“Whatever.” I scoff, looking away, masking my blushing cheeks. I’m no stranger to the feeling of shame—we’re on a first-name basis at this point in my life.
“If you had just asked if I had a girlfriend, I would’ve answered honestly,” he says. “And you would’ve quickly learned that I donothave one.”
Just when I think I’m done blushing, it comes back with a vengeance. “Great, I’ll letCallieknow.”
He nods, smirking yet again, then stands up. I quickly change into a pair of black leggings and throw on my cardigan, kissing Truman goodbye on the way out. While sitting in the car, I type a response to Callie.
Iris
He’s single.
But instead of sending the message, I erase it. I’ll be seeing Callie later anyway—we can chat about this more at another time if it even comes up.
Eighteen
Iris
After another peaceful night of rest in a bed that isn’t mine, I awake earlier than usual—again. To my surprise, I am not running late to work this Monday morning. In fact, I’m in no rush at all. Shockingly, I didn’t think about work once this weekend despite spending an extensive amount of time with one of my very own clients. Today, that same client and I are touring the venue for the fundraiser masquerade ball along with the events team, so I’m jumping back into work mode.
I slip on a flowy blouse with puffy half sleeves, buttons, and brown pants, completing the look with leather booties. Thankfully, I packed at least one work-appropriate outfit in myovernight bag, but if maintenance can’t swap out the flooring soon, I’ll need to stop by my place to snag more clothes tonight. I shove my laptop into my work tote and wander out to the living area, searching for any sign of life.Looks like he’s still sound asleep.
Truman, however, signals me with a meow, clearly ready to feast like the little prince he is. I feed him a scoop of food, then check my watch. I’m early enough to make a coffee run, and Little Falls is only a ten-minute walk from here, so I set forth to visit the most consistent man in my life—Davis.
I recall Jasper saying he isn’t a morning person, so yesterday must have been a fluke for him. He had a long weekend; he deserves to sleep in. I sneak out the front door, closing it as quietly as possible. I step off the wooden porch, breathing in the fresh autumn air. Rustling rich-colored leaves on a maple tree in the yard catch my eye. The fallen leaves on the front lawn compose a canvas of vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds of every variation. As a gentle breeze sweeps the leaves away, I observe how willingly they give in and let go, some flying higher and higher until they seem to reach the clouds.Ah, the clouds. My clouds.The silver sky embraces me, reminding me I am not alone—shielding me from the sun’s rays, allowing me to embrace the storm brewing inside me.
“Ready to go?” A voice startles my innermost thoughts. Jasper is leaning on his car inside his garage with his muscular arms crossed—I suppose he must have already been waiting there before I even stepped outside.
“Go where?” I look back and forth between him and his Subaru. Beyond his car, I see a bench press alongside weights, dumbbells, kettlebells, and other various pieces of gym equipment.
“I figured I could give you a ride to work,” he offers.
“Oh,” I pause. “Well, I’m actually walking to Little Falls right now, so I won’t be going to work for a bit longer.”
“Perfect, I’ve been craving that breakfast sandwich.”
“You mean the sandwich you legitimately ate yesterday?”
“I said what I said. Come along, let’s go fuel my newfound addiction, Greene,” he says while getting in his car.
“Okay, sure. I mean, I guess we’re touring the venue this morning anyway, so it isn’t too much of an inconvenience for you to give me a ride to Soi, right?” We plan to finish the tour before he opens Aged Emporium at noon.
“Right,” he affirms from the driver's seat. I settle in on the passenger side. I realize I’ve been riding in cars a lot more lately than I usually do. I can thank Jasper for that, I suppose. We head over to Little Falls; it is far too quiet for my comfort. I reach over to increase the radio’s volume, to which Jasper gently stops me, handing me the aux cord.
“Feel free to play whatever you want,” he says. His observance never fails to impress me. Sometimes, it feels like we are on the same wavelength, moving in sync. Within seconds, music calms my troubled mind. I glance over at him, fixating my eyes on his hands steering the wheel. His subtle scruff adds an extra level of maturity to his look, and his sweatshirt, being more fitted than usual, accentuates his toned arms. For a split second, I wonder what it would be like to be held in those arms. But only for a second.
We arrive at Soi just in time to meet Joy along with a couple other event planners. Rather than traveling separately to Marble Grove, the proposed venue, we decide to all ride together in the company SUV, which Joy volunteers to drive. Tanner, a senior planner, sits in the front seat beside Joy, seemingly eager to mingle with her. Anna and Courtney, our social media gurus, request the middle aisle, leaving Jasper and me to sit in the back row.
Joy can’t help but strike up a conversation with every passenger in the vehicle during our twenty-minute commute to Marble Grove. I don’t mind her chit-chat—her ability to talk keeps the quiet away. Of course, her conversations steer back to Jasper more than anyone else.
“So, Jasper, what are you hoping to get out of this event? Are your parents super excited?” She beams, glancing at him through the rearview mirror.
“Just hoping to help bring Aged Emporium back to life,” he says, keeping his answer brief. “My parents are stoked for sure. Probably even more excited than I am, honestly.”
“We know you’re not super into the whole social media marketing thing, but we are running some ads for Aged Emporium and created a Facebook event for the fundraiser,” Courtney says.
“And Aged Emporium has already received twenty new followers in just one day, which is astronomical given your previous state,” Anna finishes Courtney’s thoughts. They both went to college together, graduating with the same degree and everything. They’re the epitome of soul sisters.
“You’ll definitely be getting more business soon,” Courtney affirms.
