Page 41 of Reclaim

“I don’t know, but probably because the heartache at the end makes people forget the excitement at the beginning.”

I laugh at her negativity, used to Taylah’s ability to switch between reality and fantasy. “Thank you for that. You really know how to shit on a girl’s parade.”

“What can I say? I’m a girl of many talents.” She places her hand on my shoulder. “You know I’m happy for you. This was all my idea, remember?”

“It doesn’t matter. I’m too high on Jagger to care.”

“Well, spill. Tell me about the conversations. Are you sexting?”

“Honestly, when was the last time you had sex?” I interrupt. “I feel like you’re projecting with all the questions.”

“It wasn’t that long ago.” She stills, and places her finger in the middle of her lips. “Oh wait, that last time doesn’t count because he was terrible at it. But it’s irrelevant. I just want to know how Jagger is in the sack.”

“We’re not there yet. We haven’t even seen each other since that night at the restaurant.” It’s been a week of texting and phone calls. Everyday starts with a run, and we continue throughout the day. Sharing moments, exchanging texts, asking questions or telling stories. We’re cutting through so many layers in one of the most uncomplicated ways.

“What? Why?”

“I’m too scared,” I admit.

“Scared about what?”

“This is the safe zone. Where I don’t have to worry about anything except getting to know him.”

“Okay, I can kind of understand that, but you can’t stay there forever.”

“Maybe not forever, but right now I can.”

“Romeo and Juliet died for one another, Emerson. Nothing safe is worth it.” She pats my head like I’m a kid she just imparted wisdom on, and leaves.

I check his last message, and shake my head at the coincidence. Apparently he and Taylah are on the same wavelength today.

Jagger: Seeing you?

Me: Seeing me?

Jagger: Your last message, all I got was that I could see you.

Me: Oh really? You want that?

Jagger: Only if you do.

14

Jagger

“What the fuck are we supposed to do?” I pace the length of the house while Hendrix looks at me with confusion. “Go to dinner, and then cut it short because I have to be home? I should’ve never agreed to meeting up. Let's not mention the headfuck that’s public transport.”

“Can you stop walking around and talking to yourself, you’re making me nauseous.”

“The texts were enough. They broke up the days,” I continue, ignoring his request. “This is too much.”

“Can’t you just ask her to come here?” he suggests.

“Come here?” I look around the house like I haven’t lived here for the past month. “All we have is a bed and a couch. She’ll think I just want her here for sex.”

“Well, don’t you?”

“Among other things.”

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