Page 109 of Hyde and Seek
I trusted Jake, but he’d lied and I didn’t know why. Maybe I was naive, but I just couldn’t picture him messing with her.
When I returned to the shop, I went straight back to tidy up for the day. As I entered the room, I saw Jake sitting on the couch waiting for me.
He held out his hand. “Come here.”
“I’ve gotta get cleaned up.”
“Just talk to me.”
“Like you talked to me yesterday?”
My stomach dropped as I watched him flinch.
That kills the illogical sliver of hope I had that maybe he hadn’t lied.
“Fuck.” Jake ran his palm across his jaw as he shook his head. “It wasn’t how she made it seem.”
“I know. I’m not an idiot.”
“Then why’re you mad?”
I threw my hands into the air. “You’re hiding shit and flat-out lied last night.” The implied ‘duh’ went unsaid.
“She called on Monday and said she wanted me back. I told her I’m not interested. Literally, I said two words and hung up. I ignored her followin’ million fuckin’ calls. Last night I’d had enough. We were havin’ a good night, and she texted a few times. Not… Not appropriate texts. And then she called. I was done. I didn’t say jack fuckin’ shit that would encourage her. I told her I was with someone, and to stop with all the shit.”
“Why didn’t you just tell me?”
“I should’ve. I just worry you’ll get sick of my bullshit. I didn’t want to add any more to the pile.”
“What bullshit?”
“How many hours I put in here. The stupid shit I say.”
“I work just as much. And I put my foot in my mouth all the time, too.”
“Sweets, c’mon. Come here.”
“Fine, Mr. Bossy Pants.” When I got within reach, Jake grabbed me and pulled me onto his lap.
“I can’t lose you, Piper.” His words were muffled as he buried his head in my hair and neck.
“You won’t unless you lie. And that includes lies by omission. You’ve gotta trust me and know I’m not gonna leave at every bump. I don’t brace anymore, Jake,” I pointed out. “And neither should you.”
“You’re right.”
“Of course I am. So what’s the deal with Chloe? Why is she showing up all of a sudden?” I moved to straddle him, the side of my wrap skirt opening to show almost my whole thigh.
He sighed, looking and sounding annoyed. “I’ve got no fuckin’ clue. We split a long time ago and I haven’t seen her much since.”
“Why’d you breakup?”
“There were a lot of reasons.”
“Such as?”
“When Chloe and I got together, she was a different person. She seemed down with my life, the shop, all that. She just fit so even though we weren’t serious, we also were. You know?”
I laughed. “Not even a little.”
