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Aleshia’s jaw dropped. “Was it like a date?”
I shrugged. “I don’t know, they weren’t really handsy or anything. He was talking to her easily and smiling a lot. It seemed like they knew each other, but Jeremy’s also just kind of that way. He’s always personable, you know?”
We entered the apartment, and I threw my purse on the counter, then walked over, flopping onto the couch.
Aleshia stared at me skeptically.
"Jill, it's normal to feel like this. We are all human, and it can hurt to see something like that, but I wonder if you’re not making more of it than there is."
I nodded fervently as I delicately wiped away a tear. "I know I probably am; I made an appointment to see a therapist on Friday. I’ve got a lot of baggage left over from Cole that I must deal with. That’s a huge part of all of this, I think."
Aleshia tenderly patted my shoulder. "Healing is not always a straightforward journey, Sweetheart. You have made amazing progress, but occasionally, old wounds resurface. Therapy sounds like a good idea. It will help you figure out a way out of all this. Fuck men."
We laughed and then we were abruptly interrupted by my phone buzzing from the coffee table. My heart skipped a beat as I glanced at the screen, seeing an unfamiliar number.
Aleshia noticed my change in demeanor.
"Who is it?" she asked.
I summoned the courage to open the text message. It was a message from Cole himself, taunting me in my most vulnerable moment.
Without a second thought, I blocked his number and carelessly flung my phone back onto the table, allowing frustration and anger to bubble up inside me.
As if on cue, another buzz from my phone came through. My hands trembled as I reached for it and opened another message from a second unknown number: "I miss you."
“It’s Cole,” I said. “He’s got to be using some kind of ghost texting app.”
“Jill, just turn your phone off,” Aleshia said. “Forget about it tonight. You don’t need that.”
I did as she said, then tossed the phone back to the table with a groan, feeling like he had somehow reached through time and space to put a hand around my throat, summoned by the mere mention of his name. I decided to keep the phone off for the rest of the night.
Chapter Fourteen
JEREMY
AsIbrokefreefrom the stuffy confines of my office, I felt a sense of relief and excitement as I stepped out of the building, taking in the brisk urban atmosphere. I rarely break free from my chaotic schedule and indulge in a leisurely lunch with my sister, Stefanie. She didn’t come to the city much, but today, she had graced me with her presence on business, and I couldn't let the opportunity to catch up slip through my fingers.
She met me outside the building doors with her usual bright smile. "Jeremy, it feels like ages!" she exclaimed enthusiastically as she squeezed me in a heartfelt embrace. "How have you been?"
"Everything has been as chaotic as ever," I confessed with a weary sigh. “But it's wonderful to see you, Stef!"
I couldn't stop smiling as we strolled next door to the charming little café. I was thrilled to spend time with someone familiar after what felt like a lifetime of holing up in my office alone.
Stefanie was my favorite sibling. She was my trusted confidante and unwavering pillar of support throughout the tumultuous realms of my life. Her visits were always a breath of fresh air.
As we entered the café, I turned toward my usual corner table as she laughed.
“You and the corner tables,” she said, shaking her head. “Some things never change.”
Her bright smile illuminated the entire room as we sat down. Her blonde tresses gracefully cascaded over her shoulders, and her eyes sparkled with warmth and familiarity.
We settled comfortably into our seats, and Stefanie ordered herself a cappuccino while I opted for a simple black coffee. From there, we delved into an engaging conversation about work and life.
She told me about her partner, Brian’s, promotion at work. We talked about how the kids were doing in school, and she even confided in me that she’d been dropping hints for one more baby in the family, although Brian had yet to pick up on them.
“You might have just to tell him outright,” I smirked. “Brian’s not known for being clever.”
She laughed, slapping at my arm.
