“Unfortunately, yes,” he deadpans, and then starts laughing. “I have to say, it makes me jealous. Here I am, not getting anything, and you’re not only getting it, but in some awesome places, I might add.” He takes another sip of his water. Looking at him now, it makes me wonder why he and Jessa never got involved. Anyone looking at them would think they’d make a good couple. Trey isn’t half as fucked up as I am. A twinge of jealousy hits me at the thought of them together, but I quickly push it aside, knowing she’s with me and nothing will change that.
“It’s been fun, that’s for damn sure, but I have to top hers and I only have one more day left,” I tell him.
“You’ll think of something. Aren’t you guys going out, just the two of you, tomorrow night?” he asks and I nod.
“Yeah, then we’ll meet you all at Sam’s. I’ve gotta tell you, I’m a little worried about her going down to Boulder.” Trey is the only other person who knows Jessa’s entire story besides Sadie and me.
“We’ll all be there to make sure nothing goes down,” he assures me. I do feel better, but I still worry what will happen if anyone says anything to her. I don’t want her going into a depression again. I keep that from Trey, because although Jessa tells him a lot, I don’t think he knows how bad it was for her after the incident.
“Yeah, maybe he’ll be there and I can beat his ass,” I say with a smile.
“I’ll be right behind you,” he says. “That jackass deserves multiple beat-downs.” He stands up from the stool and I’m thankful. After all this talk about Jessa, I’m desperate to get back in bed with her to feel her small body up against mine.
Trey and I walk down the hall and then give each other a fist bump when we reach our separate bedrooms. Jessa looks so peaceful and serene lying in her bed. Not able to wait another second, I crawl under the covers with her, pulling her to me. Kissing her temple, I whisper, “I love you, baby. More than you’ll ever know.”
Chapter 19
Grant
So far, Jessa and I are tied two to two. She took me on the ski lift and in the restroom at a restaurant. I have the spa and an alley outside the bar where we met Kailey last night on my side.
Tonight is different. I’m taking her out for dinner, just us. Then we’re meeting the guys and Sadie at Sam’s apartment in Boulder. Jessa seems apprehensive about it, but I’ll stay by her the whole time.
She comes down the stairs in a hot pink number and I rack my brain, trying to figure out if I’ve ever seen her wear a dress. “You look gorgeous,” I tell her, and she shyly thanks me.
We say our goodbyes to everyone and I escort her out to her dad’s car. He’s been pretty cool after our talk the first night. Even Jessa’s mom, now Grace to me, has been warmer toward me. Time will eventually fix that situation.
I open the car door for her, and she slides in before I make my way over to the driver’s side. Once I’m in and I’ve put the keys in the ignition to start heating the car, I turn to her. “You’re so beautiful.” I lean over the armrest to kiss her, and she meets me halfway.
“You’re mighty fine, yourself,” she says softly before capturing my lips again.
We park along the street outside the restaurant her parents suggested. It’s a small and quaint place in the downtown area. I open the door for her, and she hurries inside to get out of the cold air. The small space contains about twenty tables, and most of them are for parties of two. I tell the hostess our name, and she leads us to a table in front of a window. As people pass by on the sidewalk, we look over the menu.
“What are you getting?” I ask her.
“I don’t know,” she says, continuing to study the menu, “maybe a salad.” She places the menu down.
I pick it back up and hand it to her. “Try again,” I demand.
“Maybe I want a salad?” We both know she’s only doing it for my benefit. She thinks I’m poor and doesn’t want me spending money on her. In my mind, she’s the only thing in my life worth spending money on.
“Jessa…” I sigh. “It’s a steakhouse. Either you get a steak, or I’ll order one for you,” I threaten.
“Alright, twist my arm, why don’t you,” she jokes. “I’ll get the filet mignon.”
“Much better.”
The waiter comes by and he appears to be around our age. I suddenly wonder if she knows him, by the way he’s staring down at her. Although it’s obvious he likes what he sees, I’m thankful that there’s clearly no recognition. We order our meals and wait for the wine.
“Have I already told you how beautiful you look?” I ask her, knowing I’ve told her many times. But, like my mother’s letter said, I need to tell her every time I think it, and that’s quite often.
“Yes, thank you, you handsome devil.” She smiles widely and I wonder how I was able to win her heart.
“Do you think your parents are okay with me now?” The waiter comes by and opens our bottle of wine, pouring some into my glass. I tell him it’s fine, and he in turn pours wine into Jessa’s glass before setting down the bottle and walking away.
“Yes, whatever you told my dad outside resulted in a drastic turnaround. What’d you tell him anyway?” She purses her lips together, waiting for me to answer.
“Just that I love you.” I give her the abbreviated version and she rolls her eyes, knowing I’m keeping some information to myself.
The conversation continues about her parents and being back in Boulder. She confides in me that she’s nervous about going tonight, but is hopeful that we won’t run into anyone, other than her friend Beth, who Sam called and invited. I can’t help but think how nice it’ll be to meet someone from her past, other than her family. I tentatively ask where Jason currently is, and she reveals that the last time she heard anything, he was in Denver working as a mechanic. That after the incident, he got kicked out due to his grades. I have mixed feelings about this news that I most likely won’t run into him. Happy for Jessa, but upset that I probably won’t get the opportunity to knock my fist through his skull.
Our food arrives, and Jessa devours her steak. I laugh when she passes the busboy her empty dish, and she narrows her eyes at me jokingly. “Aren’t you happy you listened to me?” I tease her. She places her hand on the side of her face, concealing her mouth from the other customers, and sticks out her tongue.
We both opt not to order dessert, but stay to finish our wine. I know this is the worst time, but I need to find out where she and I are heading. “So, I think we need to talk,” I say and lean forward in the chair.
A surge of panic comes across her face. “What about?” she asks.
“What do you want to do after you graduate?” Brady was right. If we’re going to be together, we need to figure this part out.
“Well,” she says, looking a little relieved. “I was thinking about either trying to get a job at a museum or going to get my Masters. It’s a little late for me to apply, so I guess I’ll be finding a job until I decide.” She shrugs her shoulders, as if she doesn’t care one way or the other. If I had to point out one difference as to how Jessa and I live our lives, this would be it. Her life is more about relationships, whereas I’m more concerned with thoughts of how I’m going to make money and succeed. I can’t help but believe we have these differences because of our different upbringings.
“I need to start interviewing if I’m going to find a job,” I tell her. “I have nowhere to live once I graduate. I’m expected to leave the frat house within a month after graduation.” Now that I think about it, I’m terrified we might not have a future. If for some reason I can’t find a job nearby, will she follow me?
She holds my gaze and it appears a million questions are running through her pretty little mind. “What’re you saying, Grant?” she asks with a curt tone.