“Thanks. I hope you’re right.” She led me out of the room. “So, what’s going on with your classes?”
“I just started my last course, and I’ll be graduating in December.”
“Wow. That’s amazing,” she said, her gaze searching mine as she came to a stop in the living room.
“Yeah. I think I’m going to walk in the winter commencement.”
“Look at you. You’re like an MMA master and you’re getting your degree. What a difference a summer makes, huh?” she said, bumping her shoulder into mine. But I knew there was more meaning behind her words. We’d both grown a lot these last few months, but it would take time to see who we’d become.
I opened the door and saw the slew of press outside. At least six camera guys were set up out front. Jesus Christ. Could I not have one night with her without this? I came to a halt and she slammed into my back before I pushed the door closed.
“Shit, did you see how many of them are out there?” I said.
“I forgot how aggressive they can be. And now they’re going to think you slept here.” Her tone was full of panic and distress.
“I did sleep here,” I said.
“You know what I mean, Cruz. They’re going to think we’re back together and start stalking me again. I’ve removed myself from all of this. I don’t want to be stared at on campus and sent hate mail from crazy ass girls. I don’t want this. None of it.”
She was shouting now.
Angry.
I put my hands on each of her shoulders. “Relax, Jade. I’ll go out the front door. I’ll say I came this morning to fix something. I do own the property after all. You can sneak out the back door and cut through a few yards, and they won’t even know you were here.”
She swiped at the single tear rolling down her cheek. It was the first day of her last year of undergrad, and she was dealing with my bullshit. No wonder she wanted space from me.
“Okay. I just want to focus on my classes and hopefully getting some interviews for med school. I can’t get sucked back into all of this.”
I tucked the hair behind her ear. “I get it.”
She pushed up and kissed my cheek. “Okay. I’m going out the back door.”
I watched her leave and waited till she stepped outside before opening the front door and offering them a fabulous distraction.
“Do you guys ever get sick of following me around? Because I sure as shit get sick of it.” I lit a smoke and took a drag.
One dude laughed. “Are we going to be visiting you here, again? You and Jade back together?”
“No, you must be slipping on your impressive journalism skills. I’m taking off today on tour. Just dropping off some paperwork to Jade and her roommate.”
“You didn’t spend the night here?” another one called out.
“Are you serious? Do you think I’d use the front door if I did?” It was the best I could come up with, and they seemed to buy it for now. I put out my cigarette and drove toward campus to make sure Jade made it without anyone bothering her. I paused at a stop sign and saw her up ahead. She wasn’t alone.
Dick was walking beside her.
And I still wanted to smash his face in.
Chapter Seven
Jade
September 3rd
Dear Journal,
Well, let’s just say it’s been a crappy day. Jack and I had a big fight last night. He’s been drinking a lot with all his new friends at the firehouse. I went to pick him up from a bar because I was worried about him and he told me to “stop nagging him.” I kid you not. I left the library to have him call me a NAG? He proceeded to tell me that I don’t make time for him and that I’m too caught up in school. I told him that he could find himself another girlfriend, because this NAG wasn’t going to stick around and be insulted.
I mean, stereotype much? I’m picking his drunk ass up at a bar and he calls me a nag? Not happening. I dropped him at his house and refused to take his calls after I got home. I’m so mad at him. And then I woke up and got my period. It’s like the gods are frowning on me today. I have a big zit on my cheek and I’m tired. The only good thing—they are going to do a screening with me at the studio today. Let me play out my fantasy a little about being in front of the camera. I’m not letting my fight with Jack or my oversized zit derail me. Onward and upward. I am woman, hear me roar. LOL. Just getting myself pumped up. Need to go charge the tundra.
Ciao for now,
J.E.
Mom’s journal always made me laugh. Obviously, her fight with Dad didn’t last long, because they clearly ended up together. But she was such a strong woman, even at a young age, and I admired her. I tucked her journal in my nightstand and checked my makeup before I left to meet Richard for dinner. On my way out the door, my phone vibrated.
Cruz ~ Hey. It’s Friday. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.
I rolled my eyes. We were no longer sticking to the once a week texts since he’d spent the night here, but I was still trying to keep some distance between us. It scared me how easily I found my way back to him. The night we’d spent together proved that I wasn’t over him. Obviously, we didn’t have sex. We hadn’t even kissed. But we didn’t need to. That was the thing with me and Cruz. We were connected in every way. He was a part of me and being near him made me feel complete. And whole. And I hated it as much as I loved it. My feelings for Cruz were a curse and a blessing. I knew he needed time in his recovery. And I needed time to heal from everything that happened. But why was it so damn hard to stay away from him?
Me ~ Well, that leaves my options pretty wide open. (winky face emoji)
Cruz ~ Never trust a guy named Dick. There’s a reason he has that name.
I let out a long breath.
Me ~ Why are you texting me right now? Just to mess with my head.
Cruz ~ Probably, yes. Is it working?
I laughed.
Me ~ Nope. I’m still going.
Cruz ~ Fine. Don’t be afraid to use that rape whistle I gave you.
Me ~ It’s a date. I’m not wandering through a deserted alley.
Cruz ~ Have you not heard of acquaintance rape? Nearly 50% of violent acts are caused by people the victim knows. I kid you not, More Jade.
I was done texting this ridiculousness, so I dialed his number. It was the first time we were speaking since I’d seen him.
“Hey, this is a surprise,” he purred through the line.
“Stop it. You’re being an asshole.”