Julian (Trinity Academy 4)

When I reach my car, I don’t feel any calmer. Climbing behind the steering wheel, I shut the door and take a moment to just breathe.

‘Like your crazy mother? Now I totally get why you act the way you do. The apple must not fall far from the tree.’

Leaning back against the seat, Jamie’s words replay in my mind, only making me feel much worse.

What if she’s right?

For the past five years, I’ve done nothing but chase after success. I almost ruined my relationship with Falcon. Honestly, we would still be fighting if Falcon hadn’t opened up first.

My mother almost killed Layla for the sake of her status. It’s the only thing she ever cared about.

So, what makes me any different?

I see movement in the parking area and watch as Jamie glances at the cars, probably looking for me.

“Julian?” she calls, then I hear her mumble, “I could’ve sworn I saw him head in this direction.”

Part of me wants to get out and tell her to go to hell, but I remain seated, watching her take her phone from her pocket.

After dialing a number, she says, “Hey, Layla. I’m sorry to call so late. Do you, by any chance, have Julian’s phone number?”

What. The. Fuck.

I roll down my window so I can tell her to go to hell just as she says, “I just need to confirm a dinner date with him before Carter and Della head back to New York.”

Upset that she phoned my brother’s girlfriend, I open the door and get out of the car.

“Thank you. I’ll see you tomorrow,” she ends the call with Layla and then begins to dial my number.

When my phone starts to ring, I ignore it, keeping my eyes on Jamie as I walk toward her. She spins around and shock flashes over her face.

When she sees me, she cuts the call, but before she can open her mouth, I say, “I don’t want to hear it. Save your apology for someone who cares.”

“What I said about your mother was totally out of line,” she begins to apologize anyway.

Stopping right in front of her, I growl, “You’ve already crossed the line, Miss Truman. Unfortunately, we move in the same circle, and I’ll have to see you from time to time, so please act courteously and keep your distance from me.

I turn around to head back but pause to say, “All you’ll ever be is a mistake I made. Fortunately, I’m a quick learner.”

Walking to my car, I don’t feel any better about what happened and the things that were said.

Jamie was wrong, but if I’m honest with myself, I’ll admit I’m angry because I’m just as responsible for this incident happening as she is.

I shouldn’t have approached her after she complimented my piano piece at the restaurant. I shouldn’t have invited her up to my suite. I should’ve done what I always do – ignore women and live only for CRC Holdings.

Things were a lot less complicated then.Chapter 5JamieIt’s been two days since the fight with Julian, and I don’t feel any better about what I said to him. I hate that he called me a mistake, but I know I can’t exactly blame the guy after I insulted him. What I said was petty and cruel of me.

Opening my messages, I begin to type out a text to Julian for the tenth time, but soon I’m deleting it again.

Letting out a sigh, I decide to push through and just get it over with.

Jamie: I apologize for what I said about your mother. It was out of line. I’ll be courteous when our paths cross and ask that you do the same.

Before I press send, I change my mind and deleting the message, I tuck my phone in my pocket.

I grab my shopping list then walk to the door. When I get to the elevator and the door pings open, I smile, seeing Kingsley and Layla inside. “Morning.”

“Morning, we didn’t see you around yesterday. Have you settled in?” Layla asks as I step inside, and the doors close behind me.

“Yeah, I just need to run to the store, then I’ll be ready for when classes start,” I reply.

“Kingsley’s low on her candy stash, so we’re heading to the store as well. Would you like to ride with us?”

“Will there be enough space for a mini-fridge in the car?” I ask while I quickly scan over the list I have.

“We’ll take my car,” Kingsley replies, then teases, “You can hardly fit three people in Layla’s.”

“Why do you need a fridge?” Layla asks as we step out of the elevator and walk toward the parking area.

“I have an addiction to smoothies,” I admit.

Kingsley holds her hand up for a high-five, so I slap my hand against hers.

“Glad to hear I’m not the only one with an addiction.”