Blake pushed out a laugh. “Yeah… you’re right.”
Notes of sadness settled in her tone and it seemed we were both stuck in this weird state of in-between. What did we want? What did we need?
“Listen,” I said. “It was great to hear your voice and catch up, but I’m pulling into Jade’s. Text me later?”
“Of course. And tell her I said hi. I miss her, too!”
“I will.”
We hung up as my tires rolled over the lip of the parking lot. Jade lived in an apartment on James Island, just past the connector. I didn’t call her before showing up since Blake had called me first, so I used the key Jade had given me ‘for emergencies’ to let myself in.
I helped her out last night, so I figured I could come over if I wanted.
She had a perfectly sized two-bedroom apartment on the top floor that she filled with all the things that reminded me of our childhood together. Coming here always put me at ease. A haven away from my own home.
Her apartment showed zero signs of life this morning, so I kicked off my shoes and put my purse down next to the door.
I tiptoed on the carpet—yes… I know… ridiculous—toward a dark bedroom and saw the sleeping figure that belonged to my sister from another mister. She was sprawled out in the middle of the bed, her hair fanned across her pillow, reminding me of how a child usually slept. Sideways, feet out, and like they didn’t have a care in the world.
Jade was clearly in a deep sleep.
So, I did what all good sisters do.
I jumped—and I do mean vaulted myself into the air—into the bed with her.
“What the fuck!” she yelled, flailing her arms around, trying to protect herself from the incoming intruder.
When she saw my grinning face, she exhaled deeply.
“God damn, can’t you figure out any other way to wake me up? I hear back rubs are nice or some soft whispering. Not some kung-fu type shit.”
“I’ll take it up with my boss for consideration.”
Jade groaned as she burrowed herself deeper into her comforter. “I was having such a pleasant dream, too.”
I leaned back against the headboard and put my hands behind my head as I crossed my legs. “Ooh, do share with the class.”
Jade peeked up at me from her pillow. “I can’t. It’s embarrassing.”
“Ha! I was there when you spit your gum on that older guy at the playground as kids. I saw you slip on ice and land on your ass. I promise you, it can’t be that bad.”
She turned her head into the pillow. “It was about Damien.” Her voice was muffled by the material.
And I was grateful she couldn’t see my face.
Everyone knew I had no control over it. The expressions my face threw out for the world to see were anyone’s guess.
But right now, on the inside, my emotions were a tangled box of old cords, twisted up and around each other with no way to pull them apart.
The idea of Jade being intimate with Damien, either physically or emotionally, caused my stomach to twist uncomfortably.
Which was completely irrational.
I needed to get a hold of myself.
Jade adjusted her head, peeking one eye out to look at me.
I did my best to plaster on a smile. “I’m waiting for the embarrassing part.”
