Death would have claimed me one way or another. I’d have taken it with both hands and grasped onto such a thing, too.
“I wouldn’t change a single thing. Except to get you years sooner. But we’ve been over that.”
I wiped a tear away, looking at Dawn. I hoped my look conveyed how much I appreciated her. How much I loved her. And so damn thankful that she was in my life.
Chapter 34
“I’m proposing something new,” was Jasper’s greeting when I opened the door. The cold wind rushed through, causing me to shiver as the chill wrapped around my legs. Not awake enough to figure out what he meant, I stepped backwards farther into the house, and into the warmth.
Jasper shut the door behind him, then followed me to where I had left my warm cup of cappuccino in the kitchen.
“You woke up not long ago, didn’t you?” Jasper eyed me, and my sleep tossed hair. Obviously, I had. It wasn’t my fault I was up most of the night feeling like crap after Dawn wanted me to try one of those stupid protein drinks.
Never again.
“You’re usually up by now.”
I huffed, wrapping my hands around the oversized mug. The warmth seeped into my palms.
Of course, I was usually up before ten o’ clock on any given day. Just…not today.
“Those things made me sick.” I pointed halfheartedly at the drinks across the counter.
“Maybe my idea won’t be that great, then. If you aren’t feeling well.”
I shook my head, then took a sip of my drink before speaking. “I’m okay now. Just…long night. Cramps from those.” My stomach had hurt like it was on fire all night. I didn’t throw up or anything, thankfully. But I was sure I had been close a few times. “Idea?”
“As you know, I work with kids.” He waited until I gave a halfhearted nod. “I wanted to do something special the class I help in, along with the few older students that pop in through the week as helpers.”
Ok?
“My idea to go with that was to see if you wanted to go with me to help pick out the gifts. It’s fine if you aren’t up to it. It’s just more fun to go gift shopping with someone.”
“Your brother?”
“Is in another state with our parents. I declined their invite, since Grams hasn’t been doing too well this week. And I couldn’t take three weeks off for a family vacation with the job I have.”
“Dawn….” Was it okay with her?
“I already talked to her. As long as you take a certain bottle of pills in case of an anxiety attack, she was all for you hanging out with me.”
I glanced at Jasper, seeing his open, honest expression as he waited for me.
Did I want to go? What if I panicked? What if-
“I’ve seen you in an attack before, plus I work with kids who have tons of anxiety on a daily basis.”
I sighed. Why did he read me so easily?
“Sure.”
Dr. Shaw hinted at the idea of me going out more. This was not what I had in mind, but Jasper was safe.
***
With my arms wrapped tightly around my middle, I followed a step behind Jasper as he grabbed a cart and went straight to the one-dollar section.Not that everything was exactly a dollar. Some of the stuff was more like five dollars a piece. But it offered a wide range of things. From cute little stuffed animals to cookie cutters, to home décor.
Thankfully, I’d been to this store a number of times with Dawn, so nothing should set me off, as long as people didn’t overwhelm me. Mostly these days, it was the fact that I was out around others that overwhelmed me and caused me anxiety at the end of the day. But it was manageable. Most of the time.
