Page 41 of Always Us

He wasn’t wearing a suit. So he’s probably not from the organization. Then again, Walt didn’t wear a suit and he’s connected to the organization.

“Jade, I have to get back to work.”

“Yeah, go ahead.”

As she leaves, I get my phone out to call Garret and tell him Justin’s back in town, or maybe never left. But Garret’s in class now and there’s nothing he can do, so I change my mind.

My phone alarm goes off, reminding me I have an appointment with Jennifer in a few minutes. When I get there, the first thing she asks about is my trip to Des Moines. I tell her about seeing Frank and Ryan, but I mostly talk about that speech I gave and how Garret thinks I should consider doing that as a career. When I tell her I’m not sure about it, she brings out those personality tests I took a few weeks ago that help you choose a career. Being a teacher was one of the careers that fit my personality, and speaking to people is kind of like being a teacher.

“Jade, what did you like the most about giving that speech?”

“I liked feeling like I was helping people. People who are just like I used to be. I don’t know if what I said helped them or not, but maybe my story made them feel like there’s hope.”

“Are there any reasons why you wouldn’t want to do this as a career?”

“I don’t feel ready to. I feel like I need to try it some more and make sure I still like it. And I don’t feel like I know enough to help these people. Garret thinks I should take some more psychology classes.”

“I agree with him. I think it’s a good idea. Maybe you’ll decide to major in it.”

“Actually, I have been thinking about doing that.”

She smiles. “This trip was good for you, Jade. I’m glad you agreed to speak at that event.”

“Garret forced me to. He said I had to face my fear of public speaking.”

“And look where it got you. Because of that, you might have your major and your career figured out. You see how one person can influence you enough to change your life? You could be that person for someone else, Jade. Think about that as you consider your options for careers.”

After our session, I leave thinking this might just be the right career choice for me. I have time to kill before my next class so I stop by my advisor’s office to make an appointment. He’s there, and has the next half hour free so he offers to meet with me now.

I tell him about my interest in psychology and he suggests I take a couple psych classes next semester to help me decide if I want to declare psych as my major. Then I mention the speech I gave and he suggests I take a speech class to see if I really like public speaking and to get better at it. Even though I gave that speech, I’m still scared to death of public speaking. I only did well last week because I ditched the speech I’d memorized and just talked. But if I really want to consider doing this for a living, I should learn how to give a proper speech, which means I need to take the class.

I leave his office with a marked-up course catalog and another appointment with him later this month to go over what I decide. But I think I’ve already decided. I like his recommendations. I’m even getting excited about next semester.

And it all started with Garret making me do that speech. Jennifer’s right. One person can make a huge difference in your life. Garret is proof of that, and not just with his career suggestion. He’s changed me completely since we met. He’s made me a better person, and he just keeps continuing to do so.

CHAPTER TEN

10

GARRET

During my afternoon class, I didn’t hear anything the professor said. Instead, I imagined my grandfather, comatose in a hospital bed. And it finally sunk in that this is almost over. My grandfather will soon be gone, and when he is, I’ll be able to relax.

All the stuff I worried about the past few months all linked back to him. I kept worrying about that fake burglary and the fake cop, wondering who was behind it and what they wanted. But that was all my grandfather’s doing. And maybe the incident with Roth last July was orchestrated by my grandfather, too. It wouldn’t surprise me if he sent Roth out here to scare me into not marrying Jade. My dad said my grandfather recently went to Roth’s house for dinner, which means they were becoming friends or already were friends. So maybe that’s why Roth agreed to do that for my grandfather. Or maybe he owed my grandfather a favor.

I’m home now and waiting for Jade to get back from class. Then we’re going to buy a Christmas tree. I don’t want to wait to start celebrating the holidays. I want to start now. It’s almost December and I’m going to make it a whole month of celebrating. And it won’t just be about Christmas. It’ll also be a celebration that my grandfather is gone. That he’s out of my life. And my dad’s life. For good.

I hear Jade’s car in the driveway and I open the door as she approaches. I love that pink sweater on her. The color looks good against her skin and her dark hair. And the fabric clings to her breasts, causing my eyes to linger. We might have to have sex before we go shopping.

“Hi.” She hugs me and I lift her up and into the house, kicking the door shut. “Were you waiting for me?”

“I was.” I set her down and kiss her.

“You’re really in a hurry to get that tree.”

“Actually, I’m in a hurry to do something else.” I slip my hand under the back of her sweater, feeling her soft skin. “You feel so damn good. You smell good, too.” I inhale the scent of her hair. “You’re beautiful, you know that?”

“What’s with all the compliments today? I mean, I like it, but I’m not used to getting so many in one day.”

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