“Are you okay?”
“Sorry, I tripped over my gym bag and fell into the table.” He takes off his shoes awkwardly which tells me he is tipsy.
“How was the meeting?”
He enters my room.
Undoing his belt then pulls down his pants, leaving them on the floor. He heads to the bathroom. “I’ll be right back.”
When he reappears, I pull back the sheet. “Join me.”
He crawls in, kissing my cheek, smelling of toothpaste.
“Did you finish your paper?”
“Yes.”
He lies back. “Good.” He’s still smiling with his eyes shut.
“Do you want to talk?”
“Not right now.” Propping his head up on one of his folded arms, he begins to talk. “Where do I start? He comes in bringing a bottle of scotch, complimenting me on hiring Pete years ago, making the changes inside the bar that were needed, profits and the employee turnover. He sets down a glass for me and one for himself. Then it went downhill.”
“What do you mean?”
“He began to break down my four years at Hopson—how he thinks I’m too young to be in a serious relationship, that I should get my career up and going first. I presented my proposal and he took it but said he would have his lawyers look over it. He then left, and I stayed for a few more rounds of the expensive scotch.”
“How did you get home?”
“Campus bus, which I’ve not taken since my freshman year.”
“I’m sorry it didn’t go well.”
“It’s pretty normal but after tonight and what he said, I’m done. He can do what he feels is the right thing and from this point until the day I graduate, I’ll do the same.” He leans over, placing his hand on my cheek. “We’ll be just fine.” He lays back and closes his eyes.
I shut off the light, sliding down beside him as he puts an arm around me, kissing my head. He whispers, “I won’t stop trying.”
“I know you won’t.”
Chapter 29
Iwalk into a tall building made of grey stone with lots of windows facing towards a large, well landscaped pond with a fountain. I see a gentleman sitting at the front desk, who is reading something on a clipboard.
“Excuse me.”
“Yes, may I help you?”
“I have a 2 pm interview with Steven Palmer with ECON.”
He looks at his clipboard. “Your name?”
“Jamie Morgan.”
“Yes, I have you down. Sign here and put this on.” He hands me a badge.
“You will go down this hall to the elevator. ECON’s offices are on the third floor.”
“Thank you.”
“Good luck.”
The elevator doors open, and I step out. There’s another desk, this time with an older lady with white hair and black rimmed glasses.
“May I help you?”
“I’m Jamie Morgan.”
“Yes, please take a seat. May I get you a water?”
“No, thank you.” I sit in a white leather chair surrounded by more white furniture and a large coffee table. I realize my hands are nervously rubbing my binder, which holds my resume of sorts.
“Ms. Morgan, Mr. Palmer will see you now. Please follow me.” She opens a door leading to a conference room. Seated inside are three men, one of whom walks over to me.
“Ms. Morgan, nice to finally meet you in person. I’m Mr. Palmer. Your professor has all good things to say about you. Please have a seat and I can introduce you to everyone you might work with while here.”
I take my seat next to Mr. Palmer. They start asking questions about me, my thoughts on the future, and we go over information about the company and the internship. About 45 minutes later, I’m done with the interview and a quick tour of the company. With a bottle of water in hand, I leave feeling good. I pass the ECON sign downstairs and touch it for good luck.
*
I enter the apartment, setting down my purse along with the new dress I bought on the way home. I fill a glass with water, then head out onto the balcony, taking a long sip. I lean my head back, taking in the smell of the outdoors and relishing the warm breeze. A “hi” breaks me out of my trance. I look to the right and a guy I’ve never seen before is standing on the next balcony, holding a beer.
“Hi.”
“I didn’t mean to startle you. I’m Josh—I just moved into this apartment.”
“Oh, my name is Jamie. I live here with my boyfriend Michael. Are you a student?”
“No, I graduated a few years ago. I work as an Auditor at Simmons Bank. You attend Hopson?
“Yes, and so does Michael.” I hear the sliding door open behind me.
“Hey you,” says Michael, grabbing me tight around my waist. He nuzzles my neck tickling my skin. “Are you hungry?”
I giggle. “Yes, starving.”
“Well let’s fix that.”
“Wait, I want you to meet our new neighbor. Michael, this is Josh.”
Josh reaches out his hand. Michael does the same, but doesn’t remove the other hand from my waist. “Do you attend Hopson?”
“I graduated a few years ago.”
“There have been some changes.”
“Yes. Windsor Hall is different and the soccer field has moved. Well, don’t let me keep you guys from dinner.”
Michael takes my hand, ushering me inside with his other hand. “You should come by the 42 Bar at the circle; we work there most days.”
“Thanks, I might stop by.”
I glance back at Josh still on the balcony. “He seems nice.”
Backing me over to the sofa, Michael kisses me down the front of my blouse. I giggle saying his name as he pushes me and I fall onto the sofa.
“He’s okay. I’m going to shower and then you can fill me in on your interview.” With a quick kiss, he leaves only to come back. “Or we can delay dinner.”
I throw a pillow at him. “Go shower!” He smiles then leaves. I love his playfulness and he’s so charming. I get off the sofa following him down the hall unbuttoning my blouse. Who am I kidding he is my weakness.
We decide on burgers and go to our favorite little hole in the wall. I fill him in on my interview at ECON while we devour our dinner. He orders a slice of chocolate cake in celebration of my possible new internship while I excuse myself to the bathroom. When I return, Stan is talking to Michael.
“Stan! Where have you been? We’ve missed you!”
He picks me up in a bear hug. “You know, it could have been me you fell in love with, not this gorilla. You’re looking sweet, so I guess he is doing something for you. I was just telling Michael that my dad got hurt, so I went home.
“Is he okay?”
“He’s doing well now. We’re having a keg party at the boat house Saturday, and you both need to come. You know, just be college students. Please come or I will hunt you down and drag you there.” He kisses my cheek then slaps Michael on the shoulder. “I got to go, see you Saturday.”
Michael puts payment on the table. “Stan really wanted to date you when you first came to Hopson. He crushed hard on you.”
“He never asked me out. Was that because of you?”
“Yes, actually. I felt you needed friends because you were going through a hard time.”
I wrap my arms around him. “You’ve always looked after me.”
He tightens his arms around me. “I always will.”
*
The next couple of days have flown by, but now Friday is upon us. I’m getting dressed for work at the 42, checking my phone for a message from ECON, but nothing. I grab my backpack and pull the door shut behind me. When I turn, I bump into Josh and drop my phone on the concrete.
“Josh, I’m so sorry—my mind is somewhere else.”
“It’s fine.” He picks it up. “Protective covers do come in handy. What had your attention?”
“An internship.”
“Waiting to see if you got it?”
“Yes. But right now
my other job is waiting. You should come by later.”
“I might just do that. I have some time before my meeting. May I walk with you?”
“Um, sure.”
He walks me to the front door of the 42, where I am left wondering about him. He asked questions about me and Michael the whole walk over. I tried to change the conversation, but it always came back to us. He seems nice, but I am not ready to give that kind of information to anyone. Still, why is he that interested?
Chapter 30
It’s Saturday morning and we decide to run together and then get breakfast at Dot’s. The rest of the morning will be taken up with laundry and cleaning which is not glamorous but needed. About 12:30, we sit down to eat lunch.
“What’s your take on the new neighbor?”
I hand him the mustard. “Josh, what do you mean?”
“He seems to never have friends over and he’s overly interested in you.”
“Really?”
“When you were on the balcony reading the other night—before I came out to join you—he was leaning on the balcony rail staring over at you. Then he left as soon as I came out.”
“He was probably looking at the girl down from us because she usually wears next to nothing. Besides he’s asking me about you; maybe he’s interested in strong and sexy instead.”
“So, you think I’m sexy after cleaning the toilet?”
“Very much so.”
“You must love me.”
“I do.”
“Well I’m going to keep my eye on him.”
I finish chewing my bite of sandwich. “We could introduce him around the 42, put his mind on someone else other than you.” He tosses a chip at me.
“How about a movie and a nap after lunch?”
“Sounds wonderful.”
*
The party at the boat house is going strong. We’re late due to a problem at work, but we’re here now. Michael touches my elbow, stopping me. He has that look on his face.
“I know what you’re going to say.”
“You do, huh?”
“I promise to forget about ECON and be a carefree college student. But you have to promise to do the same.”
He kisses me. “So, I get to cop a feel, steal kisses, and encourage drinking so I can get you back to my place. Is that right?”
“Yes. My part tonight is to tease you, show you but not show you my boobs and drink beer hoping you will take me to your place.”
“Exactly.” We shake on our plans for the night when my phone vibrates.
I read it. “Um, Caleb says he has information for me and wants to meet.”
Michael gives me the raised eyebrow. “Right. No drama tonight.” I text back that I’ll call him tomorrow. Putting my phone away, we walk in search of the keg.
This party has pool, beer and poker games in full force. We mingle together then split off—he goes with the boys and I go with the girls. After a while there is a loud game of poker going on, with the boys smoking cigars as they wear their caps backwards and laugh at each other’s jokes. I watch my boyfriend be free of future decisions, his dad, work responsibilities, and enjoy the party being a student. He needs this and I am buzzing, in need of water to drink or to splash on my face. In the bathroom I find Bethany throwing up.
“You okay? What do you need?” I move over, holding back her hair.
“Just promise me not to tell Derek because he will want me to go home and I’m having fun.”
“Okay, but only water for you.” She picks up her fingers in an okay sign. I go out to let her freshen up and to get us water from the cooler. Michael is standing at the keg refilling his cup, so I slide in front of him. He stops pouring.
I take the nozzle. “May I pour for you?”
“That works for me. Now my hands are free to touch you.”
I turn to face the keg and his hands are now on the top of my jeans, where he hooks his thumbs. I can feel his warm fingers on my skin under my shirt.
“Is Bethany okay?”
“Yes, too much beer not enough water. Did Derek see her?”
“No.” He points towards the sofa. “A little out himself. How are you?”
“A good buzz. I heard the girls were joining for strip poker—are we playing?” I turn to face him.
His lips come down on mine, barely touching them as he smiles. He tilts my chin up, putting his other hand in my hair tilting my head back so he can pursue his mission of my mouth. When he’s done, I can’t move, I don’t move. I open my eyes and look into his.
“Okay, no strip poker for me.”
“We can play at home.”
I raise up on my toes to kiss his neck, then tug on his ear with my teeth. He lets out a purring noise, deep in his throat. Then we hear Stan.
“STOP, enough! Some of us are single and going home alone. This display of affection is not helping us. That kiss was a little R rated.”
“You told us to be college students and I found the girl I’m taking home.”
I look over at Stan. “Are you hungry?”
“Yes, I want what you both are having.” He grabs my hand. “Taco Hut, here we come!” He pulls me away from Michael towards the door, yelling behind him.
“Anyone else hungry?”
*
Most of us are strolling down the sidewalk heading to Taco Hut in search of food to put in our stomachs along with the beer. The girls are walking behind the guys who are making us laugh at their antics. One falls into a bush, two roll into the street from playing leap frog. We start cheering when we hear the music at Taco Hut and they’re already busy with other food deprived students.
“Jamie, do you want the usual?”
“Yes, thank you.”
*
We find tables, sit, and gorge ourselves with tacos. About 4:15 in the morning, we decide to part ways and head home. Stan has met a girl from Mathews College here visiting her friend, so with him busy, leaving is easy. We’re talking about how much fun we had when my phone vibrates, with an unknown number. I put it away.
“Is it another one?”
“Yes, unknown.”
“Just like before? Are you getting more?” Right then, it vibrates again: unknown. Michael takes the phone to answer it.
“Hello, who is this? Stop calling this number. We are monitoring this phone and we will know who you are. They hung up.” He hands me my phone back. “Let me know if you keep getting calls. We might need to change your number.”
“Agreed.”
We finally arrive at the apartment and he stops holding up his arm in front of me. He puts his finger to his lips. My eyes go to what he’s looking at: the slightly open door to the apartment.
“Jamie, call the police and stay here.”
I grab for his arm. “Michael, don’t. Let’s call them together.”
He touches my face. “Please stay here.” He walks in the apartment unarmed.
I call 911, telling them what is happening and give the address. They make me stay on the line, but I want to go inside. I move closer to the door when they finally arrive. I wave to them then turn back to the apartment, when I see Michael coming out. He tells them the apartment was empty, but wants to follow them inside to show them what he found. He looks at me.
“I’ll be right back.”
I wait for him to return, with all kinds of thoughts running through my head. He comes to the door.
“Jamie, come inside.”
I’m sure my face tells him I’m in a panic and he takes my hand telling me what’s happened.
“The apartment has been broken into so we can’t touch anything yet.” We approach an officer holding a pen and pad while another officer comes out of the back of the apartment to stand with us.
“Miss Morgan, we want you to go into your bedroom and let us know if anything is missing but don’t touch your things yet. Officer Pittman will go with you.”
I walk into my room and see my bed has been torn apart. The drawers are open and ther
e are clothes thrown all over. The nightstand is empty and all the items are on the floor. The medicine cabinet in the bathroom has also been trashed. I can’t tell if anything is missing because of the mess. I turn to go back into the living room.
“Jamie, they want to ask you some questions like they asked me.”
“Sure.”
“I’m Sergeant Rose. Could you state your full name please?”
“Jamie Carson Morgan.”
“Miss Morgan, you are a renter here at this address. Is this correct?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Ma’am, have you had any problems with anyone lately? An ex-boyfriend, coworker, or neighbor. Mr. Tucker told me about his ex-girlfriend who lives here on campus that she has been giving you some grief, not letting go easily.”
I look at Michael. “She is a little over the top in her actions but to break in and do all this, I just don’t know. I’ve received a few calls on my phone lately that are coming up as unknown. In fact I received some tonight.”
“We can try and trace the location of the calls, but you’ll have to come down to the station tomorrow. But for tonight we have a few more things to do here then we can be out of your way.”
Michael shakes his hand.
The officers go about doing their job and my stomach feels uneasy. Is it from the booze or the fact our home has been invaded?
“Michael, we don’t bother anyone. Why do these things happen to us?” Do you think it could be Stacey?”
“I’m not sure but the police will let us know what they find. Let’s go to a hotel tonight. Maybe we can get some sleep, have breakfast, and then go to the station with your phone later. They’ll put a temporary lock on the door. What do you think?”
Looking around I agree with him to leave the apartment.
We enter the hotel about 5:30 in the morning and I go about pulling the curtains shut. We stopped at the gift shop to pick up toothbrushes, since we couldn’t take anything with us. I walk into the bathroom and watch him take them out of the wrappers. My eyes fill with tears.
“Jamie what can I do?”
My Heart Page 17