Jessica walks up to me, and I hand her a small piece of cinnamon candy I picked up at the mercantile, and she rewards me with a huge smile. When Violet gives me the total, I hand her the money only to watch the smile suddenly leave Jessica’s lips.
“What’s the matter, dear?”
“You can put a few things back if you need to. Reggie. That’s more than I’ve made in the last two years.”
Without thinking, I pull her into my arms laughing and hugging her tightly while kissing the top of her head, before leaning backaway from her. “You’re worth it! Come on Jess, we have a train to catch.”
I’ve just tucked her arm in mine when I hear the seamstress yell, “Jessica, dear, here is your package. I didn’t want it to be confused with the others.”
I watch as she hugs the woman as if she has known her for her entire life, then walk quickly back to me, the package held tightly against her chest. When I look at her questioningly, I literally see her shrink into herself, and I immediately miss the girl with the huge smile. “If you required something else Jess, I would have gotten it for you.”
“NO! I used my own funds for this. I didn’t think it was appropriate for you to buy me such personal items, and in my hurry to catch the train on the first day, I forgot to pack all the necessities. I was lucky that Violet had extra and was able to obtain them here.”
“Okay, I am at a loss as to what in the world would be that personal that I couldn’t get it for you?”
“You are really going to make me say it, aren’t you?”
“It will bother me until you do.” We have just stepped out of the store, and I swear, if her head could go any lower, she would be walking on it. Upset that she is distraught, I stop and put a finger under her chin, making her look at me.
“Jess, what in the world has upset you so?”
She closes her eyes and sighs. “I needed supplies for my courses. Are you happy now?”
Wiping a random tear off her cheek, I realize she is truly embarrassed. “I am sorry, Honey. I’m a pushy bastard, so the next time, just tell me it’s none of my damn business.”
She shakes her head and wipes her eyes quickly before tucking her hand back into my arm. “No, I am just overreacting; you probably know more about the female body than I do. It just made me uncomfortable speaking of it.”
“My poor mother suffered horribly with her menses and because I was her only child, when I asked what was wrong, she was truthful and forthcoming with information I didn’t always want to hear. Being a woman is a trial as you’re expected to walk, talk, and act a certain way all the time. There is no room for sickness or simply a bad day, as you are expected to always hold yourself in a certain manner. I want you to know right now that nothing you say to me would shock me, and I would prefer you to be honest, even if it’s a little embarrassing.”
Jess just looks up at me like I am an oddity. We’re only a few streets away when we hear the train whistle.
“Oh Reggie, should we run?”
“No, not unless you just want to. That is the first whistle and they do that so dummies know to get their asses back to the train as it’s leaving in thirty minutes.”
Thankfully, when we get to the train, the cart from the mercantile has been unloaded, and the men are simply standing on the walkway stretching their legs before boarding once again, as the next part of the trip is several days longer with no significant breaks. The moment we get closer, Colby separates himself from the others, heading straight toward Jessica.
“Jessie, have you ever seen so much stuff in one place? I thought Jersey was big, but this place is huge.”
“Actually, it was a little overwhelming for me, Colby. I was happy to be stuck with the seamstress for most of the day.”
“Crap Jessie, I should have come and gotten you. We could’ve walked around and possibly gotten that ice cream I’ve heard so many talk about.”
Because I don’t want to hear her answer, I interrupt them rudely. “Jess, you might want to go ahead and get on board. I need to check on Bells before heading toOURroom.”
The smile she bestows on me is completely different from the polite one she had on her face all this time, and I feel myself puff up a little, and I pull her even closer when she asks in front of everyone,
“Can I come with you?”
CHAPTER 12
JESSICA
I have no idea what is going on between Colby and Reggie, but they are like two wild animals pissing on each other’s territory, and I don’t know why. Lord knows, this day has been an emotional rollercoaster already without those two going at it. It took everything I had not to show Reggie how scared I was when he left me at the seamstress’ by myself. Yes, Colby was right … where we lived was growing, but it didn’t feel like another world. Unlike this place, with its many buildings side by side, and the sheer number of people coming and going did. Honestly, I did not enjoy it at all. Give me a wildflower field and some peace and quiet, and I’ll be a happy girl.
But the moment that keeps replaying every time I catch a whiff of that masculine cologne Reggie has on isthat hug. He grabbed me, tucking me against his massive chest, as if I actually meant something to him. He thought I’d tear up because of being embarrassed, but that wasn’t the truth. I was just surprised and completely lost in the moment. I pray he never realizes doing things like that only makes me want something I can never have;him. Before I realize what he’s doing, Reggie takes my package out of my arms and hands it to Jacob.
“Jacob, would you take this and the one that has a blue ribbon on it to our room and leave them by the door?”
