CHAPTER 6 - JAX
There are three voicemails on my phone when I turn it on. After my lunch with Sage, we said our goodbyes on the street, and then she got in her car and left for her meeting. I’m hoping one of the messages is from Eric, Emily’s husband. And I’m sure one is from Dale. I sit on the edge of my bed and play each one.
The first is from Eric, confirming everything is set for this weekend. Her hunky Hispanic hubby knows Emily needs a break, but would never ask. She doesn’t know that he and I have been exchanging messages about her recently and how worried we both are about her. The next message is from Dale. I play it three times.
“Jax, it’s me. It’s been almost a week since I’ve heard from you. You promised to call me when you went to the doctor. I know you’re sick of hearing this, but I really am sorry about all this. Please…don’t shut me out. I need to hear from you and see what’s going on. I have to make sure you’re okay.”
After the third time, I hit delete. I don’t regret getting involved with Dale, but I am happy he is back with his wife. I had no hand in their troubles; we were nothing but friends until he signed those papers. But it just wasn’t there—that spark, that indescribable burst of excitement that takes over your whole being at the mere thought of his touch. I wonder if I’ll ever have that awe-inspiring experience with a man. The closest I came was a kiss when I was sixteen. One magical kiss, under a magical tree from a guy I’ll never see again. Sometimes I wonder if my mind made the memory bigger than it really was. Is that what’s held me back? I’ve dated a decent amount of men for someone my age. I’ve enjoyed sexual relationships with men, but when they end, I never find myself very disappointed.
I shake my head and vow to put the appointment I had this morning out of my mind. This weekend will be about my friends, my sisters, and keeping our connection. It’s one of my fears—that someday they won’t need or want me in their life the way I still want them.
I play the last message as I walk past Travis, our temporary guest, and toward the bathroom. The bar I work at wants me to come in Saturday after they already gave me the night off. Good luck with that one. Saturday is the best night to make money, but there’s no way I’m missing a chance to get Sage, Emily, and me back together.
I enter the bathroom, let out a loud sigh, and yell, “Travis!”
“Yes, ma’am,” he calls from the living room.
If he wasn’t so freaking cute, I’d tell him not to call me ma’am. He doesn’t have the southern accent his brother does, but his manners are sweet and country. “Have I told you there is only one rule in this house?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Isn’t it so damn awesome that I only have one rule?” my voice echoes out.
“So damn awesome, ma’am.”
“And did I happen to tell you that one rule?”
“Only ten times, ma’am.” His tone is not angry or sarcastic, only matter of fact.
“Travis, please tell me what my one rule is.”
“Seat down, ma’am.”
I continue to stare down at it, waiting and fully expecting for Travis to appear behind me to rectify this situation when I sense a presence in the doorway. I turn.
“I’m sorry, Mama; it was me.” Brady stands in the doorway, disguised in puppy dog eyes.
I’m still not used to his twang. I shoot him a faintly serious glare and a head tilt before moving to the side. He sidles by me and puts the seat down, all the while eyeing me with an apologetic grin.
