Page 16 of Count On Me

I’m in so much trouble with Coach, Eddie. Can I come over and drown my sorrows in ice-cream after training?

The idea of him feeling sad and alone makes my heart hurt, but I stand strong and do as Angie told me.

Me

It’s all self-inflicted, Jaxson. You’ll get no sympathy from me.

Jaxson

I know, I know. It looked worse than it actually was. Can I please come over later?

Me

Not today, I have tons of work to get done.

Jaxson

Tonight?

Me

I can’t, I’m busy tonight.

Jax

Doing what?

Me

Stuff.

I know that answer isn’t going to soothe him, and I fully expect the phone call that follows, but I clear the call and send him a text instead, knowing if I hear his voice I’ll cave straight away.

Me

Sorry Jaxson, I have to get some work done and if I get on the phone to you, you’ll distract me and I’ll be really behind. You’ll have to sort this mess out on your own this time. Laters, Jaxson.

Blowing out a deep breath, I switch my phone to ‘do not disturb’ mode. I really hope this works and doesn’t drive him deeper into the arms of the Cindis of the world. But me pining away for him isn’t working, so I know I have to give this a shot. I guess if it’s meant to be it’ll be.

“Get ready. Let’s go.” I grab Angie’s hand as I walk through the door and drag her toward her bedroom.

“Whoa, hold your horses. I know I’m your pretend fella and all, but you gotta wine and dine me before you drag me into the bedroom, girl. I’m a classy boyfriend.” She grins at me and I raise my brow.

“Really? One of the first texts you sent was ‘send nudes.’” She chuckles and walks into her room and I follow closely after her.

“Hey, a guy’s gotta do, what a guy’s gotta do. Besides, I’ve already seen that fine arse of yours naked. It always makes me jealous. It’s so firm and peachy. Just want to grab it.”

I grab a pillow off her bed and throw it at her while laughing at her grabby hands. “If I promise to let you grab my arse later, will you please get dressed?”

“Deal. But can you tell me where we’re going? I don’t know what to wear.”

I sigh and hustle over to her wardrobe and grab a pair of jeans and a corset style top I wish I could wear, but my boobs are way too big for. “Here.” I hand her the garments and she blows out an impressed whistle.

“Well, we must be going ‘out’ out. What brought this on?”

“I’m fed up with moping around waiting for Jaxson to do or say something. I want to go out, forget all about him, get drunk, have fun, dance, sing, and do something totally un-Edie-like. Are you with me?”

“Hell yes! I am here for all of this. One rule. No mentioning Jaxson Brady. Deal?” She holds her little finger out and I wrap mine around it, sealing our deal with a pinky promise. Jaxson Brady who?

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