Page 79 of Count On Me

Thank you for the dress, Jax. I’d love to come with you.

Jaxson

You’ve made me so fucking happy, Eddie.

Jaxson

It’s in three days. I’ll pick you up at seven.

Me

Okay. Can we talk?

Jaxson

We are talking.

Me

Jaxson…

Jaxson

I want to see you, Edie. But I need to do this right this time. And if I come over to talk we both know the talking isn’t going to happen.

Me

Is that so bad?

Jaxson

It is when I already fucked up once and don’t wanna do it twice.

Me

Okay. I’ll see you soon.

Jaxson

Love you, baby.

I’m a little disappointed he doesn’t want to see me right away, but also a little happy about it. He’s taking this a lot more seriously than he did before and maybe this is what we need. To not dive into a relationship straight away. To date and do things as we would have had we not known each other for most of our lives. Maybe this way we won’t have too many obstacles to face and will get to be together and happy like we both deserve.

47

JAXSON

My stomach’s doing flips as I stand outside Edie’s apartment. I take a few deep breaths and give myself a mental pep talk.You can do this, Jaxson. Show her how much you love her, respect her, and need her. Show her you’re done taking her for granted and can do things the right way.

I knock on the door and blow a breath out as I wait. Angie opens it with a smirk on her face and I grin back hesitantly. “I’m so fucking nervous.” I blurt out and wipe my brow with the sleeve of my tux.

My red mask is in my pocket and my tie is red to match Edie’s shoes. I got the hint from Cleo. She and Antony are matching too. It seems like the done thing with couples that are going to this event.

“You’ll be fine. You look good and she looks amazing. Just you wait. Come in, you doof.” Angie grabs my elbow and pulls me into the apartment and I grin at her enthusiasm.

I used to think Angie hated me, but now I know she was just over me being a douche to her bestie. I wonder if Jenson’s bridesmaid talk will end up being anything but talk. I wouldn’t mind if it did.

The nerves settle in again and I shuffle on my feet as I wait for Edie. When I hear her bedroom door open, I spin on my heel and face it expectantly. I haven’t seen her since the night of her nightmare in the hotel, and I ache for her.

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