Whispered Confessions (Touched By You) by Emily Jane Trent

Whispered Confessions
1 – Jazzy
     
    Jazzy’s French bistro was humming the night Natalie arrived for dinner. Her sister spotted her and excused herself. The customers she had been chatting with smiled and nodded. Jazzy went to the front of the restaurant.
    “Natty,” she said, giving her a big hug.
    Natalie was glad to see her. Jazzy looked stylish, wearing a black-on-white flocked skirt with a long-sleeved blouse. Her black high-heeled, ankle boots completed the look. Whatever fashions she chose looked chic on her. Her long brown hair had been flat-ironed, so it was straight and shiny, making her look several years younger.
    “Let’s sit. Will Tanner be here soon?”
    “Yes, he’s meeting me here.”
    “Okay, Ellis is getting the kitchen covered so he can join us. He’s prepared a special dish for you.”
    “Everything he prepares is special.” Natalie noticed her sister looked paler than normal, and thought maybe she was working too much, knowing that both Jazzy and Ellis were at the bistro long hours. “How’s it going here?”
    “Oh, good, good. Ellis is an amazing chef, as you know. We’ve been getting some good write-ups in the paper. I think it’s bringing in more business.”
    “Looks like it. It’s still early and it’s really filling up.”
    Jazzy leaned closer, and in a low voice said, “Natty, I want to tell you something while we are alone.”
    “Sure, honey, what is it?” By the look on her sister’s face, it wasn’t good news.
    “We are having trouble. I mean I’m having trouble getting pregnant. We’ve been trying and trying but it’s not working.”
    “Did you see the doctor?”
    “Yes, and she says it’s a hormone imbalance. I never knew you could get that from taking the pill, but I guess you can. She thinks that is what it might be.”
    “Well, then, you can fix it.”
    “Maybe. I’ve been taking what she prescribes, watching my diet, everything, and it’s still not helping.”
    “Is she sure that’s what it is?”
    “Well, it could be other things; stress, for one.”
    “I’m sure worrying about it doesn’t help.”
    “No, that’s true. I’m trying to stay relaxed but it’s hard. I want a baby so badly, and I don’t want to disappoint Ellis.”
    “He will understand. Ellis loves you.”
    “Yes, he does. And he does understand. But I’m still concerned. What if I can’t have a baby, Natty…ever?”
    “I wouldn’t assume that. Can you try other things? Reduce stress? It must be a strain working so many hours here.”
    “I like it, though. I love the restaurant, and we are really starting to make it. It’s our future. But Ellis has been sending me home more often. I hope Paul will be here with him soon; maybe he will give notice at Artisan. For now Ellis says he can handle it here. But I feel useless just sitting at home. I don’t know if that’s helping. It might be worse. Then all I do is worry. At least here the customers take my mind off of everything.”
    Natalie felt so bad for her sister. Jazzy would make a wonderful mother, and she wanted it so much. It didn’t seem fair. “Give it more time. Maybe you can get your hormones balanced again, and you will get pregnant.”
    “I hope you are right.”
    Ellis walked up to the table and slid into the chair next to Jazmin. “How are my two favorite ladies?” He put his arm around his wife and kissed her cheek. Natalie shifted in her seat. Now knowing about their issue, she empathized with them.
    “Good to see you, Ellis,” Natalie said. Over six feet, very fit, with striking blue eyes and brown hair, Ellis was handsome. He’d removed his chef’s coat and wore a beige dress shirt with dark slacks.
    “And Tanner will be here soon. I’m so glad you can join us,” Jazmin said, looking at Ellis, and it was a look of love if Natalie had ever witnessed one.
    “Wait until you see what I have prepared for you,” Ellis said with a gleam in his eye, but Natalie thought he seemed a bit more