I laugh at where her head’s at—the same place mine was just moments ago. I can’t seem to drag my eyes away from her when she’s relaxed like this, content. That look on her face is not there enough.
I clear my throat and reply with a lame “Yeah, it’s the best.”
That’s all I can think to say, even though my body urges me to say more. To tell her how I wish I could tasteherinstead, that I know she would taste better than any cup of coffee. To say thatshe’sthe best. But I don’t say any of that, I tamp all of those things down because we have enough going on without me throwing around feelings that even I don’t understand.
We eat our pastries, avoiding the elephant in the room. Catching up on our lives from the last week feels normal, so we lean into that instead. She tells me about her flights—Sydney to Auckland, Auckland to Honolulu, and then back again in reverse order. I fill her in on my flights and how many amazing jumps I got tosee happen. I love the adrenaline even when I’m only flying. It’s contagious with so many people preparing to jump out of the plane. Most of them for the first time.
I wish I could tell her that Drew and I are finally getting along, but it would be a lie.
“I don’t know what it is with that guy, but he gets under my skin in a way no one else has, which is saying something considering some of the cocky bastards I’ve worked with over the years.” I take a sip of my coffee, emptying the cup, before returning it to the tray. “I tried to skirt the issue with Breck this week, but he insists Drew is just hard to get to know. It feels off though, the way he always gravitates toward Talia.”
“Yeah, I didn’t get any kind of good vibes from that guy. And you’re right, he is weird with Talia, Breck too, but more so with her.” She chews on her lip, and I can practically see the wheels turning.
“Exactly, and I get that working in close quarters is part of the job description since they’re business partners, but the door to Drew’s office is closed more than it’s open. Just him and Talia ensconced in there, alone.” My brow furrows. Saying all of this aloud only leaves me more confused. “And with Breck constantly out of the office, it just doesn’t feel right.”
I think of all the work Breck does, all the hats he wears. The last thing he needs is to be worrying about what’s going on back at the office. Not when he’s responsible for operations and setting up the logistics of all our tours: everything from surf trips to group tours of Sydney’s Olympic Park to private winery tastings.
“You don’t think there’s something going on between them—Drew and Talia I mean?” Joss’s voice breaks me out of my thoughts.
“God, I hope not. That would destroy Breck.” I shake my head. The idea of Talia cheating on Breck makes my skin crawl. “Maybe there’s something going on with the business.”
“Maybe… It’s odd that they’d exclude Breck for those meetings if so though.”
“Hm. Yeah.” I blow out a big breath, rolling my shoulders back and throwing an arm across the back of the sofa. My fingers lightly brush against her shoulder, eliciting a small shiver of awareness.
“Let’s talk about something else.” I say, veering away from Drew-related conversation. “So, ground rules, yeah?” Joss hums and a soft blush heats her cheeks as her glance moves to her lap. Bashful is a new look for her, and I like it.
“I texted my mom back last night after you left. Here, I’ll show you.” She reaches into her pocket and hands me her unlocked phone with the thread pulled up.
Joss
I’m not sure how you got my number, but if you insist on meeting Saturday, we can. You will need to find somewhere else to stay. My boyfriend isn’t comfortable having someone he doesn’t know stay in our home, and I agree. If Bill is with you, don’t bother coming.
Mom
Bill?
Oh, Bill! Yeah, no, he’s long gone. Please reconsider letting us stay with you. It’s so hard to find somewhere to stay in the city. I didn’t know you were living with someone, do tell.
I hate that she saved her mom’s number. I don’t think she deserves that courtesy after how she’s treated her daughter.
Joss
We won’t be reconsidering. We can meet for brunch at Opera Square.
Mom
Fine. You don’t have to talk to me like that. I am your mother. Regardless of how you feel about our past, I will always be your mother. Can’t we meet at your apartment? It will be more private that way. We just want to be with you.
“Well, shit, she sounds like a real treat, Joss. I can’t wait to meet her.” I let the sarcasm and disdain drip from every word. How did this person somehow produce the kind, beautiful, and adventurous woman sitting next to me?
“You’re sure you want to do this, Wes? I understand if you’d rather not be a part of this mess.”
Her eyes shift away from me while she fiddles with the hem of her shirt again. I’ve noticed she does this when she’s nervous or anxious.I don’t ever want her to be those things with me, so I reach across and fold my hand over hers.
“I wouldn’t have it any other way.” I repeat her words from last night, wanting to reassure her that nothing about her mother is going to scare me off.
“Okay. Well then, first things first. What do I do about where we meet? I don’t want them in my apartment; I’d rather not have to move again.” Her voice shakes. “She’s so stubborn though, and she’s going to keep pushing about meeting in private. God knows why.”
