AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I'm pleased when I find my front door locked. I was anxious about Gabby watching Bug tonight since I don't really know her. But damn, most parents meet a babysitter once and call it good before leaving. At least the first time I leave Layla for the night, it's with someone I have come to view as a friend. My only friend.
Damn, it's going to be hard to leave.Quietly closing the door behind me, I leave it unlocked since Gabby needs to head out and catch her ride with Jude.
"Hey girl," she says, wrapping me in a hug after tossing the remote on the cushion beside her. "Ugh, you smell like my brother."
I giggle, pulling away and steer away from that can of beans. "Was she okay for you?"
Her eyes narrow playfully, but she lets it slide. "She was wonderful. Tired herself right out and went to bed like an hour after you left."
"Oh good! Thank you, Pixie." I give her another hug. "I'll buy you lunch and a few drinks sometime. I really owe you. I needed that."
"Well, good but gross. Maybe no details for me when it comes to Jude."
"What about Marcus and Leo?" I wink and saunter away, letting her stew on that slice of information. Clearly, I'm still not thinking straight.
"Oh my God!" she whisper-yells and follows me into the kitchen. "Tell me everything!"
"How about tomorrow?" I tilt my head to her vibrating phone on the counter, displaying Jude's contact.
She huffs at my smirk. "Fine, you hussy. Love ya, bye!" And then she's gone, leaving a trail of imaginary rainbows and glitter behind her.I swear the kiss she blew me sparkled.
Gabby's words finally register. She said she loves me.I frown, placing my hand on my forehead. Layla is the only one who says that to me. Mason never did, and neither did my parents.
Tate used to.
I sigh. It’s time for a shower and some much-needed sleep.
ChapterFifteen
JACKSON
"You did what?!" My exasperated hiss has nothing on the flames I keep attempting to douse with water. I'm telling myself it's not flames of jealousy. No, it's rage for their stupidity. They have no idea the effect this could have on our relationship with Gabby.
The vein in my temple throbs when Marcus and Jude bump knuckles. I'm equally annoyed with the smirking Leo slightly behind them.God damn it. I'm so curious, but I refuse to be dragged into whatever game they are playing at.
"This better just be a fucking fling," I snarl. I don't want to see them hurt when she leaves next month. My stomach bottoms out at the realization that we are already down one week with her living in our town. Then I scoff quietly at the sadness rushing through me at the thought.She's just a damn tenant.
All three of them have matching frowns and pursed lips, making my chest constrict with worry.They better not really think this could last.
Jude recovers first. "Yeah, man. Just a fling." He avoids the scowl on Marc's face as he trudges into the pantry. The shrill sound of his phone echoes as he walks back out with a bag of chips in hand.
"Hey, Sunshine!" Slowly his usual bright demeanor lightens his tan features, helping me breathe a little easier. "Yeah. We will see you in a bit. Love you."
We?
"Where are we going?" Leo responds softly, passing me on his way around the counter. I shiver at the gentle graze of his fingers dragging along my waist.
"Beach day, meet at the usual spot in an hour!" It's not a question, and nobody tries to dissuade him. A beach day as a family sounds nice; it's been too long.
A lump forms in my throat when Jude leans in to kiss Leo, but quickly diverts to a shoulder slap. The shimmer in Leo's eyes breaks my fucking heart.Is that how he feels when I reject the connection between us?
I watch Leo's shoulder slump as Jude bustles his way upstairs to get ready. Marcus is stiff beside me, both of us watching as Leo slowly pulls himself together and walks out the front door, ready to get going.
"There are only so many times I can watch his heart break because of you two fucking idiots. I'll be having this conversation with Jude, too." Marcus faces me, and I try not to shy away from the fierce waves of contempt rolling off him. "You will love him the way your heart desires, or you will move on. I'm done. We are done. Both of you are hurting us more than you know. We love you. But we love ourselves enough to know we are being treated fucking horribly. There will be no more push and pull because, at the end of the day, you areruiningus."
I'm stunned. Never has this been discussed so blatantly. My heart fissures at the ultimatum.
"You're the problem, Jackson. You and Jude. Not Leo. Not me. It took us a long time to realize that maybe it wasn't us. It's not. I see the want and love in both of you and Jude's eyes when you look at us. We are beyond friends. Draw the line or erase it. If you don't make the move, you will lose us in every way."
