28 Blind Dates: After the Costumes (Part 41)

Temptation

A few sips of her drink later, Jalisa finally decides to sit down.

Jalisa: So what do you do now, Nate?

Nate: I’m a Posh Profiler at Smogue.

Jalisa: You followed your passion.

Nate: Well, one of them anyway. What about you? How’s law treating you? Do you have your own firm yet?

Jalisa: No. *uncomfortable sigh* I was seduced by a higher starting level and pay in another career and ended up becoming a journalist.

Nate: Really?

Jalisa: Yes… and I hate it, Nate! I hate every minute of it. But I make more money and we have so many bills – bills that I’ve created, so…*catches herself* OMW, I’m so sorry. I never said that to anyone – Merlin doesn’t even know. I can’t believe it just came out like that.

Nate: It sounds like you should be following your passion. Go back to law. Before you know it, you’ll be right back at the same pay you are now, but happier because you’ll be doing something you believe in.

Jalisa: I should, shouldn’t I? Merlin might not be too happy about it at first, but we’ll adjust. Oh darn…I’d better call him and let him know that I’ll be a little late.

Jalisa pulls out her phone and calls Merlin.

Jalisa: *on the phone* Hey babe! I finished my assignment and ran into a friend, so I decided to stop and have a few drinks. *pauses to listen* Yeah – I’ll be home in a few hours. *pauses* Okay babe. I will – love you too.

Nate gets up as Jalisa ends her call.

Nate: Sounds like you have time for one Karaoke song.

Jalisa thinks about it and decides that she can stand to unwind a bit. She gets up and follows Nate to the stage.

Jalisa: So, have you really been practicing?

Nate: Just in the shower, but I don’t live too far so I come here at least once a week trying to work up the nerve to get back up on the stage.

Jalisa: So why now?

Nate: *shrugs* I guess you make me brave.

Nate and Jalisa look over the list of songs.

Nate: *points out a selection* Ah, do you know this one?

Jalisa: I do.

Nate: Let’s go for it.

Nate chooses the song and they begin.

Nate: *singing off-key*  “I was as wrong as I could be,
To let you get away from me,
I’ll regret that move for as long as I’m livin’.

But now that I’ve come to see the light,
All I wanna do is make things right.
So just say the word and tell me that I’m forgiven. “

Nate reaches his hand out and without even thinking about it, Jalisa places her fingers on his.

Nate & Jalisa: *singing together* “You and me, we’re gonna be,

better than we were before.
Loved you then but now I intend,
To open up and love you even more.
This time, you can be sure.
I’m never gonna let you go.
I’m gonna hold you in my arms forever.
Gonna try and make up for all the times,
I hurt you so.” (source)

Their fingers intertwine and Jalisa realizes that she’s in a sticky situation. This is a pivotal moment that could change everything. They’re transported back to a time before, when emotions were high and they were free to get to know each other and explore their feelings for one another.

But that time has passed. Jalisa is now married with three children. She steps back from the realization of what could happen if she doesn’t do the right thing. She drops the mic and steps swiftly off the stage towards the restroom.

Jalisa: *to herself* What the hell are you doing, girl? You can’t be here with him.

Jalisa made a decision years ago and she knows that her life will implode if she doesn’t stick with it. Nate is not the one for her. It’s Merlin…it’s always been Merlin and she’d be stupid to forget that.

Jalisa steps out of the restroom knowing that she’s more than capable of doing what needs to be done. She joins Nate at the table.

Jalisa: This has been fun and all, but –

Nate: *continues for her* You have to go.

Jalisa: This is a mistake. I shouldn’t be here – with you.

Nate: I know. But maybe I’ll see you again, one day – in another lifetime.

Jalisa: No, Nate. Not even then. I wish you all the happiness in the world, but it won’t be with me.

BDC: After the Costumes Summaries | read from the beginning

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