Page 88 of Trust Me
“Wow.” They both beam up at me, starstruck.
I bump their fists with a grin. “I may be the best, but your brother here could give me a run for my money if he continues to practice and perform the way he is.”
Isaiah pales beside me. “What? Seriously, you think so?”
“I do, I really do. Keep up the hard work, Thomas.” I clap him on the back, and then we turn to pose for some photos for the media.
After all that is said and done, Tammy pulls me aside. “Elio, I want to thank you,” she cries, happy tears I’m assuming.
“You’ve done that multiple times. No need.”
“I need you to know how grateful I am. This saved not only my business, but my family as well. It broke me when Isaiah offered to quit school to help me out.” She pauses, shaking her head before continuing. “Do you know how helpless that made me feel as a mother? I felt like a failure.”
“Tammy, look at those boys.” I tilt my head and she follows, seeing their wide smiles as they talk. “That is not a failure. The joy on their faces, the good people they are. That’s all you. You’re an amazing mother and teacher. Don’t ever doubt that.”
Tammy sniffles, holding back her tears. I pull her into a hug, and she begins to sob against me.
“And for the record, you still wouldn’t be a failure even if this didn’t work out. You’d find a way to make it work because that’s the kind of mother you are. Your worth isn’t determined by what you have or can provide. It’s about how you love those kids with all that you have. And I know you do.”
“Thank you, Elio.” She wipes her eyes. “I have no doubt you’re going to make a difference with so many businesses, and in turn, their families.”
What she doesn’t realize is that it’s not me changing their lives, it’s them. I’m simply giving them resources and the knowledge that I’ve learned over the years to help them.
I’m no savior. I’m just a guy who wants to help small businesses thrive and do some good along the way.
Chapter 36
Elio
“You okay, dolcezza?” I ask Jasmine, who’s sitting up straight against the black leather chair in my private plane. We’re currently on our way to my friend Brooks’ wedding in Bora Bora.
“I’ve never been on a plane before, so I’m a little scared,” she admits, looking embarrassed.
I knew she had never traveled out of the country, but I had assumed she traveled domestically. “Come here.” I motion for her to sit next to me.
She hastily shakes her head back and forth. “Nope, I’m not undoing my seat belt. Not a chance.”
I reach my hand across the table, intertwining it with hers. “You’re going to be okay.”
Jasmine nods, giving my hand a squeeze as the jet begins to race down the runway. Her eyes shut as she grips me even tighter.
Knowing her the way I do, I don’t say anything. I simply rub my thumb across the back of her hand, letting her know I’m here.
Once we’re given the go ahead, I undo my seat belt and then stand. Leaning over the table between us, I undo her seat belt. “C’mere.”
I wrap my arms around her waist, lifting her into the air and over the table. I sit and place her on my lap. She doesn’t argue, making herself right at home. Jasmine nestles her head into my neck, inhaling deeply as she takes calming breaths.
I rub my hands up and down her back, trying to soothe her anxiety. We have a fifteen-hour-long flight ahead of us, so I’ll have to keep her busy mind off of her worries.
Our classes and exams are finished, making this wedding come at the perfect time. Jasmine studied her ass off, and I rewarded her each night, giving her the appreciation she deserves for working so hard.
It was easy to convince her parents that she was traveling with Camille, telling them that she was visiting her hometown in Europe. Jasmine’s parents know Camille is well-off, so they were thrilled when Jasmine told them it wasn’t costing her anything either.
Now we have to make sure her parents don’t see Camille while we’re gone for the week.
“Let’s get more comfortable,” I tell her and stand with her in my arms, walking us to the black leather couch. It’s a perfect fit with her body resting on top of mine.
“What are you doing?” she ponders, resting her chin on my chest.