“Uh oh. You’re a dangerous thinker.” I interrupt with a playful smirk.
He wiggles his brows and then takes my hand, leading me down the hall through the double doors to the parking lot. “Actually, you’re right. However,” He’s using hand gestures for effect. “This time it was with Jake, so you can imagine how much worse the thought was.” He steals a quick kiss as my appalling expression shows through. I can only imagine. “No seriously though, you don’t have plans tonight, do you?”
I think it over on when I was supposed to go to Jared’s for dinner with him and his girlfriend, Hannah. But remembering it’s next weekend, I shake my head. “Nope, all yours tonight.”
“Good. Because we’re going right over to Jake’s. Us guys are gonna make you ladies dinner.”
I send him a look of appreciation at their thoughtfulness. It shouldn’t really surprise me. Both of them are extremely thoughtful on a daily basis. “Taking on the role of housewife, are ya?” I wrap an arm around his waist as we stroll to his car. This’ll be interesting.
He opens the door for me and I slip inside, desperate to ignore this tight knot that continuously grips my stomach. I’ll tell him about New York later, I decide.
I stare out the window on the drive over. It’s not lost on Jackson. “You’re quiet. Are you okay?”
I lay my head sideways against the headrest and smile at him when he looks at me. “Yeah, I’m just thinking of how lucky I am to have you.”
His eyes darken with passion and love and his voice grows soft when he says, “I’m luckier.” He kisses the back of my hand before letting go. “I wanna go away with you. Just the two of us.”
I lift my head, cheerful and intrigued at the idea. “Where to?”
He thinks about it for a minute before he suggests, “How ‘bout Dallas? We can go to Six Flags and stay in a fancy hotel.”
“Talk about spontaneity, baby. I’m there.” I agree, with as much fervor as I can find within me. I love road trips, and a road trip with Jackson is definitely gonna be the highlight of my weekend. I just hope my mom will agree to it.
I lift my feet up on the dash and stick my hands between my thighs.
He raises a brow, “I love spontaneity, remember?” We pull up in front of Jake’s house. “We’ll talk about it later, okay?” I nod. After a brief kiss, he gets out and meets me at my side.
“You don’t have to open my every time we go somewhere.” I tell him, but with a kind smile. “Though I do appreciate the chivalrous side, I can do things for myself, too.”
Naturally our hands come together as we walk to the door. “You’re right; it’s a new habit of mine. Being with you brings that side out of me. But if it gets to be too much, kick me. I’ll stop.” His hand grasps mine in front of us, comparing sizes. “No, I’ll just bring it down a notch. I don’t mean to insinuate that you need a guy to do everything. You’re not like that.” His hand pushes against mine a little too hard, I wince. “Which I appreciate, by the way.”
When the door opens, I stifle a giggle because Jake’s wearing an apron. “Hey, guys!” He smirks.
“Dude, you got another one for me?” Jackson asks him seriously.
I stifle a grin. “Wow, this is going to be interesting.” I glance at Jackson, “Damn, I didn’t even think of it. My mom’s got several. I could’ve borrowed one from her.”
Both of them are conversing and I can’t keep up. But I know once they’re both in their roles, I’m taking a picture to send to Randa. She’ll probably blast it on Facebook, too. Better wait to show her. “I’m going to look for Monica.” I tell them, as they chat away about I don’t even know anymore, so I leave them to it.
“She’s in the game-room.” Jake shouts over his shoulder at the same time Jackson says, “I love you, Sky.”
I shake my head at the two great guys in my life.
“Monica?” I open the door to find her in a comfy looking rocking chair, reading. “Hey, what’s up?”
“Hey, Sky.” She shows me the cover of the book she’s reading; Find You in the Dark. “Have you read this? I’ve already cried like a thousand tears. Oh my God.” She wipes her face. I examine the cover, and it’s quite intriguing. I’ll have to borrow it. “Maybe it’s my emotions, too.”
I tilt my head and study her, wondering--
“I’m pregnant.” She deadpans. Well, I’m not wondering anymore. I gape at her. “But honestly, this book is heartbreaking. God, poor Clay.” She starts off again.
“Does Jake know?” I have no clue how to broach this subject. But seriously, pregnant? Wow, I mean, it happens. I just can’t imagine what she’s feeling.
“It’s one of the reasons we invited you guys over for dinner. Of course we were gonna tell you both together.”
“My art teacher told me today that he’s got a friend interested in me doing photography and painting for him.” I confess. “In New York.”
“Wow, that’s amazing! Does Jackson know?”
“No, I’m afraid to tell him. What if he doesn’t like the idea? Or doesn’t want to move to New York?” She sits quietly. “Besides, I’m not one hundred percent certain I’m going.” I haven’t even told him I’ll be gone all summer.
“I’m sure he’ll be very understanding, Sky. He loves you so much.” She puts the book down on the table and sits on the couch. I plop down beside her.
We spend half the time watching reruns of Charmed and Supernatural. “So, is Jake excited?” I finally ask the question that’s been in the back of my mind since she told me.
“He’s scared. We both are, but he says whatever I want to do, he’ll be supportive.”
“You mean like, abortion?” I try to keep my tone neutral. I’m not one to judge another’s choices, especially when I have no experience in them.
She glances at me and shrugs. “I’d never do it, but yeah. I already told him that’s not happening. We just need to tell our parents now.”
I take her hand and squeeze reassuringly. “It’s gonna be okay.” I tell her, for the both of us.
She drops her head onto my shoulder and sighs. “Thanks, Sky. I’m scared, but another part of me is excited. I just have to get through the sick and emotional phase, and then all I hear is it gets better from there.”
“Can I borrow that book when you’re done?” I ask, changing the subject. She nods. It turns out our books tastes are quite similar. She reads all the same stuff I do, and vice versa. We share books each week, and a couple of times we met up at Starbucks and had a book discussion. “I think when I finish reading it; we should have a book discussion about it.”
“I agree. But pick somewhere besides Starbucks, please. My senses are insane and the smell of coffee beans makes me vomit.”
“Deal.”
When we’re called to the kitchen for dinner, I’ve got my phone set to camera, ready to take a picture. The food smells so good, my mouth waters.
Jackson comes up behind me and starts tickling my sides, making me shriek and try to get away from him. He knows I’m such an easy target. “I love making you squirm.” He says softly in my ear, when I’ve calmed down. My whole body ignites in flames. But of course I love when he does too. His hands are like magic to the touch.
“Not here, be good.” I tease.
He grits his teeth together, feistily. “Then tonight you’re all mine.” He promises. I don’t argue. “Oh yeah, take your picture. I know you’re dying to show this to Randa.” I laugh, he knows me too well. Then he shakes his finger at me, “But you tell her not to post it on her damn page.”
“I’ll do my best.” I lift my phone and point it at him and click. “Okay, you two,” I point to Jake, “Get together in front of the table of yumminess.” They stand in behind the table with their arms out as if presenting it to me. “Great! I love this.”
Monica laughs, giving him a quick peck on the lips. “This does smell delectable.”
They grilled steaks, with mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls, chicken flavored rice
and salad.
We take our seats and before we start dishing it out, Jake says, “Grace. We say grace.” Jackson and I glance at each other and follow along with his prayer.
“God, bless this food we’re about to eat. We may have made it, but it’s you that gave us this possibility. And please watch over our friends and family and guide us through this time of uncertainty. Amen.”
We start dishing the food onto our plates. Jackson says, “I didn’t know you were religious.”
“Ah, well I’m trying to be.” He sends a look to Monica, “Does she know?”
“Yes, I know.” I answer for Monica. “Congrats. And that was a very nice prayer.”
He smiles at me. “I’m scared as fuck about this whole thing. But I keep telling myself, everything happens for a reason.”
“He’s such a cliché.” Monica teases him, bumping his arm. “But I love you.” He kisses her sweetly. It makes me smile that they found each other, and are going through this together. Even if it is scary.
“Well I for one, think it’s gonna work out. You two will get through it. But if you ever need help on anything, you can always call one of us.” Jackson points between us. “We’re here for you. I can’t imagine what you’re both going through. But like Skylar said, congrats.”
“Awwwww, I’m so glad you guys got together, finally.” Monica says with affection. “There’s no way I would’ve been able to talk to Amber like this.” I sit quietly, keeping my opinions about her to myself. “I’m just glad it didn’t take forever for you to dump her.”
“Yeah well, I kinda screwed that up.” Jackson gently squeezes my thigh and gives me a toe-curling smile. “I’m making up for it, though.”
“Baby, let’s not talk about that one. Let’s just enjoy each other’s company and finish eating so my boy and I can throw down some Ghost Recon.”
We eat in comfortable silence. Every once in a while someone speaks and we all laugh or respond with a sarcastic comment or joke. But it’s a very nice dinner and it makes me thankful that these people are in my life.
Every now and again, I catch Jackson’s secret glances, and I wonder what he’s thinking every time our eyes meet. In them, I know I find the same love and desire that are held in my eyes. Talk about clichés.
When dinner is over, Monica and I volunteer to do the dishes, which the guys are grateful for, leaving us so they can play their silly games. Oh well, it keeps them happy and out of trouble. I’m all for it.
“So how far along are you?” I ask, her while we take turns washing and drying.
“I’m over six weeks. We’ve known for a few weeks now.” I noticed she didn’t eat a whole lot and I’m guessing because she’s not able to keep food down wholly yet. That must suck. “I swear, I better not be sick the whole pregnancy. I’ll flip.”
“I hear crackers help. Try it.”
“I do. It’s usually in the mornings I’m pretty sick.”
After our job is done, we go back to the game-room and watch TV. Monica reads, while I check for a good movie. When I look over at her, I see a tear sliding down her cheek. Her expression is heartbreaking in itself, so I look back to the TV.
“This book is really sad.” She says. “It’s not my preggo-state if that’s what you’re wondering.”
“Ha, I was. But okay. I can’t wait to read it.”
She looks up from the book, “My aunt suffered from PTSD and that’s what this book is about. It just hits home for me. But it’s so well-written.”
“I’m reading The Summer I Turned Pretty series on paperback. And listening to the audio of The Infernal Devices. Well, I was. I have to get back to them. But they’re amazing.”
“Read them all. But the last few books I read before this one were horror. I’m afraid if I read too many heart-wrenching books right now, it’ll coincide with my already scattered emotions. I have to alternate, to keep my sanity. This one is tipping the scale a bit.”
“I see, it is indeed.”
We talk more books and our favorite characters. We have the same tastes in book boys too. I love that we have this in common, to connect us. I love Randa of course. But she’s more the girly type, which is great. She loves to go shopping and get her hair and makeup done and be all girly. She’s good at that stuff. Whereas I’m not a fashionista. I’m happy to lounge around in my comfy pants and tank tops, wearing my hair in a messy bun. That’s my idea of fashion. I hardly wear makeup, though once in a while is totally fine. But Randa can’t walk out of her house without lip gloss.
Still, I’m glad to have them both. And it’s a good thing to have friends with different interests, because when I want fashion advice, I can call on Ran. But when I wanna ask about a book or anything related to it, I’ve got Monica. I’ve got the best of both worlds, so I can’t complain.
When it’s time to go, we hug our friends and plan for another night like this. But I suggest to them we play card games or something where we’re all involved. They liked my idea. Of course, because it’s brilliant.
Jackson walks me to my porch. I almost ask him to come in, but then decide against it because I wanted to talk to my mom about New York.
I turn to him, reaching for my keys. “Hey, can I call you later? I’ve gotta talk to my mom for a minute.”
For a minute, I see a flash of disappointment, but then it’s gone. And I wonder if it was my imagination. He reaches out to tuck some hair behind my ear, his fingers lingering on my face, bringing heat to my cheeks. “Of course. Is everything okay?”
“Yes. You can come over later, if you want.” I lean into him, lifting up on my toes to reach for his mouth.
“If I want? Of course I want.” He kisses me deeply, his tongue stroking mine. “I love you.” We’re both breathless.
“I love you, too. I’ll call or text you soon.” I give him one last sexy kiss before stepping away from him and watching him leave.
Chapter 22
Skylar
“Wow, Skylar. I’m so proud of you.” My mother says. I told her about New York and the opportunity and how I’m undecided. “This is a great thing for you. Is it what you really want?”
I shrug, hoping she can give me better advice than what she’s giving me. “You know I’ve always wanted to do something big with art. I just don’t know what to tell Jackson now.”
She looks at me seriously, “Do you see a future with him?”
“Really? Do you even have to ask?”
A laugh bubbles out of her throat. “I guess not. Well, then you’re gonna have to talk to him about it. He deserves to know your plans. He should know of your plans.” I just worry he won’t wanna move to New York and that would kill me.
I remember my other topic of discussion. “Oh yeah, this weekend can I go away with Jackson to Dallas? We wanted to go to Six Flags together.”
She peers at me with curious eyes, “Are you sleeping with him?”
Um. “I guess you deserve to know.” I take a deep breath. “Yes, but we’re using protection. Always.” Damn, I should’ve seen this coming.
“Honey, I’m not naïve to think you two wouldn’t get that far. And I’m so happy you’re dating and you’re happy. Believe me; it’s great to see you so cheerful.” She holds my hand between both of hers. I soak up her motherly affection, grateful for her understanding. “But, you still need to be careful. You’re eighteen now, so you’ve gotta make your own choices and mistakes. Just be careful, okay?”
“I promise, mom.” I lay my head in her lap; she begins stroking my hair like she always did when I was a kid. I let my eyes drift shut and my grip tightens aound her waist. “I love you.” My voice muffled.
“I love you so much, baby.” Is the last thing I hear.
I must’ve fallen asleep, because the next thing I know, I wake up and I’m still on the couch. But my mother is not. I swipe at my mouth, finding drool on my hand. Gross! I hate when that happens.
I sit all the way up and check the time on the coffee table; 11:30. Crap! I
need to text Jackson.
When I find my phone, I do.
Me: You still awake?
Jackson: Of course. How’s everything over there?
Me: Okay. Sorry, I fell asleep. I just woke up. Wanna meet at the park?
Jackson: Only if you don’t fall asleep there, too. Ha ha. Yes, I’ll be there.
Jackson’s already sitting in his usual spot when I get there. He’s lying on the merry-go-round staring up in the sky. I swear, it feels like we’re the only ones who love to spend hours at this place. But then again, that just makes it more special.
He lifts up on his elbows and waves when he sees me. I notice he brought a blanket this time. I like that. There’s a nip in the air and as soon as I think it, the chill bites at my skin that’s not covered up by my jacket.
“I wanna swing.” I walk past him and jump up on it, pulling the chains. I start going high and the chains, being as old as they are, make a creaking noise. Jackson watches me from his spot on the blanket. I look closely as I get higher and see something. “Did you bring food?”
He smiles slyly. “I was wondering if you’d notice.”
“You think of everything.” I smile back, wondering if he’s gonna share that delicious looking fruit bowl. “Save some for me.”
“You have to come down here and get it.” He challenges.
“Ugh, you suck.”
He snorts, “I’m not the one who sucks.” He shakes his head and chuckles, “Okay, yeah maybe I do and you know you love it. But, still, if you want some, come get some.”
The bowl is so tempting to fight for, yet I find myself more intrigued of fighting for Jackson and the way he’s looking at me. I suppose I can get him to feed me some fruit. That sounds hot.
Finally, I relent because I’m weak and need more of this amazing guy and his arms around me. As soon as I’m done chatting with myself, I jump off the swing midair, coming down on my knee. I jerk upright but wince when I stretch my leg out.
Torn (Torn Heart) Page 16