AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Thirteen
Jamie
“He’s beautiful, Cam.” I plant a soft kiss on his forehead as he sleeps peacefully in my arms. “Have you decided on a name yet?”
“Not yet, but we are working on it.”
“Poor little guy will be celebrating his first birthday nameless if you two don’t hurry up,” I quip with a laugh.
“We have something in mind, but we want to make sure it fits him, that’s all.” She brings over the drinks and sits next to me, running a finger down her son’s cheek. I watch as her face lights up when he turns his head at her touch. “So, how are things with you? What have I missed?”
The smile drops away from my face for a split second. “Not much, you know, the usual.”
“No, Jamie, I don’t know, seeing as you’ve been avoiding me.” Her eyes widen, brows raised. “This is me, Jamie. Talk to me, please.”
I feel terrible for shutting her out, pushing her away, but I’m not used to having someone to lean on. And to be honest, other than once a few years ago, my life has been pretty easy. No drama. Great childhood. Happily married parents—not anymore but once.
“I don’t know what you want to hear, other than, I’m sorry for shutting you out. I’ve just been finding it hard to deal with everything that’s happened lately.”
“I can understand that. But you need to let people help you. Let us help you. And before you even think of saying that I have my own family to look after, that family includes you too. I wouldn’t be where I am now if it wasn’t for you.” I go to stop her. “No. You listen to me, you saved my life, Jamie. And I know you don’t agree, but what happened to you was my fault. So, let’s try this again. How are things with you?”
I look down at the baby in my arms and feel terrible for dumping my shit on Cam. I know she doesn’t see it like that, and if the roles were reversed, I would want her to tell me what’s going on with her, but it doesn’t stop my guilt.
When I look back up at her, she’s there watching me watch the baby, head tilted to the side and imploring me with her eyes.
“I don’t even know where to start with all the shit that’s going on in my life right now,” I tell her, shrugging.
She tells me to start wherever I want to. So, I tell her about Jasper, and that leads to the mugging. And after that it’s like a domino effect as everything I talk about leads to the next thing in a long list of crap.
She lets me unload before asking me any questions, and I’m surprised she starts with Jasper.
“What’s the deal with this Jasper guy? Do you like him?”
I screw my face up. “I mean he’s alright. An okay shag, I guess. I’ve had worse and way better too.” Cam laughs. “What? Why are you laughing?” I ask, a smile tilting the corners of my mouth.
“I wasn’t talking about just sex, Jamie.” Shaking her head lightly, and a smile on her face.
“Yeah, well that’s all I’ve got at the moment. Besides, I don’t plan on seeing him again anyway. He was getting too possessive and relationshipy, and that’s not me.” The baby wriggles in my arms, and I slip my pinkie finger in his open hand, which he grasps tightly.
“Okay. What about Seb, then?”
“Pfft. Fuck all. That ship has well and truly sailed after last night. The guy is nothing but a playboy. I mean, how dare he turn up at Rick’s, throw some words around, get his dick wet and slip away. Again,” I state, my tone challenging. I watch Cam as she fidgets, keeping her head down and not meeting my eyes, then she straightens her back and lifts her chin, looking me in the eye.
“Tell me, how is that any different to what you do?” My eyes narrow on her. “Don’t give me that look. You know I’m right, but what I don’t get is why Seb is any different unless…”
I drop my head back to the sofa at her words. Damn best friends always know the truth. I let out a huff. “Because he’s a jerk that’s why.” I close my eyes and take a deep breath through my nose.
“You want to know what I think?” I side-eye her and give a small nod. “Okay, I think you like him. I think he makes you feel things. Things you don’t want to feel, feelings you’ve stopped yourself from having, and that’s why you’re so mad at him. And yourself too, I imagine.” Cam stands to take the baby as he starts fussing. Must be feeding time.
“Grrrr!” I grit my teeth, jaw clenched. “I hate him, and I don’t like you much either right now.”
Cam’s laughter rings out as she walks to the kitchen. “Yeah, but you love me more.”
“It’s not like it matters anyway, the guy is inept at having a relationship. Why would you want to have a relationship when you can have as many girls as you want. Besides, he probably just has to look at a girl and her panties catch fire.”
“You’re not wrong there. The guy is a girl’s version of a wet dream, but don’t you dare tell him, or Ryder, I said that,” she threatens, pointing an accusing finger at me. We both laugh as the lift pings it’s arrival and my phone rings at the same time.
I dig my phone out of my bag just as Blue walks in, answering without looking at who’s calling.
