Page 73 of Enough

Chapter Twenty One

Two weeks passed with minimal conversation with Jaden. The three times, Claudia had been in his presence he’d seemed withdrawn and unfocused. She couldn’t have been imagining it. Besides that, their conversations were almost obsolete. With the way Jaden was working, he would never have time for a serious relationship, and she pondered why he even tried it with her.

Claudia wanted to reach out to him, ask if everything was okay or if he needed time alone to focus on his career. But every time she encouraged herself, her fingers would hover over his name, and she would never hit send. Who was she kidding? Of course, Claudia wanted to continue seeing him, but that was becoming scarce. Thoughts of her father leaving their family when she was just a young teenager ballooned. Claudia hadn’t been awake for five minutes the morning he’d kissed her on the temples and promised to see her later.

But he never came home. Just like that, her father disappeared without a trace, and she didn’t even know if he was still alive today. Claudia fidgeted behind her computer screen determined to get some work done, but her attention was elsewhere, so there was no use. Giving up, Claudia left her office deciding to cut her losses and head home early. On her drive, Claudia’s cell rang, and Jaden’s handsome face eased across the screen. Claudia went to answer but held back. Maybe she should end things with him.

Going on with Jaden the way things were now was throwing Claudia off her game. Lately, she’d been robotic when talking to her mother. Besides helping Adeline getting in and out of bed, Claudia was around only long enough to make sure Adeline took her medicine then Claudia was gone. At work, Claudia had been so distracted during a phone call with a client that she’d had to replay their recorded call to find out what she was supposed to be helping him with.

Claudia’s phone stopped ringing and a few seconds later a text message came through.

Missing you.

Claudia’s heart melted. She missed Jaden with a passion, and that was the problem. Images of his smooth-shaven face and sexy suckable lips came to her. She sighed blowing out a deep breath, and pulled into her driveway shutting off the engine. Claudia pondered on whether to return his call or text. She did neither opting to let bygones be bygones.

More weeks went by with Claudia ducking and dodging Jaden’s phone calls. There weren’t many of them, but when they came in, her nerves would stand on edge, and she’d talk herself into not answering.

“You’re a strong woman. You don’t need a man to complete you. Don’t let him break through. You’ve got this. Just let it go. Move on.”

This was her daily mantra depending on how many times Jaden called her in a day. However, Claudia had thrown herself into work. Coming in as early as six in the morning and leaving as late as eight o’clock at night. She’d taken her sister’s advice and hired a part time caregiver for Adeline since Claudia wasn’t there most of the time.

Stepping over the threshold of their home, Claudia could smell food cooking. Lifting her nose to the air, Claudia frowned. She knew Adeline wasn’t cooking this late, so who was? Making her way around the corner to the kitchen came with a surprising sight. London, her part time caregiver, stood next to the counter, and Adeline sat across from her. Both of them watched Jaden as he chopped vegetables like a skilled chef. Whatever he was cooking smelled delightful and it reminded Claudia that she hadn’t eaten since lunch.

Lingering in the doorway, watching them, felt like invading on their personal lives. They appeared to be a mini family with Adeline gushing at Jaden’s fast chopping skills and London smitten with his charm. Claudia rolled her eyes. Who could blame the girl? Jaden had that effect on most women. It didn’t take longer than thirty seconds before he glanced up, his eyes meeting hers. A smile spread across his lips.

“Good evening, chérie.” He glanced over at the clock on the wall noting the late time. “Long day at the office?”

Everyone turned to Claudia.

“Ms. Stevens,” London said traipsing over to her. “I hope you don’t mind, Jaden wanted to wait for you about something important, so I figured…”

“That you’d let a complete stranger into my house?”

Jaden bristled, and his jaw clenched.

“Your house?” Adeline squawked. “I thought this was our home and I let Jaden in, not London. He’s no stranger, what’s gotten into you?”

“He’s a stranger to London, and since she’s in charge when I’m not here, then she’s responsible for letting him in.”

“You’re right, I apologize. I didn’t think you would have a problem with it,” London said.

“Why?”

London blubbered out a response. “Well, at first I was going to tell him, no, but Adeline said it was okay, so…”

“Get your things. Your service is no longer needed here.”

London gasped.

“Claudia!” Adeline screeched.

“Leave now,” Claudia continued.

“Yes, ma’am.” London flew past Claudia in a rush to relieve herself from the embarrassment she felt.

“You can’t do that! She didn’t do anything wrong!” Adeline fussed.

“I just did.”

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