Jackson POV
"Hey Steven, is that invitation still open? I believe Jennie loves to bandage and reopen damn my wounds!“ I said over a phone call to Steven.
When he didn't speak, I immediately guessed what was going on in his head because I was the one who told him that I wasn't planning on going to the party.
But what changed my mind was Jennie leaving me a voicemail while I drove home, saying it is unlikely for her to arrive home tonight because the airline delayed her flight.
And the moment I walked into the empty house, I knew I need to drink my frustration away, or else I would lose my damn mind.
The other end of the line remained mute for quite a while before Steven asked, “How bad is it?“
Although I don't say much often to others about the problem in my marriage, Steven knew just enough to understand how much these eleven months have affected my mental health.
“I just need a drink.“ I mumbled, knowing talking more about Jennie's constant lies would only trigger me.
“I know, and when you get heartbroken, alcohol usually became your favorite best friend.“
“Steven, please!!“The line fell silent immediately, and I didn't mean to scream at him, but I was too pissed to take back my words or apologize for my actions, even though I somewhat felt like doing so.
"I got a date, and she is a Hermosa Mujer.“ Steven finally said in a calm tone. “I apologize, brother.“
“Don't leave me hanging, bro!“
“Well, I can book you a ticket. If you can arrange a plus one in time, then you can come over. Although, that is impossible because Jennie is the only woman you have eternally accepted. Anyway, I envy you, dude, and I got to hang up cause this party is legit."
This was his payback for what I said to him today. Steven is childish like that, and I am no stranger to his shit. But the was no way I am spending another suffocating night in this damn house.
After Steven cancel the call, I rested in bed questioning how many times Jennie intended to toy with his heart.
Suddenly an idea occurred to him, and even though it was not an excellent idea, it was the best he could come up with in such a brief period. So I left my bed, got changed into a casual outfit, and left the house.
When I reached the porch of the Haper bakeshop, I took a second to inhale and slowly exhale before ringing their doorbell.
"Julie, forget that book and answer the door!" I heard Mrs. Harper scream from the inside.
It didn't take long for their door to open, and I was staring at Julie, standing in the doorway, glaring at me which left me nervous.
"Mr. David, what brings you here at this hour? Do you recognize it is nine o'clock? She asked me.
The dominance in her tone made me forget how to respond at first. But the effect didn't last long, and I grew some balls, asking, "Do you want to go on a date with me?“
“What!!“ Julie uttered, staring wide-eyed at me.
“No! Wait! It's not like a romantic date, but a friendly one. My buddy Steven invited me to this party, except I need a plus one. And as you realized by now, my wife is not at home."
“Mmm, you do look serious, so this can not be a prank…”
From the look on her face, I knew that Julie understood that I was being sincere. But her eyes also told me that she did not know him or his friend, and maybe she did not desire to be someone else's replacement.
I wasn't sure about my guess. But one thing I was certain about was that Julie was about to reject me.
"How lovely, she accepts your invitation.“ Mrs. Harper abruptly uttered as she approached us.
“ Mom,” Julie whispered, looking back at her with a slight frown on her face.
“ Julie, go to your room and change into something appropriate, and do not forget to wear makeup!"
“Seriously!!“
Drawing her eyes back to me, she scowled, and I dropped my gaze down to the floor before she walked off.
Even though she seemed mad at me, I felt relieved knowing that Julie could not deny her mother the happiness of witnessing her socializing with people.
This was killing two birds with one stone, and when Mrs. Harper asked me to come inside, I didn't hesitate on following her into the bakery, into their living room.
Women take the longest amount of time to get dressed, and with every passing second, I wonder when Julie would come down. But finally, after forty minutes, she came down the stairs.
"How Do I Look?“ Julie asked her mother and me, focusing on us with a fat smile on her face. She wore a red asymmetric sequin plunging V-neck strappy dress, with a Zoey lace-up chunky heel sandal. Her face was gorgeous, the Smokey makeup kindled her brown eyes. She loosened her hair and allowed her curly jet black hair to fall, meeting her waist.Thanks to Jennie and my regular visits to countless salons and boutiques, I can instantly identify outstanding details concerning ladies. But I don't feel bad for paying so much attention to woman's interests.
The more I stared at Julie, I felt a sense of lust toward her but immediately relieved my mind of such thoughts.
But of course the tension in me, and I needed to get out for a chilly breeze. The passion was within, and I did not crave it, but it was just there.
It's not hiding that Julie is drop-dead gorgeous and attractive, but my faithfulness to Jennie is something I take seriously, even if eleven months can make a man thirsty and desperate."You look good.“ I calmly said, dragging my gaze off her. “Can we leave now?“
"Sure!" Julie answered, sounding a bit annoyed.
Causally, I shoved my hands into my trouser pockets as I listened to her tell her mother, “See you later, mom.“
“You two take care!“ Mrs. Harper said warmly.
After giving her a nod and a smile, I walked off with Julie, and when we got outside the bakery, she got into the front seat of my car, and I drove us out of there.
“So where is your wife at?“ Julie asked causally.
Feeling her eyes on me, I stared away from the road, glimpsed at her, and smirked, mumbling, “On a business trip.“
“That's some business trip…“ Julie scoffed with a look of dismissal in her eyes.
What do you know!!“
“What?!“
“What are you assuming?!“
“Nothing! Bro, chill!“
The call grew awfully quiet after that uncomfortable conversation, and I felt ashamed for losing my cool of a simple remark.
“It just that my dad said, 'Your wife has been gone for eleven months…' I think, and I find it a difficult to believe that men like you still exist.“ Julie said in a calmer tone. “And I mean that as a compliment.“
“Why?“ I mumbled, clutching onto the steering wheel tightly.
“Huh?“
“Why do you find it difficult to believe that men like me still exist?“
When the car fell silent, I stole a look at her, and she gave a weak smile, mumbling, “Let's just say, I have had my fair share of a nasty heartbreak.“
“I see,” I let out. “Is that why you replace men with books.“
Sounding disappointed and a bit surprised, Julie sneered as she mumbled, “Seems like you to my father's words to hear. But yeah, you hit the nail on the head.“
“Interesting,” I told her.
“Why is that interesting?“
“Hmmm…”
Looking into her curious eyes for a second, I studied her face and then mumbled, “Nothing.“
Julie POV The moment Jackson brought the car to a stop, I pushed the door opened and got down, shutting it behind me. The entire drive was quiet, and I couldn't help worrying that my bold comment about his wife had him still mad at me. But then again, it could just be my anxiety getting the best of me. Shortly after, Jackson joined me, stared down, gave a faint smile, and said, “Let's go.“ There were a lot of questions on my mind, but I didn't speak them and walked after him, keeping close behind him, even after I entered the building. My entire body came to a standstill as I stared ahead of me, spacing out for a second before looking at Jackson. "This club is impressive and dope!" I screamed toward him as he stood closer to me. In that instant, a guy pushed into me, and Jackson immediately grabbed my hand, warning, "Stay near me and do not let go of my hand. I don't want you to get lost in this crowd.“ “I am not a baby.“ I mumbled in annoyance, thinking he wouldn't hear me be
Steve POV Staring solely at Julie's lips, I realized that I had fallen in love with her smile. It’s the first time I thought of words like that for anyone other than Chloe, and I don't mean it as a simple statement of truth, but rather as an honest expression of my love for how they pulled upward in the perfect shape. "So…" Julie whispered, staring down at her heels. It should be easy to talk to her, but it felt difficult because she had the same effect that Chloe had on me… they both captured my heart in a way that made me nervous. From how Jackson had looked at me earlier, I knew he was shocked that I attended the club with Chloe, and honestly, I am surprised that she was the one I settled for. Even though the way he acted was damn rude, it was understandable because he has tried several times to break off our toxic relationship. But a six-year bond isn't easily broken because both partners agreed to end the relationship. It has nothing to do with time healing all wounds
Jackson POV "Is this seat taking?" a masculine voice asked me. At this point, I was moderately wasted with alcohol, and I turned my head to the right to gaze at a built dark skin guy standing over me whose outfit looked superior and deluxe. "Brother, your suit makes you seem stuck up, and it's ruining my pleasant mood.“ I mumbled, judging if I needed someone next to me right now. “ Haha,” a laugh slipped from his lips, and he didn't seem offended by my words. “You can sit near me since you are handsome, and if you are sitting next to me, it is in my favor.“ “Why?“ “Did you notice how those ladies' eyes immediately rolled off me and on you? You are everything I need to make my night perfect." I mumbled, picking up my shot glass. The stare I was getting from the girls from the other table was annoying, and their constant whispering to each other was screwing with me. "I am Chris." The fellow said as he seized the seat next to me. "David, Jackson David," I told him, ignoring th
Jackson POV Last night we both barely slept, and never in a million years did I think that this would be us after she finally came home. But I know my wife inside and out, and something was different about her… and I feel shitty that I can not move past that. Her cries kept me up last night, and I could feel the pain she was going through, but I couldn't do anything to help her, not when she wouldn't be honest with me. All I could think about is what this must be like for her right now because we had never gone through something like this before… not once in our love life. Sighing out my frustration, I sat up, resting my feet on the cold tiles, and shut my eyes when I felt the bed move beneath me. Even though Jennie was awake, she said nothing, and I woke from the bed, headed into the bathroom, and locked the door behind me. When I got into the shower, the noise of the doorknob turning a bit aggressively caught my attention, but I turned on the showerhead with a heavy heart.
Julie POV The sound of a knock echoed in my room before my mother walked inside with a breakfast tray and hangover pills. As she approached my bed, I hastily shut my eyes. But when she kissed my head, I couldn't help but smile at her sweet gesture, even though she does that more than often. Yet, I didn't raise my eyelids since I was pretending to sleep because I couldn't sleep last night. It's hard when I'm trying not to think about Steven. All night, I could not stop thinking about him even though we just met. I kept remembering the sparkle in his eyes, hearing his voice, and the way he smiled when he spoke to me. It was no secret that he was so captivating, and it took my breath away, and my poor heart felt drawn to him as an arrow stuck in its target. "Jul, wake up and have breakfast." My mother's voice flowed in my ear. When she hit me gently, I still didn't want to wake up because it felt nice to be in bed, and that's what I wanted today… to stay in my room. "Do you nee
Jackson POV "All done with the bandage," Jennie whispered as she lifted her head and stared at me, smiling brightly. Staring into her eyes, I wanted to kiss her so badly, but I couldn’t bring myself to do so. Yet it felt like all my emotions were screaming at me to do it, and I tried to silence them, but they grew louder. The way her eyes glow, she is beautiful, and she is mine. What happened between us last night was not right, not in any way did it make sense at this moment... at least not anymore. "Does it still hurt?" Jennie said, pouting cutely. But I couldn't focus on anything else but her lips. They were pink and plump and soft, and when they move when she spoke, I felt my body react on instinct. And I took a deep breath, trying to calm down before I did something stupid, and before my heart beat out of my chest. I could feel it racing as Jennie stared at me, those eyes that are usually warm and playful now full of concern. Unable to control myself, I pulled her towards
Steven POV Listening to the quietness in my office, I kept pacing back and forward, feeling anxious that Jackson was not at work yet. Knowing that I was running out of time, I rushed for my desk, got a hold of my phone, and dialed my Secretary's number. "Has Jackson arrived at the office?" I asked immediately when she answered my call. "I am sorry, sir. But for the fifth time, Mr. David is not in the building." Kate uttered in a soft tone. "Thanks. Please inform me when he arrives." "Sure boss." Julie and I are supposed to meet a couple of minutes from now, but I decided to wait ten more minutes for Jackson, and if doesn't arrive within that time frame, I will have to get over my anxiety on my own. I don't know how, but I lose the balls to meet Julie right after inviting her out, and without Jackson's advice, I believe that I would fuck things up. Jackson is now like my mentor when it comes to relationships. I mean, the dude has been married to Jennie for years, and she is th
Sitting in the backseat of my car, I took out my phone from my pocket and dialed Jennie's number. "Can you speed this up, Joe? I have limited time in my favor." I said, waiting for Jennie to answer. "Hello, Steven!" Jennie answered on the other side of the line. "What's up?" Her voice is still the same. It's always as gentle as a lullaby, and now that I have heard it, I don't know if I did the right thing by calling her. "Steven," Jennie's voice rang in my ear, snapping me out of my head. "I need you to listen to me loud and clear," I said, keeping my voice steady. "Okay," "I see you as my little sister because you are the woman in my friend's life. And since Jackson loves you. I also cherish you." "Thanks?" "However, the moment you left the country and neglected Jackson for all those periods, his emotions became unstable. He is like a walking depression." "Steven, I know how much Jackson means to you. And I will..." Not allowing her to finish her sentence, I blurted out,