Chapter 215: Matchmaker Jade

''Ever, come over here'' Papa Jones said as soon as they moved into the house and entered the kitchen. Their house was small but they had a lot of the basic necessities and lived quite well. Ever was surprised by the equipment she saw in the kitchen when she entered there. Their kitchen was divided into two and each spot was taken by each of the couple. Jayden who was with Papa Jones when they were outside prepping the ingredients, now went over to the other side to join Mama Jones and Chichi, leaving Papa Jones with Ever.

Ever walked to Papa Jones and saw him deboning crabs, ''what are you going to make with that?''

''Jayden told me you will be having a contest at your hotel. Let me tell you, before my wife and I decided to set up our own food truck, I was a chef in a big restaurant in the city. Making deserts for kids are a piece of cake for me''

''Jayden asked you to teach me how to make deserts for kids?'' she asked and turned to look at the man who was busy helping Chichi with some things.

''I don't know what happened between you two but you need to sort it out. You two obviously care about each other. While on the way here, all his conversation started and ended with you''

''I…''

''Let's go back to our deserts. I am going to teach you how to make crab cakes for kids. Satisfying kids are usually not that hard. You just have to know what to make according to the season. We are in winter, kids need food that will provide them with warmth and convene the sincerity of that the one making the food intends to carry across. Crab cakes aren't that hard to make but the effect they have on children especially kids from the city who hardly have time for seafood and only depend on pastry deserts is incredible''

''I have never tasted crab cakes 

''Really? Then be ready to get blown away because my crab cakes are the best around here. I use simple ingredients that I usually prepare myself. I'm almost done with the crabs, check in that cabinet up there, you will find ingredients for making mayonnaise. We have to make it first and keep it in the fridge, it's a very important ingredient in making crab cakes''

Ever went back to the hall and picked a journal and a pen from her bag. She always carried it with her in case she saw something new and wanted to write it down.

''Papa Jones, can you tell me the ingredients first? I will write them down before we start''

''Okay, we need a lump of crab meat which we have here, onion powder, refrigerated egg, lemon juice, mayonnaise, aged bay spice, black pepper, panko bread crumbs and butter'' Ever quickly jotted everything down before going to do what he asked of her earlier on. They soon became busy with getting the ingredients ready for their crab cakes.

...

Jade was sitting in the laboratory inside her mother's company. Today was Friday and as promised she was here once again to help Alex with his perfume.

The last time, after following her instructions and tweaking down the perfume a bit, he redeveloped a whole new perfume which had a lesser baby scent and gave off a rather unique smell that could instantly brighten the mood of babies. He watched as Jade tested them and wrote her findings in the book.

''What do you think of this new fragrance?'' he asked her enthusiastically.

''I like it. You followed my instructions and changed it a little bit, this new fragrance is better than the first one''

''Really?''

''Yes, I think my work is done here. Your perfumes are ready to hit the market now, Mister'' Jade praised him as she stood down from the high chair.

''How about I buy you a meal this afternoon?'' he suddenly said and Jade looked at him surprised.

''You want to buy me a meal?''

''Yes, you helped me. Even though you are getting paid for what you did, I still feel that I need to treat you to a meal to convene my sincerity''

''Alex, a man with a girlfriend shouldn't have a habit of inviting girls out for meals, your girlfriend might not like that idea''

''I don't have other intentions''

''I know, just kidding'' Jade said and laughed as she looked at his flustered face, ''let me take a rain check on someone before we leave'' she said and removed her phone from her bag to call Channing.

''Hello baby Jade'' Channing's excited voice came out through the phone.

''Chan, can you go and accompany Amber on my behalf? I am having a lunch date with a handsome chemist and you know I can't say no to handsome guys''

''Amber has been avoiding me since that day you girls wreaked havoc on Andy. I don't know what's wrong with her''

''Just handle it, take her out for shopping''

''I have a business meeting with some people from City M tonight''

''Amber and that business, which comes first? If you don't take courage this time, she will never be yours. I am giving you an opportunity here, son. Even Jayden is working his a** out in Neo Island to make sure Ever falls for him again. Until when are you going to play the brother act with her?''

''Fine, you win'' Channing said reluctantly.

''Good boy, now get going. Don't say I didn't give you an opportunity, bye'' Jade hung up and turned to see Alex trying to stifle a laugh. ''You are not laughing at me, right?''

''Sorry, I just found your talk a little interesting. I didn't know you were a matchmaker?''

''I am but sadly I am still alone without a boyfriend because I can't forget the man who stole my first kiss from me'' she said and looked at him with a smirk. Alex stiffened as he stared back at her.

''I was joking'' seeing the flustered look on his face, she couldn't help but laugh, ''seriously, messing with you is so much fun because you always fall for it all the time. Relax that face, I was just messing with you. Men with girlfriends aren't my type'' picking her bag from the table she turned to him, ''let's go''

Alex removed his coat and followed closely behind her still pacing out. He didn't know why his heart started beating when she said those words. He couldn't help but think of whether she was always like that with other men or was it just him?

At the elevator, Jade entered into her chat with Jayden and sent him message.

''How is it going with Ever?''

''Still on it, we are at an older couple's house having fun. She seemed happy today'' a message came almost immediately.

''Then, make sure you get her drunk and get the truth out of her. Don't say I didn't help you. what is wrong with you and Chan anyways? I can't believe I am helping you two with your love lives while mine is nonexistence'' she typed and shook her head.

Alex took a subtle step closer to her to peep into the phone. He was getting curious about who she was chatting and had completely ignored his existence.

''I will get the truth out of her without getting her drunk. Ever would kill me if she finds out I did that on purpose''

''Whatever, take care of it and also, I've been wanting to ask you something about that little secretary of yours. Do you know she likes you?''

''I do but she knows it's impossible between us. Ever is the only one for me''

''I don't trust her. You know my gut feelings are always 80% right. something tells me she I hiding something. Remember she and Ever used to be friends and classmates? Ever isn't one to stop been friends with someone but she never spoke about her for a long time''

''I've been suspecting that Ann is hiding something from me too, but I want to sort things out with Ever before''

''Alright, whatever. I am having lunch with a cute guy here, so, see you later, bye'' she closed the chat and stuffed her phone into her bag and turned her face at once and her lips brushed against Alex's cheek. They both stiffened as they looked at each other.

''I… that…'' Jade took a step back.

''It's okay''

''Huh?''

''I said is okay'' he spoke in a slow lighter tone that she almost missed hearing them.

''What is okay?''

''I mean, I know it was a mistake, so it's alright'' Alex said and stepped away from her.

''Oh, I'm sorry'' Jade came back to her senses, ''I am really sorry. I just turned and I didn't know you were standing so close'' her face reddened with embarrassment. This was the first time she got so embarrassed in front of a man.

''I am sorry too. I was just curious about who you were chatting with, I'm sorry''

''Oh, that was my brother, Jayden'' she said and the elevator stopped. She hurriedly walked out fanning her face with her hand as she went away.