The Right Side of My Pillow, стр. 17

Chapter 8

Jade’s shift was over, and she could finally get off of her feet. Today had been exhausting. She couldn’t wait to take another hot soak in the whirlpool bath, preferably without the wet dream to go along with it. That was going to be her first order of business when she got home. That bathroom suite was, at least, one good thing about living with Cole.

On Jade’s way out of the door, Brenda called out. “Hey! Wait for me. It’s dark, so we should probably walk together. I think we’re parked next to one another.”

“I didn’t know you were getting off at the same time as me. I would have waited.”

Brenda caught up to Jade. “I wasn’t supposed to leave until closing, but I switched with Natalie. Things have been so crazy that you and I haven’t really had a chance to talk. You’ve only been back to work a few days. How are you feeling?”

Jade and Brenda ambled slowly towards their cars. “Physically? I'm all right just working on getting my energy up. Emotionally I’m drained.”

“It can’t possibly be that bad living with your incredibly wealthy and super-gorgeous ex-boyfriend?”

“First, he’s not an ex. Second, I can’t wait to get my own place. If there was any other option, I would have taken it.”

Brenda was skeptical. “Whoa. Are you sure he’s not a boyfriend because you definitely sound like a pissed off ex-girlfriend?”

Jade rolled her eyes. “God, no. I can’t even imagine.” She’d been telling that lie for more than seventeen years.

Apparently, from the look on Brenda’s face, she didn’t believe her. “What’d he do?”

Jade shrugged as if it didn’t matter. “He did what all men do. They make promises, lie, and treat you like crap. Then, turn around and act all amazing like the pain they caused didn’t even happen.”

“C’mon Jade. All men are not like that. I was married to the most wonderful man, God rest his soul. And you’re too young to be this cynical.”

“I might be young, but I’ve been through a lot. The only person you can truly depend on in life is yourself. Had I followed that rule to begin with I wouldn’t be living with Cole now.”

The anguish on Jade’s face was real, and Brenda wished there was more she could do. “If I weren’t living with my sister, we could have become roomies. And, you know Natalie still lives at home with her parents.”

Half-heartedly Jade smiled. “Thanks. It’s no problem. I feel embarrassed that I’m even complaining considering everything you’re going through. How is your sister?”

Brenda’s face softened. “She started a new round of chemo this week. All we can do is pray and keep our fingers crossed.”

“Well, I’ll certainly keep you guys in my thoughts.” They continued to chat even when they arrived at their cars. “I also need to pray that this rust bucket starts up!”

“You and me both.” Brenda reached out to give Jade a hug goodbye. “We’ll talk some more tomorrow. What time do you start?”

As Jade started to speak, she felt a vibration in her pocket. “Oh, Hold on. I’m getting a text.” Jade would have waited to read it if she hadn’t applied for so many apartments and turned in so many job applications. She was anxious about getting any information she could about them. She pulled the phone out of her purse and looked at the screen.

You’re still just as beautiful as I remember. I’ll always be just over your shoulder.

She dropped her phone on the ground as if she’d been scorched. Her heart began to pound as she whipped her head around. Jade turned in a full circle, squinting into the darkness to see if she could see the person who sent the text.

“What? What’s wrong?”

She stuttered and bent down to pick up her phone. “I-I…just got a really weird text.” Jade handed her phone to Brenda to take a look.

“Hmm…that is weird. The number is blocked. Well, you’re a gorgeous girl, but...” Brenda could tell Jade was really on edge and was close to freaking out. She knew that sometimes, Jade could be jumpy and wound up over the smallest things. “I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about. Someone probably slipped Tommy a hundred dollars at the bar for your phone number. Guys are always coming on to you. I wouldn’t worry about it too much. You might want to be just a bit more cautious.”

Nervously, Jade chewed her bottom lip. “Right. I’m sure that’s all it is. I’ll talk to Tommy tomorrow.”

Cheekily, Brenda tried to calm her down. “It could also be from that hunky ex you’re denying.”

Distracted and still looking over Brenda’s shoulder Jade whispered. “He would never. He’s only ever seen me as a sister.”

She hadn’t been able to put her finger on it, but finally, Brenda understood. Almost quietly she responded. “Ahh…so that’s it.”

It was her tone that caused Jade to re-focus her attention back to her. “What?”

“Nothing. Anyway, we better get out of here. Call me to let me know you made it home safely, okay?”

“I will.” They hugged again before getting into their own cars. Jade locked her doors as her eyes continued to scan the parking lot. She had to stop over-reacting to every little thing. Mumbling to herself, she spoke into the darkness. “Calm down Jade. There’s no need for you to be looking over your shoulder. You’ve only been in this town for nine months. There’s absolutely no need to run away except maybe from Cole.”

*****

Jade didn’t feel as if she could exhale until she pulled her car up into Cole’s driveway. He lived in a gated community with a security guard on staff. His own personal property also had a security gate. Someone would have to know the code in order to get inside. Still, she anxiously looked around