Page 22 of The Soul that Redeems Me
I hadn’t spoken with Andrew about it but I knew that it was the right decision for me. I needed some time to gather my thoughts and decide what I wanted to do with my life. Josh had a trip to Chicago next week for a few days and he had invited me to join him, reassuring me that Jason was okay with me traveling with him.
We were going to take Jake to his parents while we were out of town, and I was going to miss my cuddle buddy while we were gone. I was walking in the direction of the train station when I heard someone yell my name. I spun around to see Jazz, Josh’s friend walking toward me in all her eclectic glory. I envied her and her ability to make anything she wears look badass.
Today, her hair is a crazy orange and her tattoos are on full display, regardless of the cool weather we are experiencing.
“What are you doing here?” I asked her, curious as to why she was on campus.
“I’m picking up a freshman orientation package for my younger sister Heidi. My parents are trying to convince her she doesn’t need college and I’m telling her she needs the degree to have success in life so I’m grabbing one in hopes to persuade her.” A smirk on her lips.
Jazz would win this battle. She usually did where Heidi and her parents were concerned. Their Mom and Dad are hippies and while they are fun to be around, they gave the girls little to no structure growing up, resulting in Jazz being more of a mother to Heidi than a sister.
“Sounds like Heidi is going to college.” I laughed as she joined in.
“I’m headed back to my shop. Can I give you a ride?” she inquired when she saw the direction I was walking.
“That would be great. I really hate the train sometimes.” I responded as I followed her to the car and we headed into traffic.
We laughed and caught up on the ride, her making jokes about me and Josh. I was beginning to think Jazz may have a soft spot for Josh and I worry she may not approve of us dating.
“Can I ask you something?”
“Sure.” She replied.
“Do you have a problem with Josh and I dating or living together?”
“Absolutely not. I think you two make a great couple. I joke with all my friends and I was hoping you considered me a friend. I see how much Josh cares for you and all I want for him is to be happy. You keep him happy; you keep me happy.”
I guess that’s as close to a threat against hurting Josh as I will ever get and I take her meaning to heart.
“I could never hurt him. I love him too much to cause him pain.”
“I know. He told me how much he loves you and in all the years I’ve known him, I have never seen him the way he is with you. You really are hisOne, aren’t you?”
I nodded my head with a huge smile on my face, “Yes.” Gleeful in the knowledge that everyone knows we belong together.
We sing along and visit until we pull up to the apartment building and I go to open the door. She gently grabbed my arm, halting my exit.
“I want you to know you can call me if you ever need to talk. I’ve known them all since college and I’m happy to see them all starting their lives. I know you and Josh are still new but I really do see you guys lasting forever.” She pulls me in for a hug and released me just as quick.
“Thank you, Jazz.” I respond before closing the door and watching her pull away from the curb.
I made my way up the apartment and got Jake to take him for a walk. We both needed the exercise so I took the long way around, hoping to burn off some of his excessive energy. He’d been cooped up for the last few days while Josh worked late on the expansion and I was stuck in my books. Even if I knew I wasn’t going back next semester, I still put in the hard work to pass my current classes. I refused to waste the tuition on failure.
I was a block or so from the building when a sensation of being watched spooked me. I jogged the distance back, made sure the door closed behind me as I walked across the lobby, and pushed the button for the elevator. I laughed my feelings off as exhaustion from studying so hard the last few days.
Making my way back into my apartment, I locked the doors behind me and put Jake’s leash up on the hook. I heard a beep on my phone and saw a message from Josh.
J: I have to work late on new contract provisions for Chicago. It may be after eight o’clock before I make it home so eat dinner without me and I’ll grab something here. I love you!
E: Just got back from walking Jake and was thinking of a salad for dinner.
J: I wish you would eat more but at least you are getting your vitamins. Don’t worry about taking Jake out tonight. I’ll do it when I get home.
Normally I would have argued with him but after the feeling I had earlier, I was in no mood to be combative.
E: Okay. He should be good until you get home in a few hours. I love you too.
J: I’ll work quickly. I want to get home to my family. <3
