Maybe because he was.
I left the bathroom and walked across campus. I usually walked the mile to the small studio I shared with Michelle, but today, I hailed a cab on Broadway. My head was pounding, and I really did feel sick. All I wanted was to get home and crawl in bed.
The Manhattan traffic was always busy, but it wasn’t yet rush hour, so it was only a matter of minutes until I was paying the cabbie and going up the stairs to my apartment on the north end of campus.
The apartment had one corner for the kitchen and small table and the two twin beds were along the opposite wall, and the center third served as the living room with a sofa and television mounted on the wall. It was sparse, but it served its purpose.
I had one more class after AOS, so the first thing I did when I got home was get out my laptop and email the instructor that I had the flu. I was thankful for the ability to submit the assignments online. I gave my teeth a quick brush and used a swish of mouthwash to rid my mouth and was changing clothes when a ping came through on my phone. I’d thrown it down on my bed before switching on the television and changing into sweatpants and a baggy T-shirt. It was probably Michelle, I thought, grabbing a scrunchie from the drawer of the nightstand next to my small bed and pulling my dark hair into a lose bun on top of my head.
I took a diet Sprite from the small refrigerator and flipped through the cable channels to find something to watch before picking up my phone and glancing at the screen.
What happened to you? Are you alright?
It was from Jax, not Michelle.
I leaned back on my pillows contemplating whether or not to return the text. It was Wednesday and I didn’t have to see him until class on Friday. Maybe I just needed to put some time and distance between us to center myself. I inhaled and took a sip of my soda.
Addison answer me. Are you alright?
I knew he’d persist if I didn’t answer.
I think I have the flu. I threw up outside the lecture hall, so I caught a cab home.
Do you need anything?
Yes, my mind railed. I need a time machine. I need to go back before our meeting today.
No, I’m okay. Thanks, though.
I sat my phone down next to me and picked up the remote again. It was a few minutes before another text came through. He must have been weighing whether to ask what he really wanted to know.
Are you reconsidering?
Should I tell him the truth? He said he’d know if I was lying and I found I didn’t want to.
I might be. You’re more than a little intimidating. I’m flattered, and I really would like your help on my book, but the rest is a bit overwhelming.
I hesitated before hitting send. Was I about to close the door on any possibilities, professional and personal? I pushed the button before I could think about it too much.
I heard the key in the lock just before Michelle opened the door. I quickly shoved my phone underneath the covers of my bed.
“What happened?” she asked, dropping her bag on the sofa and walking toward me to sit down next to me on the bed.
I lifted one shoulder in a half shrug. I would have a hard time lying to Michelle. She’d known me since we were assigned as roommates our freshman year, and we were practically inseparable. “I just felt sick. I ran out into the bathroom and threw up, so I came home.”
She pressed the back of her hand to my forehead and then my cheek. “You don’t feel warm.”
“Probably something I ate,” I tried to dismiss her concern. “No biggie.”
Her expression twisted. “We ate the same things.”
I shrugged again and shook my head. “I don’t know, then.”
Ping.
My phone sounded from beneath the covers.
“Do you want me to make you some soup?” Michelle asked, getting up and walking into the little kitchen to begin rummaging through the two crates that served as our pantry.
“By that do you mean open a can of Campbell’s?”
“Hey, don’t make fun of my cooking ability when I’m trying to help you.”
“It sounds gross, but thanks.” I pushed aside the covers so I could look down at the screen of my phone.
I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you. Let’s meet for a dinner, if you feel up to it. Somewhere public so you won’t feel uncomfortable, but we should talk again.
I didn’t know why, if we weren’t doing this, that we needed to talk about it, but still, something inside of me wanted to meet him. I closed my eyes as I struggled with myself. My friend was chattering away, but I wasn’t listening. Ping. I glanced down again.
Are you still sick?
I feel better. I think it was nerves.
Then, please, Addison.
No one called me Addison. Until Jax.
I pushed up off of the bed, grabbing my iPhone as I did so. “I’m going to take a bath, Shell,” I said and went into the small bathroom without waiting for her reply. After the door was closed behind me, I sat down on the edge of the tub, thinking about what to say.
You’re famous. What if someone sees us?
Jax’s response was instantaneous.
Honestly? I don’t give a rat’s ass. Manhattan has a population of almost two million. We’ll blend.
I smiled and leaned over to start the water in the tub, adjusting the temperature and adding a generous portion of my Code scented bath gel which soon began making bubbles. I stood and placed my phone on the small vanity top of the single sink and peeled off my clothes, then leaned back and picked up the phone before I sank down into the tub of warm scented water as the tub continued to fill.
In the matter of a few seconds I was going from apprehensive to giddy.
When and where?
Erminia. I’ll send a car for you
Wow. It was known as one of New York City’s most romantic restaurants and practically impossible to get in to without reservations well in advance.
No. I’ll get a cab. Michelle will wonder what’s up.
If you insist.
I could almost hear his wry response. And let out a small laugh.
I do. What should I wear?
Semi-casual, but sexy. Casual is optional, sexy is mandatory.
I sat there staring at my phone while mentally scanning my closet for something appropriate and wondering how I’d explain my little evening out to Michelle without spilling the beans.
I shrugged mentally. She’d probably find out anyway. I wasn’t one to hide my emotions; they shone like beacons from my face. I trusted her and whatever; nothing was stopping me from going to meet Jax. My body was buzzing at the prospect alone. It was like something you read about in Bram Stoker’s Dracula. His name resonated in my brain and I knew I wouldn’t be able to stop thinking about him. I hurriedly tapped out my response.
When?
Not soon enough. When can you get there?