“This weekend is going to suck so bad,” I murmur to myself. When I left The Wet Spot, I was in such a hurry that I didn’t grab my bag, just my phone, and now I’m hoping more than ever I kept some cash in the back of my phone case because when I get emotional, I like to eat my feelings. My parents always laughed when I had a test or was struggling with something, because my head would be firmly in the pantry, fridge, or freezer. I wasn’t picky as long as I had food to calm my nerves.
I pop my case off, happy to find a twenty-dollar bill. That makes me veer off towards the food trucks. It takes me a matter of minutes to grab a pulled pork sandwich, fries, and a soda. I somehow manage to walk while eating until I make it to the beach, kicking my shoes off to leave at the end of the steps like everyone does.
As soon as my feet feel the sand beneath them, the sun beaming down on my body, the breezy salty air hits my senses. I’m at peace, thank goodness, because there is no way anyone should get me this worked up. But that’s what Jax does, and maybe he’s right. Maybe we’re not meant for each other. Maybe this was a dumb mistake after all, except deep in my heart, all I want to do is fight for us and make Jax see just what a dumbass he’s being.
As I sit down, eating my food, I come to the realization that I’m going to just have to let this play out. I pick my phone up and make a call, not to my momma, though I’m sure she’ll be hearing from me soon. We call each other daily, usually on my way into the shop or on my way home.
“Hey, you okay?” Melanie asks on the other end of the line without me saying anything.
“Hey, and geesh, I’m not sure who is more of a gossiper, men or women,” I reply.
“Well, to be fair, Fox does worry about you. He’s taken you under his wing, so my guess is you’re stuck with him. Plus, we could all see something was going to come to a head eventually. We just didn’t take Jax for being a weenie,” she jokes.
“Eh, I’m not going to cry over it, Mel, honestly. If he can’t see what’s right in front of him, then who cares? What are you up to? Want some company?” I practically invite myself over.
“Good, don’t. He’ll either figure it out or he’ll figure it out,” she laughs and then continues, “You don’t ever have to ask. You’re always welcome over.”
“Thanks, but we both know that’s not true. Fox would have my head if I just let myself into your house. He would lose his mind, and who knows what I’d walk in on?” I’m looking at the waves crashing, listening to her laugh.
“Are you sure that wouldn’t be you and Jax?”
“Oh, dear God, just how much was on video?” I retort.
“Not that much, but come over. I’ll get the drinks ready. Fox can take you home later, or you can crash in the spare room.”
“Fine, I’ll be there in a few minutes. I’ll be coming from the beach anyways.” I stand up from my sitting position, dusting the sand off, and go back to grab my shoes and throw my trash away.
“Good, we need some girl time.” We hang up, and then I set off for their place. We do this at least once a month, sometimes more, sometimes less, but it couldn’t have come at a better time. The downside, is that Jax lives a few doors down from them, and I’ll have to walk by his house. That’s okay, though, because I’m going to fake it till I make it. There’s no way I’ll let him see just how damaging his words were to me today.
Five
Jax
I’m in the middle of doing my last set. It’s fucking leg day, the one day a week I dread. The ringing of the doorbell doesn’t stop me from finishing though. It’s not like I don’t know who’s at the door. Fucking Fox. He’s happy with Melanie now, and during our few talks we’ve had he’s blatantly stated I should go after the woman who makes my heart beat faster, no matter the outcome or obstacles between us.
I finish my set, wipe the sweat off my face with the towel I keep on me, and make my way to the front door. The doorbell keeps chiming. “I’m coming. Hold your damn horses,” I holler. I should make Fox wait longer than he is already. I’m suddenly feeling very parched.
“Make me wait much longer, and I’ll just use the key. You know, the one you gave me.” He jiggles the door, and I know he’ll use it. So, instead of stopping to get a bottle of water, I swing the door open, give him my back, and head towards the kitchen knowing he’ll follow me.