Jet Blue (WeHo Book 5)

  Jet Blue

  Sherryl D. Hancock

  Copyright © Sherryl D. Hancock 2016

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without prior written permission from the publisher.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any person or persons, living or dead, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Originally self-published by Sherryl D. Hancock in 2017

  Published by Vulpine Press in the United Kingdom in 2017

  ISBN 978-1-910780-42-8

  Cover by Armend Meha

  Cover photo credit: Tirzah D. Hancock

  www.vulpine-press.com

  Acknowledgements

  The covers to these novels are for the most part arranged by me and my wife Tirzah. We choose things that we feel represents the story I’ve written and try to arrange them in a fashion befitting the story as well. We hope you like them!

  For our fighting men and women who not only put their lives on the line, but their hearts and souls out there too. Thank you for everything you do for this country and others as well!

  Chapter 1

  “This is Jet,” answered a rich mellifluous voice, one Ashley remembered well.

  “Jet, hi,” Ashley said, suddenly feeling tongue tied. “Um, I don’t know if you remember me… Ashley Simm… Foster, from Meadowdale High School…”

  “I remember you,” Jet said, smiling at her end of the line. “Or I wouldn’t have given you my number to call.”

  “Oh,” Ashley said, feeling dumb suddenly.

  The Facebook page Ashely had found had the name “Jet Blue” and at first Ashley Simmons hadn’t been sure that was right. The profile picture wasn’t much more help; it was a picture of a jet. She was looking for Jet Mathews to invite her to the fifteen year high school reunion for Meadowdale High School. At least that’s what she was telling herself.

  The truth was she remembered Jet Mathews very fondly. Jet had been extremely popular in high school. So much so that even after almost thirteen years, the people on the reunion committee had basically told her that if Jet Mathews didn’t plan to come to the reunion this time, they might as well cancel it. Ashely thought that was probably a bit over the top, but all the same, she had a definite desire to get ahold of this elusive high school friend.

  In high school, Jet had been both popular and an over-achiever. She’d graduated at the top of their class, although she’d refused to be a valedictorian. That had not been Jet’s style. A natural ‘bad girl,’ Jet was constantly in trouble, but always found her way out of it, usually using her charm and wit. Many of the teachers in the school remembered Jet fondly; others had always been flabbergasted by her antics. Jet was a natural student, and that made teachers crave the opportunity to fill her head with their particular area of expertise. Sometimes that happened, other times it didn’t. She did exactly what she wanted to, when she wanted to and not a thing more. It was something Ashley remembered well.

  Finally, Ashley had decided to go ahead and send a message to this Jet Blue person to see if it might be that Jet. She’d been through this a bunch of times already; it was amazing how many people were named “Jet” on Facebook. Ashley had hoped it would be easier to find her, but she persevered all the same.

  She’d received a message back a few days later saying, “Yes, this is Jet Mathews, call me,” with her phone number.

  Ashley had picked up the phone immediately, but now that she was on the line with Jet, she was feeling like she was back in high school again. The dumpy fat girl everyone picked on, everyone but Jet Mathews. Ashley steeled herself, bound and determined to talk to this woman.

  “Ash?” Jet queried from her end, taking a cigarette out of her pack and lighting the end.

  “Still here, sorry,” Ashley said, remembering that Jet had always shortened everyone’s name, unless she didn’t like you.

  “So, to what do I owe this honor?” Jet asked then, her tone warm.

  Ashley smiled; Jet hadn’t changed much, always knowing what to say and when to say it.

  “Well, ostensibly I contacted you about the fifteen year reunion coming up in about a year and a half…”

  “However?” Jet replied, grinning.

  “Well, I admit, I’d love to catch up with you too,” Ashley said.

  “Alright…” Jet said, moving to settle more comfortably against the wall she was leaning against.

  Jet was sitting on the patio of the building where she worked, usually used as a smoking area. Jet was seated on a bench, leaning against a wall, her legs stretched out in front of her and crossed at the ankles.

  “So, how have you been?” Ashley asked.

  “I’ve been alright,” Jet said. “You?”

  “Oh, I’m good,” Ashley said, smiling. “Got my dream job, married, house, no kids.”

  “So, you’re writing then?” Jet asked.

  Ashley widened her eyes on her end of the line. “You remembered that I write?”

  Jet chuckled. “I remember things, yeah,” she said, her tone friendly.

  “Wow,” Ashley said, shaking her head. “Where are you living these days?”

  “Down in LA,” Jet said. “I see you’re still in Lynnwood.”

  “How?” Ashley asked, surprised.

  “The area code you’re calling from.”

  “Oh, yeah, duh!” Ashley said, shaking her head. Was there no end to how stupid she could sound on this phone call? “So, LA huh? I’m actually headed down there in a couple of weeks to do a story, I’d love to see you if you have time.”

  “Sure,” Jet said, her smile evident in her voice. “Just let me know when you’ll be here, I’ll even pick you up if you need a ride.”

  “Wow, that would be great!” Ashley said. “I’ve never gotten very good at driving in crazy traffic.”

  “Well, LA’s about as crazy as it gets.”

  “Well, great, I’ll send you the details.” Ashley smiled again. “It was good talking to you.”

  “You too,” Jet said. “I’ll see you soon.”

  “Okay.”

  After she hung up the phone, Ashley rolled her eyes, she wasn’t sure she could pull off being cool in front of Jet Mathews. It had been thirteen years and a lot of gym hours and yet Jet still made her feel silly. How was that possible?

  It was the high school senior camping trip; two weeks at Cama State Beach on Camano Island in the Saratoga Passage. Ashley had dreaded it since she’d heard about it sophomore year. She’d hoped to talk her parents out of making her go, but that hadn’t happened. Two weeks with people who treated her like dirt, so much fun… NOT!

  No sooner had the bus dropped them off, than the insults had started. “Did you pack extra food?” “At least the bears’ll eat you first!” Then someone ‘accidentally’ tripped her up. They are so original, Ashley thought to herself as she got up.

  Then there was a hand out to her, she looked up and saw Jet Mathews standing in front of her, with her hand extended to help her up. Jet had never been mean to her, she’d smiled at her a few times, never really saying anything, but at least being human. Jet waited patiently with her hand out while Ashley wiped her hand off on her jeans, then reached out to her. She felt how strong the deceptively lean girl was, when she was easily pulled to her feet.

  “You okay?” Jet asked, leaning down to brush off the dirt on the leg of Ashley’s jeans.

  “I’m,” Ashley stammered, “yes, I’m okay.” She nodded, her eyes downcast, w
aiting for the insult that was sure to come.

  “Good,” Jet said, nodding.

  Jet surprised her then, by taking her arm companionably. “Let’s go find out where we’re stuck for this trip, huh?” she said, grinning, her light green eyes sparkling in amusement.

  “Oh, okay…” Ashley stammered, not sure why Jet Mathews was being so nice to her. Every bad eighties movie she’d ever seen said there’d be some kind of crazy Carrie moment any time now.

  Jet walked her over to where they were posting the cabin assignments, looking around to pinpoint where the person was who’d tripped Ashley. When Jet’s eyes met the other girl’s, she narrowed hers, shaking her head slightly. The girl’s eyes widened, then she looked away.

  “Okay,” Jet said, reaching up to run her finger down the list of names. “Ash, it looks like you’re in B six… and look at that, so am I…” she said, grinning.

  Ashley saw that the assignment clearly said B five next to Jet Mathews’ name. As Ashley watched, Jet pulled out a black pen, took the cap off with her teeth and changed the five to a six deftly. Then she scanned the list and changed someone who was supposed to be in B six to B five. Turning, Jet’s eyes met Ashley’s and she’d quirked a grin, giving her a cavalier wink.

  “Let’s go get our stuff,” Jet said, once again taking Ashley’s arm and steering her over to where the bags had been left.

  “Why…” Ashley stammered. “Why did you do that?” she asked, needing to know.

  Jet looked at her for a long minute, then shrugged. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  Ashley stared at her openmouthed, blinking a couple of times. Jet handed Ashley the small pink case her mother had given her to use as an overnight bag, and then picked up the other green larger suitcase. Ashley reached for that suitcase.

  “I got it,” Jet said, grinning. “You pack light.”

  Ashley noted that Jet had a black leather duffle that looked like it cost a fortune slung over her shoulder. Apparently Jet packed even lighter. Jet nodded toward the cabins.

  “Lead the way, Ash,” Jet told her, smiling.

  It was surreal to Ashley that this girl was being so nice to her. It quickly influenced the way the rest of the group treated her during those two weeks. Jet never had to say a word to anyone, and if she did, she never did it within earshot of Ashley. People were both afraid and in awe of Jet Mathews. It was a lethal combination, especially in high school.

  Sitting in her tiny office in Seattle, Ashley remembered that day at camp, and the days that followed. She’d never forgotten what Jet Mathews had done for her on that trip. It had made a world of difference in the last six months of her high school career. Even after they all got back to school, people didn’t pick on her anymore. Many of them simply left her alone, others actually talked to her. She’d even made a few friends before she graduated. Jet had continued to say hi to her in the hallways, and would randomly come sit next to her on the lawn at lunchtimes. It was like she was keeping her influence around her, at least that’s how Ashley had always seen it. Yes, she wanted to see Jet Mathews. If nothing else but to thank her for being the person she was in high school. Ashley knew it was stupid, but it was the rounding out of her journey.

  Jet and Ashley communicated a few times via Facebook messenger before Ashley’s trip to LA. Ashley found that Jet had a really great sense of humor. They hadn’t talked about anything important, but Ashley always found herself laughing at many points in the conversation. It was easy to see why Jet had been so popular. She had a way of communicating that always had a bit of an edge to it, but never to the point of being rude, or nasty, always more ironic and funny. Ashley had also realized why Jet had been at the top of their class; Jet Mathews was very smart.

  To her surprise, Jet had offered to let Ashley stay with her while she was in Los Angles during one of their messenger conversations.

  You know, you could stay with me if you want to – Jet

  I wouldn’t want to be a pain, you’re already picking me up at the airport, right? – Ash

  Are you asking me if I’m picking you up? – Jet

  I’m confirming that you’re still picking me up, brat – Ash

  I am still picking you up, yes – Jet

  Then I don’t want to put you out further – Ash

  As opposed to fighting LA traffic all the way into the city to drop you off at some smelly run down hotel? – Jet

  How do you know it’s smelly and run down? – Ash

  All hotels are – Jet

  I’m sure the Waldorf would have something to say about that - Ash

  So you like bed bugs… so be it. – Jet

  Ew! Don’t say that! – Ash

  LOL I didn’t, I typed it – Jet

  Smart ass… - Ash

  You know it! – Jet

  Sigh… would it really be okay? – Ash

  It would really be okay – Jet

  You’re sure? – Ash

  OMG you are a pain… - Jet

  LOL! Thanks! So sweet of you! – Ash

  Then just say yes so we can stop talking about this – Jet

  FINE you win! – Ash

  I usually do – Jet

  It had been an amusing conversation.

  When her plane landed, Ashley texted Jet to let her know she was there. Jet texted back and said she was out front at the curb.

  Walking out into the Los Angeles sunshine, Ashley couldn’t have missed Jet if she tried. She was stood leaning against a very expensive looking black sports car. She wore jeans, black tennis shoes, and a black t-shirt that said “Pro” on it in blue letters. She was smoking a cigarette and looking exactly like the Jet that Ashley remembered.

  When Jet’s eyes connected with Ashley’s, her mouth dropped open.

  “Ash?” Jet queried. She dropped her cigarette and stubbed it out with her foot, then walked forward, her look stunned.

  It was exactly the look Ashley had been hoping for. She’d changed drastically over the years. No longer overweight, she was trim, with medium length brown hair shot through with blond highlights. The three inch heels she wore put her at the same height as Jet at five eight.

  “Is that really you?” Jet asked, smiling brightly at Ashley.

  “Yes, it’s me,” Ashley said, smiling too.

  “Wow,” Jet said again, leaning in to take Ashley in her arms, hugging her.

  Ashley smelled musk as she hugged Jet back. It felt really good to know that she’d impressed Jet. She’d worked hard to change her look for years now. The fact that someone she admired greatly had been impressed by that hard work was important to her.

  Jet stepped back, her light green eyes staring directly down into Ashley’s blue ones, her smile wide.

  “You look absolutely amazing,” Jet said in awe.

  “Thank you,” Ashley said, smiling too.

  Jet leaned down to pick up Ashley’s suitcase. “Come on,” she said, winking at her.

  As they walked up to the car, Ashley whistled.

  “Is this really your car?” she asked, her eyes taking in the sleek black car, then seeing the trident style emblem. “This is a Maserati?” she asked, eyes wide.

  “Yeah,” Jet said, as she pulled out her badge to show the officer who was walking over with an intent look on his face. He grinned, nodding as he walked away.

  “What did you just show him?” Ashley asked, as Jet opened the rear hatch and put her suitcase in.

  Jet handed the badge to her as she moved to open the passenger door for her.

  Ashley stared down at the badge. “Los Angeles Police Department?” she asked, as she climbed into the car.

  Then she looked around the car. “Holy crap…” she muttered, as she took in the lavishly appointed vehicle.

  The car sported leather racing seats with blue trim, carbon fiber accents, navigation system, the works! It smelled like leather and the same musk she’d smelled on Jet a few minutes before. She breathed in deeply; it was a heady smell.
>
  Jet grinned at her, enjoying Ashley’s reaction to her car. She knew her car was over the top, but she loved it and it had been worth every penny she’d paid for it. It was a pleasure to drive every time she got behind the wheel.

  “This is an incredible car,” Ashley said, smiling.

  “Yeah, it is,” Jet said as she put the key in the ignition. The car started with a rumble of power. A smile of pure pleasure crossed Jet’s face.

  Ashley saw the smile, and grinned, it was obvious that Jet was very connected to her vehicle. She remembered the classic Mustang Jet had driven in high school. The stereo started immediately; the sound system was crisp and clear and quite loud as it blasted out an upbeat song that sounded distinctly like Spanish.

  As she put the car into gear and looked over shoulder before pulling out, Jet sang the words to the song with relish, her hands tapping out the beat on the steering wheel. Ashley also remembered that Jet had been very music oriented in school, even at the campsite. She’d had the only CD player there, and played music in the cabin constantly. The other girls in the cabin hadn’t had the nerve to say anything. Ashley had enjoyed the music.

  As the first song ended, Jet turned the stereo down, glancing over at Ashley again.

  “You really do look incredible,” she told her again.

  Ashley bit her lip, never tired of hearing that from anyone, least of all Jet Mathews. “Thank you. You haven’t changed a bit.”

  “Oh, trust me, honey, there are a lot more miles on these tires,” Jet said, grinning.

  Ashley shook her head. “If anything, you look better than you did in high school, and I wouldn’t have thought that was possible.”

  Jet raised a black eyebrow, her light green eyes sparkling mischievously as her lips curved into a smile.

  Jet Mathews was definitely a stunning looking woman, with her black hair worn shaggy and just long enough to touch the base of her neck. She had long, thick black eyelashes that framed impossibly light green eyes. Her skin was now more tanned than it had been in the gloomy weather of Seattle, Washington. Her face was smooth and flawless and the tan made her eyes glow. She wore no makeup, but didn’t need it at all.