Page 70 of Mind Pucked

I watch as my dad just shakes his head and walks into the other room, leaving me with my irrational thoughts. I call her once more and growl when I hear her voicemail again. I’m tempted to throw my phone, but I know I can’t do that in case she needs me.

“Jackson, you’ve got to stop worrying. You’re going to end up with an ulcer if you don’t,” my mother cuts in as she comes into the room, Hayden following behind her.

“I know, I know.”

“You know, yet you’re pacing the length of this room like a caged tiger. I had no idea you were already so attached to this woman. She’s fine, and you need to stop worrying.”

My mother’s words just make me pace more.

My thoughts are swirling in my head as I continue looking out the window. What if she doesn’t come back? What if I finally found the strength to open my heart to someone again, and she doesn’t come back? I’ll never recover from it, and I know it.

Finally, I see her pull in and I breathe a sigh of relief. I rush to the door and pull it open, running to the driveway. As she gets out, I grab her in my arms and hold her tight.

“You’re okay, oh thank God,” I breathe out.

“I’m fine, Jackson. I didn’t mean to worry you,” she says as she pulls back to look at me, concern flashing over her face. “I just did what you told me to.”

“I know, I know. I just thought you’d be back earlier than this, and I got worried. It’s just my head.” I cup her face and kiss her gently.

She hums against my lips and pulls back from the kiss, sadness in her eyes.

“I’m so sorry—I should’ve called and checked in. I just didn’t want to interrupt your time with your parents. I was also having a lot of fun shopping.” She winks at me.

I remember our text exchange about the shoes she got, and I feel myself twitching in my pants.

“Did you find a dress to go with those shoes you bought today?” I ask her as I grab the bags out of the car and lead her into the house.

“I did, actually. I think you’ll like it,” she says with excitement in her tone.

“Maybe you can model it for me later.”

“I just might do that.” She grins at me as she goes to the kitchen.

I take the bags upstairs to the bedroom and go back downstairs in time to hear a bit of the conversation she’s having with my mom. I bristle at the things my mother is telling her.

“I’m glad you had a good afternoon shopping—Jackson just worries too much,” my mother is saying as I walk around the corner and come into view.

“I have good reason to worry, Mother,” I say a bit defensively.

“I know that, son, but it’s time you stop worrying so much. You need to stop worrying and start enjoying life. Let people in again,” she says.

“I’m trying, Mom. It’s not that easy,” I say softly, trying to keep the emotion out of my voice.

Amelia puts her hand on mine and my insides soften to mush. I’ve not felt this way since Lyla, and part of me feels ashamed that I’m feeling it. I know I have every right to feel the way I do since it’s been two years since she’s been gone, but part of me still feels like I’m cheating on her.

My parents leave the kitchen as Amelia gets a glass of water and sips it. I study her as she leans against the counter. She looksexhausted. Shopping must have taken a lot of energy out of her. Who knew spending money could do that?

“You look tired, baby. You okay?” I ask her, concern creeping up.

“Oh, yeah, I’m fine. I’m just a little tired. I did a lot of shopping, and I ran into an old friend. I never knew I’d run into someone I grew up with all the way out here,” she says, smiling at me. “It really is a small world, isn’t it?”

She smiles at me and chuckles, but then her smile turns into a small yawn. She puts her water glass in the sink and yawns again.

“Are you too tired to model those shoes for me? I’ve been dying to see them on you since you texted me about them earlier.”

She giggles, and the sound comforts me in a way I never thought possible. I always want to make her laugh in any way I can.

I move behind her, wrapping my arms around her waist and nibbling her ear gently, smiling against her neck as she lets out a hum of appreciation.

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