“Wow, that’s really cool,” he says, flashing a quick smile. “Hopefully, the momentum sticks.”
Anna and Courtney grin, turning back around in their seats. I glance outside, recognizing we’re only a few minutes away now. I hyper-fixate on his comment—is he concerned this won’t help Aged Emporium long term? Why would he be worried about that? I wonder if Aged Emporium is struggling even more than I initially realized. While deep in thought, the vehicle’s silence takes over, forcing me to remember things I don’t want to remember right now.Not today. I will not go there today.
I take a deep breath in and search for my AirPods. I’m unable to find them at first, but I attribute that to my frazzled state and try sorting through my tote once more. There’s no way I would’ve forgotten these. I bring them everywhere to keep the quiet at bay. However, after searching again, I recognize they clearly aren't with me. I know a person of sound mind would simply start up a conversation at this point, but my logical side has vacated. Instead, I close my eyes and repeat my mantra over and over again until it works, not daring to display any sense of discomfort outwardly.
Not today. I will not go there today. No one can know.
Suddenly, a strong hand gently grasps my thigh, barely above my knee. Stunned, I cut a glance at Jasper, who’s staring adamantly into my eyes.
“You okay?” he whispers quietly, his ashen eyes searching mine for answers. I simply smile and nod. His hold doesn’t weaken.
“Hypothetically speaking, would you tell me if you weren’t okay?”
No, I wouldn’t tell you.However, instead of sharing the truth, I do what I do best: dance around it. This is myburden to carry. “Probably.”
His grip tightens while his eyes bore into mine harder, and somehow, he knows. I knowheknows I withheld the truth.
“Well, if you ever want to talk, I’m here,” he whispers directly into my ear. “Truthfully, I don’t have many friends here, and I plan on keeping you around, Greene. So, I’ll be waiting.”
He smiles reassuringly, then leans away, peering outside, all while keeping his hand on my thigh. Despite knowing this isn’t appropriate for work, I make no move to push his hand away. In an instant, my crippling anxiety morphs into something new and refreshing but just as harmful:butterflies.
My client, new friend, and current roommate, Jasper Alcott, just gave me butterflies. Great.
Nineteen
Jasper
Kai uncharacteristically didn’t ride with us over to Marble Grove, so I am under the impression he will meet us there. Iris said she would tell me if something was wrong, but I know better. I don’t blame her for not being comfortable enough to open up, she’s obviously been through something traumatic.
Growing up, my parents had the tendency to butt their noses into my business incessantly. Anytime I seemed remotely off, they asked what was wrong, pressing me for details every time without fail. When I was younger, I didn’t mind sharing details as I was usually upset because of something minuscule. As I got older, though, my issues became more complex, adding an extralayer of depth to my emotions, and I grew tired of constantly having to open up to them. My parents would press and press until I gave in every time, causing me to have to enforce major boundaries with them. Consequently, I intentionally do not pry with others. When or if Iris ever feels ready to talk, I’ll be here, but until then, I will not pry.
We follow the winding road through the evergreens and pass by several picturesque ponds along the scenic route to Marble Grove. It’s been over a decade since the last time I visited this area with my family. The large iron gate is already open allowing us to pass through casually. I catch a view of the show-stopping mansion surrounded by a greenscape garden, flowers, and a pond. The off-white home seems to emit light. Built in the late 1800’s, Marble Grove used to be a home for many. Now, it serves a different purpose as a historical home museum and event venue. Apparently, Soi has an ongoing partnership with Marble Grove. In exchange for hosting Soi’s annual fundraisers at a discounted rate, Soi offers Marble Grove heavily discounted advertising for their event management services. Marble Grove also loves giving back; something tells me this works out well for both parties.
We park in the brick driveway directly in front of the mansion’s entrance and hop out one by one. After getting out of the car, I sneak a look at Iris to read how she might be feeling now.Where was Kai when we needed him?
“What’s wrong?” Kai asks. Impeccable timing, as always.
“I don’t know, but she isn’t 100 percent right now,” I answer, glancing her way. “She had a hard time during the end of the ride here for some reason. Where were you? She needed you.”
Kai stares at her, appearing unsettled and folding his arms. “To tell you the truth, she’s been doing better lately, so I’ve been keeping my distance more than I used to.”
“But why?” I find his hands-off approach confusing. We walk under a garden arch trellis laced with flowers and begin walking up the steps to the front entrance.
“I’m trying to help Iris get used to coping without my embrace. As I mentioned prior, guardians aren’t permanent fixes for the guarded,” he says with a tense expression.
“Well, it would’ve been nice to know that,” I mutter quietly, leaving Kai behind me. “I don’t understand. Shouldn’t a guardian angel always be with their assignment?”
“Jasper, bro, I’ve already told you.” Kai catches up to me, rubbing his temples. “We are tethered together—I can feel her emotions and distinguish the difference between her feeling safe and alarmed. I didn’t sense any inherent danger, so I concluded it’d be fine for her to ride over without me by her side. It turns out she had a hard time, but she seems okay for now, so was I mistaken for not riding with you guys?”
As I consider his question, I glance around the foyer. The furniture in this venue is mid-century modern, and the color palette consists of greens, burgundies, browns, and gold.
As an antique shop owner, this old home is a gold mine, yet my eyes still land on her. She’s laughing with the girls while waiting for the host to show us the ballroom—I can't seem to look away.
“I guess it turned out okay this time,” I mumble. Kai flashes his teeth at me.
“Welcome, welcome!” An older woman ushers us toward the west ballroom like a flock of chickens. “Mr. Alcott, I presume?” She reaches out her hand to shake mine. “I’m Mrs. Sally Nelson, but you can call me Sal. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to interrupt me, sugar.”
She swings open two large wooden doors to showcase the grand ballroom. The first item that demands my attention is the massive crystal chandelier hung in the center of the domed ceiling. To my surprise, the room is composed of two storiesconnected by a pristine staircase. The windows allow a gracious amount of natural light to enter the room, capturing the chandelier’s iridescence. The ballroom appears nearly empty, so I imagine Marble Grove allows their clients to decorate the space however they see fit.
