell, but she’s also my mom, and if there’s even a chance that she’s trying to make an effort ... I need to at least give her that chance.”

Jalen sighed, shaking his head but unable to say no to her. “Fine. I’ll do it.”

Sydney beamed, squeezing his hand. “Really?”

“Yeah, yeah,” Jalen muttered. “But just so we’re clear, I’m not kissing her ass, I’m not playing the ‘Yes, ma’am, no, ma’am’ game, and I’m definitely not gonna pretend to be something I’m not just to make her feel better about you having my baby out of wedlock.”

Sydney chuckled. “I wouldn’t expect anything less.”

Jalen smirked, then leaned in, kissing her softly. “You owe me for this.”

Sydney smirked back. “Oh, trust me, baby, I’ll make it worth your while.”

Jalen hummed against her lips before pulling back. “Damn right you will. By the way, I’m going to be late coming over tonight.” Jalen said thinking about his scheduled dinner date with Jessica. “Is that okay?”

“Yeah, that’s fine.” Sydney said without even pressing further.

Jalen raised an eyebrow at her lack of curiosity. “That’s it? No ‘Where are you gonna be?’ No ‘Why are you gonna be late?’”

Sydney smirked, popping a fry into her mouth. “Nope.”

Jalen leaned back in the booth, eyeing her suspiciously. “You don’t wanna know, or you already know?”

Sydney shrugged, licking a bit of salt off her fingertip. “I assume it’s either work-related, one of the other girls, or some new situation you haven’t told me about yet.” She gave him a playful glance. “And knowing you, if it was something shady, you wouldn’t have told me at all.”

Jalen shook his head, chuckling. “Damn, you know me too well.”

Sydney smirked and leaned in, her voice teasing. “I do know you, and I also know that when you’re ready to tell me, you will. So I don’t need to pry.”

Jalen stared at her for a beat, appreciating her trust in him. “You’re something else, you know that?”

Sydney winked, stealing one of his fries. “That’s why you love me.”

“You’re definitely right about that.” Jalen said smiling.

They sat in silence for a minute as they continued to eat their food. Jalen thought about something that’s been weighing on him and decided that now was as good a time as ever to tell Sydney about and get her input.

“There is something I would like your opinion on...” Jalen said softly.

“What is it?” Sydney asks.

Jalen hesitates. Then ... he tells Sydney about ... Chrysti. He tells Sydney how he and Chrysti met, connected, how Chrysti knows about Sydney and the other women, how he got her pregnant, how Chrysti is torn about trusting Jalen and embracing his crazy situation because of past betrayals from men in her life, how she almost got an abortion, and how he has no idea if she’ll every truly trust him even though he knows she cares for him.

Sydney listened intently; her expression unreadable as Jalen laid everything out over the course of about fifteen minutes. She didn’t interrupt or react with immediate judgment. When he finally finished, letting out a deep breath, Sydney stared down at her half-eaten fries, her manicured fingers tapping lightly on the table.