Page 37 of Just Friends
She offered me a seat at the island. “So how wasJax’s breakfast, anyway?”
“It wassogood, Katerina.”
“Seriously? The Big Rig can cook?!”
“I had the same exact reaction. And you want to know what’s even crazier? This was the first real meal he’s tried to cook. Of course he’s downplaying it now, and acting like cooking’s not a big deal because all you have to do is follow the directions. Classic Jax.”
“Oh, that boy. So humble.”
“Trust me, it’s all an act,” I joked.
Her eyes narrowed. “But why did he cook you breakfast—is today a special occasion?”
“Well, er, I’ve been really busy with my app lately … and I had trouble sleeping last night … and I had some bad news from back home … I dunno, there were some other things he felt bad about, too.”
“Oh no!” she said as she touched my arm. “Is everything okay?”
“Yeah, everything’s okay,” I murmured. “Long story short, Jax knew I was down and just wanted to do something nice for me, that’s all.”
She touched her heart. “Such a sweet boy. He’s going to make some girl very happy someday.”
I snickered. “Yeah … if he ever decides to settle down, that is.”
She snickered, too, but then a strange quiet came over us.
Katerina spoke before it gottooquiet.
“It’s funny,” she said, “but ever since Jax came up here and told me his plan, I’ve had theworstcraving for biscuits and gravy. He really planted that idea in my head this morning.”
“Really?” I asked, perking up. “Because we’ve still got plenty leftover. Wanna head down to my place? I’ll heat some up for you.”
A flash of interest sparked in Katerina’s eye, but she said, “Oh, no. I shouldn’t.”
“Yes, you should! Jax made a ton—too much, really. It’s more than we can eat.” I hopped off the stool and waved for her to join me. “Help us out.”
She began to smile. “Really? You don’t mind?”
“Not at all! I’d love to share with you.”
She slipped on her shoes and we rushed out the door. After a short elevator ride, I let Katerina into our condo. While I heated the leftovers on the stove, I told Katerina the good news about Soulmate, and how Jax was going to help me promote it.
“It sounds like things are looking up,” she said.
“Very much up,” I concurred.
She tapped her chin. “I have to say, though, that a few of us girls were hoping Jax would bringyouas his date.”
“Really?” I laughed. “Why me?”
“You’re so much fun! We all love having you around. You’re practically one of us, you know.”
“Ah, you guys,” I said with a wave of my hand. “You’re all too nice. But yeah, it was Jax’s idea to use his plus-one for the Soulmate promo, actually.”
I froze.
It was his idea, wasn’t it?
My eyes rolled up as I replayed the events from earlier in my head. Jaxdidseem a little quiet and strange after he told me about the WAG party, but—no.
