Chapter 10: Jealousy

The next day, Jake came walking into Brooke's office. It was becoming to be a daily habit. "Hey," Jake said happily.

Brooke looked up from her desk, "Hey yourself," she greeted back.

"I was wondering if you'd like to join me for lunch."

"You know, I'd love to, but I actually have a lunch date."

Jake was disappointed. "Really? With who?"

"Well, not that it's any of your business, but it's with Kevin Romero."

"The Kevin Romero?"

"Yeah. He's one of our clients. I'm trying to get him on board with your new project."

"You start pretty early." Jake commented.

"Is that a problem?" Brooke chuckled. "Listen, sorry, but I have to go. See you later." She left her office, and went straight downstairs.

About half-way through her lunch Kevin Romeo, Jake entered the restaurant. He was about to sit by the bar, but then saw the two sitting in the table close by. He suddenly felt jealous. He walked over to their table. "Brooke." He said, trying to hide the fury on his face.

Brooke was caught off-guard, "Jake? What are you doing here?" She asked

"Mr. Jagielski. So good to finally meet you in person, you mother told me so much about you." Kevin stood up shaking Jake's hand.

"You too," Jake clenched his jaw. "Mind if I join?" He said, taking a chair from the table beside them, and sitting next to Brooke.

"Brooke was just telling me about the Princess of Stars, I think it's a fabulous idea. I'm interested to hear more," Kevin reached over and touched Brooke's hand.

The anger in Jake was rising. He didn't like seeing what was happening. "Interested in the project or interested with my employee?" Jake accused.

"Jake!" She snapped at him.

"Excuse me?!" Kevin questioned angrily.

"Well Mr. Romero, it seems that you are more interested in my new events coordinator than my new project."

"Mr. Jagielski, I'm not sure I like what you're implying." Kevin said offended.

"I'm so sorry, Mr. Romero," Brooke got cut off.

"I'm gonna go. Good luck, Brooke." He said, walking away.

Brooke stood up, and called after him, "Mr. Romero! Please wait!"

But Kevin didn't turn around. Brooke ran after him, trying to persuade him to reconsider.

It was about 8:00 at night, and Jake went to see if Brooke was still in her office. He assumed that since it didn't go well with Mr. Romero, she'd be looking for someone else to replace him. He saw that her door was closed.

"Cynthia, where is Brooke?" He asked curious.

"Mr. Jagielski, she left for the day after her lunch break. She went to see if she could get Kevin back."

"Do you know where they went?"

"I'm sorry, but Ms. Davis gave me orders not to tell anyone where she went, especially you."

Jake turned around and left the building.

He parked outside Brooke's house, and waited until she came home. He continually tried to reach her on her cell phone, but it always went straight to voice mail.

It was quarter to 12, when Jake saw her silver Mercedes drive into the driveway. She got out of the car, and locked her car. On her way to the house, she paused, seeing an angry Jake waiting. She continued walking, but Jake grabbed her arm.

"What Jake? There isn't anyone here for you to scare away, now let go of me."

"Where have you been? Brooke, you can't just cut work like that."

"I didn't cut work. I was out trying to fix the mess you created."

"You were with Kevin?"

"Yes," Brooke replied.

"Brooke, I don't want to hanging out with him, let alone work with him."

"Who the hell are you to tell me who I can and cannot see?"

Jake just exhaled, and turned away.

"Well….Are you jealous?"

"Yes! Fine! There, I said it. I'm jealous of Kevin. Are you satisfied?" Once Jake realized what he was saying, he walked away, and drove home.

Brooke stood there shocked. She never knew that Jake felt that way about her. It was weird, but at the same time, it felt good. It made her seem that she had a chance with him. That they can be something more than just co-workers, and maybe more than friends.