She smiled brightly at Huey, who looked at her with so much passion. She extended her hand "I'm Jazmine DuBois, It's a pleasure to finally meet you," she said softly.

Huey, who was taken back by her actions, hesitated at first, but then he caught on to what she was trying to do and he played along with the act. Sebastian and Nina watched anxiously as Huey reached for Jazmine's hand. As their hands touched, a spark went through their bodies like electricity and sudden flashbacks erupted into their minds.

"Babe" Jazmine paused uncertainty, biting her lip.

"Yes?" Said Huey, lying on his back, resting his eyes. Jazmine laid next to him and stared at the ceiling. Six weeks ago, she found an engagement ring concealed inside Huey's backpack. She assumed that he intended to propose to her, so she patiently waited for him to "pop the question", but that never happened. Recently, she went through his backpack to discover that the ring was gone.

She turned her bare body toward him and laid her head on her elbow.

"What ever happened to that ring?" She asked seriously.

His eyes went open, and he responded almost immediately. "What ring?"

Jazmine moved clumsily, lifting the sheet off her exposed torso. "The engagement ring I found in your backpack."

He glared furiously at her. "Why were you rummaging through my stuff"

She shuddered at the hostility of his voice, "I was initially searching for your laptop charger when I came across it," she lifted a strand of hair behind her ear.

He came out of bed and picked up his underwear. "Well, You shouldn't have done that, " he said, swiftly putting on his briefs.

Jazmine stood and picked up her skirt from the floor. "Why are you getting so worked up?" " He didn't respond as he continued to get himself dressed.

"Babe" she groaned. "Look, I'm sorry I went through your backpack Okay, " She sighed frustratedly. ", I didn't mean to spoil the surprise, but I know you wanted to propose"

She said with excitement.

Huey closed his eyes as he realized what was happening.

"I asked Mr. Freeman about the ring, and he said he had given it to you. He said it was your mother's ring. " She confessed. "I know you're probably mad I asked your grandfather about this, but it's been weeks and I was wondering why you haven't proposed to me yet?"

"I don't understand why Grandad would tell you that" He shook his head. His grandfather's dementia was getting worse by the day. " And why the hell would you interrogate my grandfather when you know he's sick," he exclaimed.

"I know; it was horrible on my part." She walked up to him and rested her hand on his shoulder, which made him calm down.

"Baby, I'm really sorry." She kissed him. He groaned deeply. "I wish you hadn't done this," He said.

"Baby, I'm sorry…but please. Could you just ask me now?" She pleaded with her hands over his chest,

He removed her hands, "I'm not going to ask you!" He said angrily. He turned away.

Jazmine crossed her arms. "I don't understand. Why would you have your mother's wedding ring if it wasn't your intention to ask me to marry you "?

"Because it was for Riley," Huey revealed. Jazmine's eyes widened." He's planning to propose to Cindy after he graduates, and he wanted Mom's ring, since I'm the oldest, The ring automatically goes to me which is why I asked Grandad for the ring" He explained.

A pillow was thrown at him at full speed , but he caught it in time. "What on earth, Huey!" She shouted. "Why did you have to give him THAT ring!" She shrieked. Her eyes were filled with tears.

"I've explained why,"Huey raised his hands over his head. It annoyed him that she overreacted.

Jazmine groaned frustratedly. " That ring was passed on to you so that you could propose to me!" She stomped her foot. "Huey, you have to ask for it back. You can't let him have ring,"

"Jazmine, I wasn't planning to use that ring. Besides, it's too late. He proposed to Cindy last night" He revealed.

Jazmine's eyes broadened by remembering that she had over 10 missed calls from Cindy, but she was too busy with Huey.

Jazmine began to sob " I don't understand why you wouldn't want to use your mother's ring. "She cried.

"Because I will never need it," he said casually.

She gasped dramatically.

"What are you saying Huey?" She looked at him.

Huey was reluctant to speak. "All I'm saying is I don't need the ring because I'll never get married."

Jazmine lips were trembling with fear. " How come?"

"I shouldn't have to explain myself." He began to raise his voice. "It's simple, I don't want to get married!" He exclaimed.

"No you do need to explain because I want to get married and if you really love me, you would step up and be a real man!" She pointed out. Her mother's words remained in her mind about how it takes a real man to take the relationship to the next level which is marriage.

"What does being a "real man" have to do with marriage! So if we get married and get a divorce "which is most likely to happen" I'm no longer considered a real man?" Huey scoffed. " Stop listening to your little sorority friends, you sound ridiculous "

"Argh!" Jazmine expressed. "For your information, it was my mother who said this to me"

"Your mother?"Huey scoffed . "Isn't she married to Tom who by the way, is the perfect example of why being married doesn't make you a man."

Jazmine gasped "My daddy is a great man! At least he isn't afraid to Make his woman happy! " Huey wanted to laugh at her comment. Ms. DuBois was far from happy as a matter of fact, he is surprised that they have not yet divorced. He would not speak disrespectfully of her parents, so he decided not to comment.

He sighed profoundly and held her hands. "Jazmine, I'm committed to you. I love you. I don't need a piece of paper to confirm that to you." He said, hoping she would drop this.

Jazmine yanked her hands away. She shook her head, "But it's not a piece of paper to me. It's more than that. Huey, I want us to have kids someday, but I don't want to get pregnant until we're married" she said calmly, hoping he would understand.

"That won't be necessary because I'm not having kids either " Huey said bluntly.

"What!" She blinked. "W-why don't you want children?" she said, her voice breaking . "There is nothing more beautiful than having a child. It's a gift from God, why wouldn't you want to share that with me?" She asked.

"Jazz , look at us. We have done well for ourselves, we both graduated with honors, now we are at university taking a step toward our career dreams. More importantly, our relationship is strong and healthy. Having a kid would only hold us back. Let alone, it will make us despise each other. Why on earth would I want that? " He truthfully said.

"Because you love me and if you love someone you make sacrifices to make them happy," She protested.

"Since we're being manipulative. If you really loved me, Jazmine, you'd sacrifice the desire to get married and have children to make me happy," Huey said.

Jazmine gasped and covered her mouth. "How dare you!"

"How dare I choose a life of success over the hardships of having children? " He said sarcastically.

"We can still have successful lives that include getting married and having children. I'm not saying I want it right away. " Jazmine suggested. "If you want us to pursue our careers first then I'm willing to wait, but once we reach our goal. I want us to settle down and have a family and,"

"You're not listening ! " Huey interrupted. "I'm not gonna marry you, and I won't have children, ever!" He yelled.

"And I'm not gonna be your 85 year old girlfriend!" she screamed.

"..." They stared at one another breathing heavily. Finally, Jazmine broke the stare off and sighed deeply. She crossed her arms as she made the hardest decision of her life. "Huey, " she sighs. "I'm giving you an ultimatum. " . His brows rose

"What?"

Jazmine avoided contact as she continued "If you don't intend to settle down with me, then we don't have a future " she gulped nervously.

"So you're breaking up with me?" Huey asked in disbelief.

"Not necessarily, but If we don't want the same things in life such as marriage and children. I don't think we should continue this relationship " she said, holding back her tears.

Huey blew a sharp breath. "This is bullshit" he murmured, but deep inside he knew she was right. He sat down at the edge of the bed and buried his face in his palms.

Jazmine sat beside Huey , but there was an empty space between them . Both of them sat in silence. Afraid to say a word, Suddenly, everything they had built didn't matter and the future of their relationship was in their hands yet they were losing grip.

Huey wanted Jazmine badly, more than anything he wanted her to stay but he realized that he respected her too much to allow her to settle for less. She deserved everything she wanted, but He couldn't give it to her. Despite his undeniable love for her, his desire to follow his dreams was so important to him. He didn't want anything to slow him down.

Jazmine was in love with Huey, and she wanted to spend the rest of her life by his side. However, she felt like she deserves to fulfill her dreams. If he wasn't willing to compromise with her for her happiness, she didn't think it was wise to stay. She didn't want to be apart of his life if it meant she had to lower her standards to be in it.

"You're right "He said, which caught her attention. She looked at him with hope in her eyes, but he could tell she was on the verge of tears. He sighed deeply as he forced himself to speak. "It wouldn't make sense for us to continue on if we don't share the same interests ." Her eyes lowered. "I want you to know that you're the most beautiful person I ever met and you deserve to be with someone who will give you the world" a tear dropped from her long lashes.

this was the end.

"But unfortunately I'm not that man" He said, his own words hurting his soul. He expected her to scream at him and cry but instead she nodded her head. "Okay" she looked at him with her beautiful green puffy eyes. " I understand " she looked at his wine-colored eyes that concealed so much hurt.

They sat silently once more, but this time they held hands for the last time. Afraid to let go, They remained that way for 20 minutes. Finally Jazmine spoke up.

" I should go," she announced.

"Okay, I'll walk you to your dorm" He said, getting up. Jazmine stood along with him. " Thank you, but I'll be fine walking by myself " She said as they reached the door.

"Okay...so I guess... this is goodbye " He said nonchalantly, yet his eyes said it all, he was hurt.

Jazmine bit her lower lip to keep from crying. "Yeah, " was all she managed to say. She turned to leave but then suddenly , he grabbed her wrist pulling her back. For a moment, she thought he was going to say he's sorry and beg her to stay but instead…

"I really hope you find someone that can make you happy " He said sincerely his eyes were glistening like he was ready to cry ." Goodbye Jazmine " his jaw tightened. He wanted to be strong.

Jazmine looked at him sadly . "Goodbye, Huey" she couldn't bear to look at him anymore so she ran out the door. He shut the door immediately. A single tear dropped from his eyes as he leaned his forehead against the door. On the other side of the door, Jazmine was doing the same, her tears dropped from her eyes and her hand was placed on the door which is unknowingly where Huey had placed his hand.

Both of them were like glue stuck in the same position for a moment, but finally Jazmine let go and walked away with tears pouring down. Huey removed himself from the door and returned to his bed and laid on the spot, her side of the bed. He inhaled her scent and instantly he missed her, tears rushed his eyes because he had lost the woman he would love forever.

The warmth of her hand melted his heart and he wanted to touch more of her. "Huey Freeman, it's a pleasure to meet you too, " He said, shaking her soft hand. Jazmine stared at him with wide eyes. She couldn't believe Huey Freeman was standing before her.

She never thought she'd see his handsome face again.

Huey couldn't believe it was her. He hasn't seen her in 20 years, She was still absolutely stunning. He could see that her eyes were glowing with tears but she didn't dare let them fall. She kept a smile on her face. He always adored her smile.

Nina, who felt a bit uncomfortable with them staring at one another for so long, cleared her throat which made them pull their hand away.

"Now that we've all met, could we get dinner started now?" She said, trying to hide the annoyance in her voice. She didn't like that her dad seemed to be checking out Sebastian's mom. What was up with him she thought.

Jazmine chuckled, blushing slightly. "Oh yes, please Nina, why don't you find a fine seat for your daddy, " she almost cursed under her breath for using the term Fine and daddy in the same sentence. Jazmine tapped Sebastian's shoulder.

"Son, would you be a dear and help me bring the food to the table? " she glanced at Huey who never took his eyes off her. She touched her freckled nose and sighed softly before looking away. After all these years he could still make her blush. "Sure Ma" he said, looking at Nina who had an uneasy look on her face. He mouthed "Are you okay?" Which she nodded in response. He nodded his head and went towards the kitchen.

Jazmine gasped as she leaned her body towards the sink. She placed her hands on the counter as she tried to catch her breath. So many questions were roaming through her mind as she thought of the reason for their past break- up . He didn't want to settle with marriage and kids yet, he ended up becoming everything he swore he would never be.

A husband, and a father.

Was it that he didn't want those things specifically with her? Suddenly She felt a burning in her chest as she thought of how Nina described how much he loved her mother.

Jazmine felt guilty for feeling jealous of a woman who was deceased, but she couldn't help herself. She couldn't help but wonder what did his wife have that she didn't?

"Ma?" She felt Sebastian's hand on her shoulder. "

"Yes love?" She asked. She smiled at him, but Sebastian felt something wasn't right.

"Are you good ?" He asked.

"Yes baby, mama just tired that's all" She assured him. "Are you sure Ma? You looked like you saw a ghost or something when you met Nina's dad"He mentioned.

Jazmine chuckled nervously. " Nonsense. I was just so surprised at how young he looked. You know how us women are when we see a good looking man we freeze up like ice" she laughed. Sebastian laughed hysterically " Hold up Ma don't tell me you're crushing on Nina's dad" Sebastian said, jokingly.

Jazmine's face turned beamed red " absolutely not! That would be totally inappropriate " she said, panicking.

Sebastian chuckled softly. "I know ma, I'm just messing with you. I know you're not like that besides that would be so weird " He laughed as he began to carrying out the food.

" yeah... so weird," she laughed awkwardly. She sighed, wondering how she was going to get through this night.

Twenty minutes later...

Twenty minutes into dinner Jazmine and Huey sat silently as Nina and Sebastian explained the story of how they first met.

"And at that moment, I knew she was going to be mine," Sebastien said, smiling at Nina, who looked at him with admiration.

"Somebody is arrogant," said Nina, jokingly. She eyed Jazmine, who remained silent the entire time, playing with her food. Sipping her wine every now and then meanwhile Huey kept stealing glances at Jazmine as he silently ate his dinner.

Sebastian was taken aback by his mother's silence. She usually babbles, but this time she didn't speak a word. Perhaps she was nervous, he thought.

Nina noticed a change of demeanor in her father. He seems more observant and he didn't fry Sebastian which is not a bad thing but it was bizarre. She also noticed that he kept looking at Jazmine, it bothered her a bit that he might be physically attracted to her. Sure, she's a very striking woman from head to toe, but she didn't appear to be her father's type.

Wait, what's she talking about?

She really likes Jazmine, she took a sip of drink, almost choking at the thought of them being "A thing". She was worried too much. She should appreciate that her father wasn't focusing on embarrassing her right now.

" So Jazmine, where'd you learn to cook so well? " Huey finally spoke. Nina's eyes expanded a little. Her dad really sparked a conversation. Huey looked at her patiently in anticipation of her reply.

Jazmine, who seemed to have emerged from a waking dream, replied. "I used to be married to Sebastian's dad," Jazmine said offhandedly. Huey immediately felt envious about mentioning Sebastian's father. Jazmine didn't want to seem a little mean-spirited, so she changed her tone. "Sebastian and his father had a similar appetite. Being a vegetarian, I was not familiar with dishes for meat lovers, so I ended up buying a few cookbooks and taught myself "

"Ah I see. I have to say, you've learned well, this food is excellent. "Huey said with a glance." "And that peach cobbler is out of this world, " he mentioned, which made Nina look at him in disbelief.

Jazmine felt her cheeks reheat again. "Thank You, I'm glad you like it, " she said, staring back at him. "This is actually my mom's recipe, but I made a few adjustments," she says.

"Are you certain this is her recipe? " Huey said with a grin. There was no way this could be the same recipe that Mrs. DuBois made.

"I've asked because I assumed your mother is a white woman. Considering that, the last white woman who made a peach cobbler made us sick just by looking at it," he says, hoping not to offend her.

Nina giggled, "I remember that story," she said. "Uncle Riley said some white lady who lived next door made peach cobbler so bad it looked like throw up"

Jazmine laughed out of her mouth. She knew this was about her mother.

"Reminds me of my grandmother Sarah. She made the worst peach pie, but we all were afraid to hurt her feelings so mom made us eat. I swore that I subsequently felt sick," said Sebastian.

Huey looked at Jazmine incredulous. "You made him eat that garbage," he said in jest.

"In my defense, I only told him to take a bite. I didn't know that he would eat it so fast," Jazmine laughed at the memory.

Huey siphoned his wine so as not to laugh.

"Poor baby," Nina said, touching Sebastian's jawbone.

Huey focused on Jazmine. "Jazmine, if I may ask, what is your profession these days?" he asked.

Nina wrinkled her eyebrows, Sebastian noticed and grabbed her hand from underneath the table. He was amazed at Huey's interest in his mother. He even altered the tone of his voice when he spoke with her.

"After working as a nurse practitioner for 18 years, I realized I had lost my passion for nursing, so I decided to retire. '' Jazmine revealed. "Nowadays, I spend most of my time at home online as Chief Instructor. I have my own YouTube channel and website that includes personal cooking classes and I also sell my cookware and cookbooks on Amazon."

Huey wanted to smile. He always knew that Jazmine would become a nurse, but he also liked that she built something more on her own.

"Wow, that's remarkable," he said grinning. "Maybe you could take me on one of those classes." He said in a casual way what shocked Nina and Sebastian. Huey eyes were gazing at her.

"It would be my pleasure, "she said smoothly.

Are they seriously flirting right now? Nina thought as she crossed her arms.

Shit, Mr. Freeman is coming onto my moms, Sebastian thought, shaking his head.

"In fact dad, Jazmine is supposed to give me a personal lesson, so you'll have to wait your turn," said playful Nina, but she was very serious.

"Plus, Dad, I'm going to pass on everything I learn myself with you," she said.

Huey smirked " If this means you'll visit me more often then I support it" he said.

"Yes, Dad of course" smiles Nina, kissing him.

Jazmine could not refrain from admiring the interaction between Huey and his daughter. She always imagined him as a father and she knew he would be a hell of a good father. She used to dream about having children. It made her sad that she likely wasn't lucky enough.

She caught Huey's eyes on her so she lowered her towards her plate. Only when she heard the voice of Sebastian did she feel relieved.

"Ma, you won't believe who I bumped into at the gas station?" When he was brought up, Jazmine looked at Sebastian and inquired anxiously.

"Who baby?"

Sebastian smiled and said, "Coach Dev," he confirmed. Huey looked at him like he was some kind of idiot.

"Oh, I remember Coach Devon." Jazmine laughed. "How is he?" said Jazmine, all of a sudden interested.

"He's good. He's retired from his job. He said he was fed up with coaching," he explained.

"Oh. That's a shame. He was the best coach there"Jazmin mentioned. She looked at Nina, who looked a bit confused. "Coach Devon was Sebastián's high school basketball coach," she said.

"So now he works at a gas station?" Nina wrinkles her nose. Sebastian nodded. "Wow, " she said, shaking her head at his career choice.

"He said he just wants something laid back," Sebastian mentioned.

"That's understandable. The next time you see him, say hello for me," Jazmine said, immediately drawing Huey's attention.

Sebastian laughed, "It's hilarious because he asked about you," he said.

"Oh, really?" asked Jazmine, blushing somewhat.

"Yes, he said wassup and he told me that he would like to invite you to dinner" Sebastian said at the time that he regretted mentioning it. Especially because of how angry Huey was looking at him right now.

"That man is something else, " she said, laughing it off. She knew Sebastian's coach had a crush on her. He always asked her to go out with him, but she felt it was inappropriate. Even though at the time, she was in an open marriage with Sebastian's dad.

"Aw, is he good-looking? Maybe you should have asked him to dinner on Sebb," said Nina jokingly. Huey and Sebastian looked offended.

"Heck no! He's cool and all, but not cool enough for my mama" He said as Jazmine giggled at him.

"Oh, stop it. Coach Devon is a great man," said Jazmine, feeling bad for him. Jazmine has always seen the good in everyone. "He's more than welcome to come to dinner next time," she says, involuntarily making Huey more jealous.

"The hell he can! " He blurted out which everyone looked at him confusedly. He cleared his throat "what I mean is I don't think you should trust someone like him in your home" he said.

"Why is that Huey?" Jazmine said, challenging him.

"He just seems too desperate. He implied he desires a "laid back" lifestyle, which tells me he's looking to get laid and live off another woman rather than his own mother" Huey explained.

"Wait. He lives with his mom? "Sebastian asked out of the blue.

Jazmine looked up, "Yes, he does Son. But that's none of our business, " she said sternly.

Nina looked shocked, "How did you know this dad?" she asked in a curious way.

"I didn't, I just assumed he did and I see I correctly assumed. " He said casually.

Nina shook her head with incredulity. "It doesn't matter where he lives or what he does for a living. If he's a good man then I see no harm in that"

Jazmine nodded in agreement. "You're absolutely correct, Nina." She smiles at her humility.

"Neither is there any good in him." "Huey said. Nina glanced up and sighed.

"He has indicated that he wants to use your son to connect with you," Huey said. "He made inappropriate comments about you, which I thought was very disrespectful," he said with a fist under the table. Now that he knew Sebastian's mom was Jazmine, he was so eager to go back to the gas station and beat that man up. How dare he even think of her in that way.

"Oh wow," Jazmina said in shock.

"Yeah, he was out of line, but Mr. Freeman and I handled it, "he said with a smirk. Huey gave him a look and shook his head.

""What you mean handled it? " Jazmine panicked.

"What did you guys do!" said Nina nervous.

"Chill ladies, nothing happened. I just said back off and he didn't give up. Mr. Freeman told him that you was his girlfriend and if he didn't wipe out those nasty thoughts of you, he would regret it" Sebastian said, chuckling childishly.

Jazmine looked at Huey "You said that" she blushed hard.

"Not my exact words, but close enough," said Huey, sipping his wine while he watched her. Jazmine had no idea what was happening to her, but she suddenly became excited.

"Oh, well, thank you both," she said, straightening herself up. "Although I really wouldn't want any trouble, " she said, looking directly at Huey seriously. She knew how Huey was and surely didn't want her son to think violence was something he had to do.

"It's cool, Coach Dev doesn't want any trouble either.. I can say he won't mention your name for a very long time,' he chuckled.

Nina crossed her arms. "That's besides the point babe. It is not necessary to threaten people for silly words," she said, annoyed.

"You're right, babe, but as a man you can't let other men disrespect women in your life," said Sebastian, thinking about Huey's words.

Nina scoffed. "You sound just like my dad"

"I know these are your father's words," said Sebastian, grinning at her.

She breathed, "I know what you're saying, baby. But my father should have stayed out of it. Jazmine is not a woman in his life, so it was not necessary that he intervene. With all due respect," she said as she sent Jazmine an apologetic look.

". I understand what you're saying, Nina, and I couldn't agree more, but I don't think your dad meant anything by it," she said.

"I meant every word," Huey said, looking at Jazmine softly. Then he drew his attention to Nina, who stared at him in disappointment.

"Nina you're my child and I love you, but you won't tell me what I can or can't interfere with." He said strictly.

Not wanting to turn this dinner into an argument Nina sighed " I suppose you're right, Dad, but please don't threaten anybody in this city. I really enjoy this place and I don't want any drama, "" she says with respect.

"Okay, sweetie, "He said, calmly. .

Jazmin sensed the tension and decided to change the subject.

"How about opening a few presents?" Jazmine suggested. Nina and Huey looked at it with bewilderment.

Jazmine chuckled nervously " Nina told me Christmas isn't your thing, but I still wanted to show my appreciation for being a guest in my home"

Sebastian smiled, then shook his head. His mama was too much.

While they sat in the lounge and opened the presents that Jazmine had brought them. Nina received a designer bag with a gift box with gourmet fruits, nuts, chocolate, wine and vaporizers for the feminine body, while Huey received a set of bathrobes with slippers. She didn't know what to get Nina's Dad at the time.

"Oh Jazmine, you shouldn't have," cried Nina. "Thank you!" She hugs Jazmine.

"You're welcome, there'll be more on Christmas," she winked at her.

Nina chuckled "I can't wait," she said, liking the idea of Christmas.

Huey, however, hated gifts, but he certainly appreciated that it was from Jazmine. It doesn't matter what he was given. The greatest gift was seeing her again.

He wondered what Nina was upset about at dinner. He knew her well enough to know she was upset only because he said Jazmine was his woman. She was mistaken on one note. Jazmine was definitely a woman in his life, a woman he continues to love today. .

Seeing her again only made him want her more, but he had to keep reminding himself that She was the mother of his daughters soon to be fiancé.

And it wasn't right.

"Thanks Jazmine." Huey says he finally had a chance to get close to her.

Sitting across from her felt nothing but right.

"You're welcome, Huey." Jazmine smiled warmly. They looked at one another and wanted to say more. Soon Jazmine's eyes looked down sadly.

She thought of the past and the way he broke her heart. After all these years, she still felt pain. She wanted so much to be angry with him, but she was mature enough to realize that sometimes things change.

The only thing that hasn't changed is how much she still loves him.