Page 55 of Journey to Love

I laugh, shaking my head at her persistence. "I love you, girl, but he isn't worth it either. Let's just get this shift over and done with, then tonight we drink!" I suggest, eager to move past the confrontation and focus on something more positive.

As the shift progresses, I'm relieved to find that Marcus keeps to himself, refraining from any further mention of Paul. Surprisingly, he even leaves a very generous tip, a small silver lining to an otherwise tense encounter. I cautiously ask him not to mention seeing me, and he promises to keep quiet. However, given my history with people associated with Paul, I know better than to fully trust his word.

After the shift, Lana and I swiftly change out of our work clothes and head out to the club, eager to unwind after the stressful evening. I shoot a quick text to Jacob, letting him know I'm off work and that I'll catch up with him tomorrow since it'll be too late to call him when we return from the club. It's a relief to have the night ahead of us, free from the weight of work and the memories stirred up by Marcus' presence.

Lana hands me a drink and I down it in one go. “Damn girl, you really going for it” Lana says. I wipe my mouth and laugh, “I’m sorry but I really needed that”.

“apparently!” she quips and then orders me another one. I sip this one and try to take it slow, otherwise I’ll be a heaping mess far too early. I receive a text message and look down at my phone, Lana hands me a drink, and I eagerly down it in one go, feeling the burn as it slides down my throat. "Damn, girl, you're really going for it," Lana remarks with a chuckle.

I wipe my mouth and laugh in response. "I'm sorry, but I really needed that."

"Apparently!" Lana quips, a mischievous glint in her eyes as she orders me another drink. This time, I take it slow, sipping cautiously to avoid becoming a mess too quickly.

As I try to savor the drink, my phone buzzes with a new message. I glance down at the screen, curious to see who it's from.

JACOB: Hey beautiful, thanks for letting me know. I hope you and Lana have fun tonight. I can’t wait to talk to you tomorrow!

I smile at the text and tuck my phone away, feeling grateful. Jacob has been a source of comfort and joy in my life, always making me feel cherished and valued. His presence alone brightens my day, and I can't help but feel lucky to have him.

Lana notices my smile and nudges me, her eyes twinkling with curiosity. "What did he say?" she asks, her voice barely audible over the pulsing music.

I laugh and raise my voice to be heard. "He just said he hopes we have fun and he'll talk to me tomorrow," I reply.

"Aww, girl, he loves you!" Lana shouts, clearly feeling the effects of the drinks.

I chuckle and shake my head. "Oh, stop! No, he doesn't," I protest, though a part of me secretly hopes she's right.

But Lana isn't convinced. She nudges me again, a mischievous grin on her face. "You love him too!" she teases.

I laugh, feeling the warmth of the alcohol spreading through me. "Oh my god, Lana, no! We like each other, sure! But I don't think it's love," I insist, though the thought lingers in the back of my mind, refusing to be dismissed entirely.

As the night wears on, guys attempt to flirt and buy me drinks, but I politely decline their advances. "Wow, you really are in love!" Lana remarks, her teasing tone laced with amusement.

I furrow my brow in confusion, still amused by Lana's antics. "What are you talking about?" I inquire, unsure of where she's going with this.

Lana smirks and gestures around us. "You've been turning down guys left and right!" she points out.

I roll my eyes and chuckle. "Why would I engage with other guys if I'm dating someone? I'm not here to interact with other men; I'm just here to have a good time with you," I explain.

Lana raises an eyebrow skeptically. "Uh-huh, okay," she teases. "Just admit it, girl, you're hooked," she adds with a playful grin.

As Lana's teasing words hang in the air, I can't help but wonder if she's onto something. Am I really head over heels for Jacob, or am I just liking the fact that he treats me right? It's like a little debate going on in my head while I watch the crowd swirl around us on the dance floor. Jacob's been amazing, no doubt about it. His kindness, his warmth—it's all like a breath of fresh air after dealing with some of the toxicity in the past. But does that mean I'm in love?

I take a moment to mull over our relationship, replaying our moments together in my mind. His comforting touch, his reassuring words—they've definitely helped ease some of the shit I've been through. But here's the thing: I've never really known what real love feels like. My past relationships have been pretty fucked up, leaving me with some serious scars. So maybe Jacob's just a really nice distraction, you know?

Lost in thought, I glance over at Lana, who's busting some moves without a care in the world. For a second, I envy her carefree vibe. But then it hits me—regardless of whether what I feel for Jacob is the real deal or just a passing infatuation, he's brought some serious sunshine into my life. And for that, I'm beyond grateful.

So, with a shrug and a smile, I decide to stop overthinking it. Whatever label we slap on it, Jacob's presence makes me happy, plain and simple. And in a world full of craziness, that's more than enough for me.

As the night progresses, we continue to dance and enjoy our drinks. However, as the clock strikes 1 a.m., I begin to feel the weight of exhaustion settling in. Between the alcohol coursing through my system and the demands of a long day's work, my body is pleading for rest.

"Hey, I think it's time for us to call it a night," I mention to Lana, my voice betraying the weariness I feel.

Lana nods in agreement, understanding the need to call it a night. We head out to the parking lot, and Lana takes the driver's seat of my car. With a shared glance, we buckle up and hit the road, leaving the club behind us. The familiar route to my grandparents' home feels comforting, the streetlights casting a warm glow on the darkened streets. As Lana navigates the turns with ease, I lean back in the passenger seat, feeling the fatigue from the night settle over me. Finally, we arrive at the familiar driveway of my grandparents' house, and I thank Lana for driving as we step out of the car.

We step into the house, our movements quiet as we try not to disturb my sleeping grandparents. I glance at Lana and whisper, "You can sleep in my room or I can set you up in the spare room," offering her the choice.

She shoots me a playful look. "Yeah, I'm not about to crash in the same bed where you and Jacob cuddle up," she quips, though her voice is hushed.

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