Jax:Better late than never right?
Eli sends a GIF of Michael Jackson eating popcorn.
Ollie:Jax, you had one job…
Big O:He was obviously thinking with his lower head once again *eye roll emoji*
In reply to all of them, I send a GIF of an unimpressed Michael Scott fromThe Officeand close the conversation.
Now that I know my cousin will be able to help me, I feel more confident in my plans. The only thing left to do is to convince Soph to give me another chance to fix my wrongs.
28
SOPH
Currently playing: Can’t Help Falling in Love by Haley Reinhart
The loud knocking on the front door makes me pause theLove Is Blindseason three, episode five. I take hesitant steps toward the door since I’m all alone and don’t know who’s here. Glancing through the peephole, I realize it’s Jax. It’s been almost a week since we last saw each other, and I admit I have missed him. But I have no idea what he’s doing here.
“Soph, darling, I know you’re home. Haisley told me you’re here. Please, let me in. Let’s talk. I’m done with waiting.”
I look down at my old ratty pajamas and shrug—he’s seen me worse than this. Before opening the door, I check the time on the vintage analog clock on our hallway wall. It’s only four in the afternoon, but I have lost track of time, spending the last few days sleeping and binge-watching all the seasons ofmy favorite mind-numbing reality show for the umpteenth time.
As soon as I open the door, Jax hugs me, and I feel how his entire body relaxes. “Fuck, I missed you so damn much. Let’s never go more than a day without talking again.”
His words warm my heart, but I have things I need to get off my chest before we can go as close to normal as possible. Are things never going back to the way they were exactly? Or do we just create a new normal?
“Jax, you’re squeezing a bit too hard.”
“Shit, sorry,” he says and takes a step back. “I’ll explain everything, including the money, tonight, but first, I want to know you’re okay.”
“I’ve been better.” I rest my right hand on my hip before continuing. “Honestly, it’s been a lot to process. But I think it’s about time we talk and move forward.”
The ghost of a smile touches his lips when he processes my words. “Okay, let’s do that.”
The nerves fluttering in my stomach, I lead us to the living room. Sitting down, I leave space for him next to me. “You promised to explain why you paid all those bills, so start talking.”
He hesitates for a moment, but does as I asked, turning to look at me sheepishly. “Trust me when I tell you that I never wanted to disrespect you. After talking with the guys and Rose, I realized that what seemed like an act of caring to me might have been something different to you. And I’m sorry.”
I see sincerity in his eyes, and it softens me instantly. “But how can I be sure you’ll never do something similar again?”
“I can’t promise you that I won’t screw up somehow. You needto know that I would never do anything to hurt you purposefully. And I truly am sorry that I did.”
“And I admit that I overreacted, but I’ve given up a lot to take care of my parents, so it was a shock to have someone else doing it instead. The money?—”
“If you want, you could always pay me back with no interest.”
I study his face, feature by feature, and know he means it. “Are you sure? It’ll take me years.”
He smiles hesitantly. “Yes.” I nod and he laughs low in his throat. “Well, that was easier than I thought. I prepared this whole speech, but maybe it’s better that I don’t say everything I had planned.”
“But what about—” I stop as Jax shakes his head.
“We can discuss it all more later. Now, I want to hold you in my arms and not go anywhere.”
I open my arms. “Come here, my favorite jackass.”
I feel at home when my arms wrap around him, and I smell his crisp aftershave. Jax rests his head on my shoulder and sighs like a weight has dropped off his shoulders.
