Invisible String

Chapter 27 -The first date

The elevator doors open, and I step out first, adjusting the brim of my hat just enough so it's low enough to obscure most of my face. Jackson follows behind, shaking his head. "You're something else, you know that?"

"Yep, and you love me for it," I say, trying to sound casual, but the words come out a little more defensive than I intended.

Jackson doesn't miss a beat. "I'm driving this time. You drive like you got nothing to live for."

I roll my eyes, half-smiling despite myself. "I don't drive like I've got nothing to live for. I drive like I'm in a hurry."

"That's what they all say," he teases, pulling open the passenger door and sliding into the driver's seat without waiting for my response.

I'm about to argue, but instead, I just slide in beside him, muttering something about not needing a chauffeur. The truth is, Jackson drives better than I do, especially when I'm in one of my moods—rushing from one place to another, not really paying attention to where I'm going.

He starts the car, the engine purring to life, and I settle into my seat, staring out the window. The mask and sunglasses are already starting to feel suffocating, but I keep them on. It's easier that way, keeps the outside world at a distance.

"So, what's next?" Jackson asks, pulling out of the parking lot and onto the main street.

"We should go to this other place, but honestly... I could go eat something. I'm starving!" I sigh, pressing a hand to my stomach, as if the feeling will somehow go away if I acknowledge it enough.

"Drive-thru, right?" Jackson asks, his eyes already scanning for the nearest one, a knowing grin on his face.

"Yup," I reply, my voice a little lighter now. The thought of food is just what I need to distract myself, if only for a little while.

"You're paying for this, by the way," Jackson says, his tone teasing, but I can hear the smirk in it.

I roll my eyes, leaning back in my seat. "After looking at the prices of these apartments, I'm afraid I won't be able to afford a cup of coffee," I joke, trying to hide the frustration creeping into my voice.

Jackson lets out a laugh, but there's a little edge to it, like he knows the joke's got some truth to it. "You've got a point. The rent prices around here are out of control."

"Tell me about it," I mutter, staring out the window, the weight of apartment hunting making my shoulders feel heavier by the second.

Jackson doesn't push it, but after a moment, he glances over at me, his tone lightening. "By the way, how was dress shopping with Ness the other day?"

I can't help but laugh, remembering the chaos that was my first outing in weeks with my brother's fiancée and my best friend. "It was... scary, but I had fun overall."

"No one's out there, right?" I whisper, my voice tinged with nervous energy as I crouch on the stairs of the building, practically glued to the wall.

Vanessa, standing a few steps below me, cranes her neck to peek around the corner. "Wait..." She freezes for a moment before her entire demeanor shifts—shoulders back, smile beaming, and an uncharacteristically chirpy tone in her voice. "Hi! Hope you have a great day!"

I frown, utterly confused. "What's going on?" I hiss under my breath.

It's only when I lean slightly to the side that I catch sight of an older lady, maybe in her late seventies, carefully reaching for the elevator button. Her wrinkled face breaks into a smile at Vanessa's cheery greeting, and with a slight nod, the woman steps inside and the elevator doors close.