AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Well, shit. It was late.
Then she looked at her swear jar. “Pay up, mister. Don’t think because I have a helluva headache, I’ll forget.”
Jaxson chuckled but dropped a quarter in the jar.
“Dish. I need details.”
Gabby rolled her eyes. His words reminded her of Mia’s from last night. She had asked her several times to dish out the details about Dane before she finally caved. “I was with Mia, who must’ve left already. She normally has to be at the theater by now.”
“So you had a late night with Mia. That explains things a little better, sort of. Care to explain a little bit more?”
Gabby turned around from the coffee pot, weighing her decision. It didn’t take too long. She rarely kept anything from Jaxson. Twenty minutes later, after explaining the past week—every sordid detail—Jaxson refilled her coffee cup and handed her two painkillers.
“Bottom’s up, Gabby. Your headache isn’t disappearing like you wanted it to with only coffee. Take the pills.”
“Thanks, Dad. What would I do without you?” she asked with her usual attitude when she didn’t feel well.
Would she ever feel better after the way she treated Dane?
“You’d never survive, that’s for sure. Are you okay? I mean, truly okay. You and Mia never grab the tequila unless it’s desperately needed.”
Gabby swallowed the pills, taking a quick sip of the coffee. “Mia’s boyfriend was cheating on her. That screamed tequila loud and clear.”
“Yeah, but you know that wasn’t what I was talking about. You, Gabs. Are you okay? We’ve been friends for nine years; I know what’s hidden underneath the words you don’t say. This Dane guy, you liked him.”
“Stop being a detective for once.”
“Not possible. Like it’s not possible for you.”
She gave him a strangled laugh. “I wasn’t much of a detective this past week.”
“Not your fault. You got bad intel.” He sighed, nudging her shoulder lightly, so she didn’t spill the coffee. “Are you okay? That’s all I want to know.”
“Yeah, life goes on. It always does.” She smiled, hoping to ease his worries. She didn’t want to continue this conversation. “What are you doing here? I still have two more days of vacation before I should see your ugly face.”
“And I can’t bug you on your vacation? You know you find me charming and handsome. Don’t lie.” He grinned at her with the most dazzling grin he had. “I can’t believe you used vacation time for something like this. Only for Mia. The things you do for her.”
“And always will.” She took another sip of coffee, nudging him this time. “What are you doing here?”
He pulled his phone out, scrolling to his texts. “A little drunk texting went on last night. I have to say that you made me laugh a few times. I figured you wouldn’t be feeling well this morning. I wanted to make sure you were all right. You usually don’t drink like this. I now see why you were.”
She cringed at some of the horrible texts she sent him as he continued to scroll through them all, laughing as he went.
“Alright, buddy, I’ve seen enough. So Mia and I had fun, big deal.” She laughed when he raised his eyebrows teasingly. “Thanks for coming over. Want to take the ferry to see the Statue of Liberty today?”
“Seriously?” He shook his head, his adorable grin making her feel better. “Never mind, of course, you’re serious. Yeah, why not? It’s been a while since I’ve seen it up close and personal. I’m game. Grab a shower first. You stink.”
“Gosh, Jaxson, you sure know how to win a woman’s heart.” Gabby stood up, placing a hand over her heart as she flicked him a mocking look.
“I never stop trying when it comes to you.” He winked at her as she walked down the hallway to the bathroom.
Several hours later, after taking a trip to the Statue of Liberty, they were back in Gabby’s apartment. They had an amazing time, not that they actually went up to the top. You needed tickets in advance, but Gabby hadn’t minded. She enjoyed the ferry ride to the island and walking around the magnificent statue. Seeing the view from Dane’s office had given her the idea. She had wanted to visit it since that day.
Although, she had envisioned going with him. Relishing in the way his face would light up with excitement and look relaxed for once.
Dreams.
Only in her dreams would that happen.
