Page 8 of Count On Me

He’s the only one who doesn’t.

Jameson

WDBI. Watered down Brady intelligence.

8

EDIE

“Hey, I’m home.” I throw my books, bag, and shoes into the corner of the hallway as I enter the house. I’m nervous and excited to see Jax after our little close encounter last night. He left early for training and I’ve been at the library all day studying and helping Angie with her dissertation.

And dissecting every second of last night's antics with her of course.

We’ve come to the conclusion that Jax and I need to just go for it. He obviously likes me the same way I like him. And we need to get over worrying that some random unforeseen thing will eventually come between us. We’ve been friends for too long to let that happen.

Angie’s words ring out in my head, “If you don’t try, you’ll never know.” So I’m going for it. I’m going to carry on from where we left off last night. And hopefully he’ll be saying good night to his girlfriend this time instead of his best friend.

Smiling, I walk into the living room and plonk myself down on the sofa next to my mum. She leans over and kisses me on the cheek and grabs my hand and squeezes it. The same greeting she does every time I come home.

“How was Angie and the library?”

“She’s good. We made some good headway on her dissertation essay. Where’s Jax?” I try to make my voice sound unbothered, like I don’t care, but it doesn’t come across like that at all. It’s squeaky and agitated and my mum gives me a confused look.

“Probably in his new apartment by now. I still can’t believe he moved out so quickly. I’m going to miss him.”

I manage to school my features into a neutral expression as my heart shatters. What the fuck? He moved out without telling me? So much for him giving a damn about me.

As the tears start to well in my eyes, I turn my head from my mum. I need to deal with this before I let her know how upset I am. She can’t fix this with a magic kiss and hug like she used to when I was younger. I wish she could. But this is something I’ll have to deal with on my own.

I quickly make my excuses, thankful that my voice doesn’t relay my feelings, and head upstairs to my room. Leaning against the closed door, my back against the hardwood, I grab my phone from my pocket and send a message.

Me

Jaxy, what’s going on?

As I wait for his response, I try to stop my mind from going into overdrive and thinking the worst, but I can’t. I look into the full length mirror and blow out a frustrated sigh. I zero in on the little pooch on my tummy. The width of my hips and the roundness of my arse. I was an idiot for thinking he wanted me. Last night was an anomaly. He hasn’t been with a girl for a while and I was just a warm body to fill the time.

My phone dings with a text and I read it with a heavy heart as I pace the small confines of my room.

Jaxy

Sorry, Eddie. This place came up and I had to move quickly to secure it. Don’t be mad at me. You know I hate it when you’re mad.

Me

I am mad. You’re supposed to be my best friend, Brady. Instead of you telling me, I found out from my mum. What the fuck?

Jaxy

Shit, you called me Brady and you’re cursing. You’re pissed. I’m sorry, Eddie.

Me

Where did you go?

Jaxy

I took Jordan up on his offer.

---