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15
Jax
“Remember this weekend I’ll be in New York. Are you sure you don’t need anything?”
I slide the fiber gasket, back-up flange, and mounting ring unto the underside of the flange. I need to get this garbage disposal installed tonight so I can get it out of my way.
“You have to bring Saona a present, Jackson. Those monogrammed towels she got you for the powder room are exquisite and the wine glasses so beautiful. She’s got great taste.”
I stop tightening the screws and turn my face closer to the phone. I’ve been thinking of getting her a little present. She’s been so sad about her mom. She swears my upcoming visit will do her a world of good but I still wish I could do more to cheer her up. I’m just stumped as to what.
“Do you have any ideas for me? All her gifts are wonderful but she’s so hard to buy something for. I mean, there’s nothing I can give her that she can’t buy for herself.”
My mother sighs. “Jackson, a good woman doesn’t care that she can buy something. She cares that you thought of her.”
I’m not sure I believe her. Saona loves shopping, though last time the only shopping she did was at the farmers’ market where she bought flowers for the house. “So, help me out. What do I get her?”
“Iris, Jackson wants to know what he should get his girl as a gift.”
His girl. My girl. Oh God.
“Mom…”
“Get her some original but custom jewelry, Jackson. Something not too expensive but that no one else has. She will love that.” Aunt Iris’ voice comes clear through the line and I know my mom put me on speaker phone.
“There’s that store in the Inner Harbor that sells stuff from all over the world. You should go there, Jackson. There’s some pretty stuff in there. See if anything makes you think of her and get it. She’s going to love it.”
I can do that. “I’ll go check it out—”
The knock on the door stops me mid-sentence. I frown. I’m not expecting anyone. “Mom, Aunt Iris, I’ll have to call you back. Someone’s at the door. Love you and thank you.”
I slide from under the sink and walk to the front door while still wiping my hands with a paper towel. Whoever it is needs to leave quickly because I need to finish the garbage disposal and head to bed early. I want to get to work earlier tomorrow so I can check out that store Mom recommended before I start working at the bar.
I look over the middle glass panel on the top of the door. Whoever’s outside can’t see me but I can see clearly into my front yard. And I do. And I freeze as the sudden cold hits me right in the stomach. Her blonde hair has gotten longer and her face rounder but it’s definitely Josie at my front door. What the hell is she doing here?
I flip the lock on the deadbolt and open the door.
“Jax,” she smiles.
“Josie.”
“Can I come in?” She pats her stomach.
Jesus, this woman doesn’t change. I have to step aside and let her in because I’m not the kind of asshole that would slam the door in a pregnant woman’s face.
She strolls past me into the living room area, though I don’t want her to get past the foyer. Her gaze goes everywhere. It’s on the finished floors, the freshly-painted walls, the chandelier Saona finagled, as a gift for purchase, from Dan when I bought the kitchen cabinets. Josie walks to the powder room and gasps and then moves to the kitchen.
When Saona did the same thing months ago, I waited with baited breath and anticipation to her reaction. Josie turns rounded eyes on me and all I want to do is tell her to get the fuck out.
“Wow, you’ve done a lot to this place. I didn’t know it could look this good.”
“I know you didn’t.” The venom flies out of my mouth and she flinches. “It’s not all done yet but progress is happening.”
And I’m proud of that. I don’t care for her reaction or what she’s thinking but it’s validation for all the work and all the things I’ve had to sacrifice for this house.
“Well, the house is looking great. You’re doing a good job with it.”
“Thank you. Was there something you needed?”
