17. Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Sixteen
"You're worrying me today," Blaise says in the early afternoon. "You've been quiet all morning and look like someone killed your dog."
I look up from my laptop in surprise. "What do you mean?"
He raises an eyebrow, squinting his eyes in suspicion. "You're different today. What happened over the weekend?"
"Nothing," I say blankly. "I just spent the weekend at Jordan's."
"Something is wrong," he points out. "Spill it."
Sighing, I shrug. "I just miss him. He's away for work until Friday now as well."
"Aw, young love," Blaise snickers. "But seriously, are you okay? You weren't like this when you returned from Dickhead's house."
I laugh at his nickname for Jake, nodding. "I'm fine, I promise. It was an amazing weekend. And we're officially together now. You know what it's like when you are in the honeymoon phase — you want to be with them every second of every day."
Blaise nods, understanding. "Where has he gone?"
"Sanctuary View," I tell him.
"That's not too far. Only an hour and a half," Blaise points out, the information very well known to me.
"We both have work," I say. "Besides, he'll be back Friday."
I turn my attention back to my laptop and keep working, but out of the corner of my eye, I spot Blaise still gawking at me. Sighing, I look back.
"What?"
"You could always work remotely," he offers. "I wouldn't mind."
I laugh sarcastically. "Don't be silly. We work better here, and Jordan has work priorities. I can suck it up. It's only a few days."
"I know," Blaise says softly. "But it could be fun. A little spontaneous surprise trip."
I raise an eyebrow at him. "Are you suggesting I pack a bag, my laptop, and drive to Sanctuary View?"
He shrugs. "Life is too short to not take chances. It's a romantic gesture. Plus, I always enjoy going on little trips with my partner. It's a nice way of experiencing something new."
"You're insane," I mutter. "It's too early for that."
Blaise hums in thought. "But you love him."
My gaze snaps back to him. "I do not."
"You're a terrible liar. It's obvious you do."
Cringing, I give him a pathetic look. "Is that bad that I might? It's too soon, right?"
"Too soon for what?" Blaise scoffs. "Since when does love and feelings have prerequisites? You can't help falling for someone, and it certainly doesn't abide by any time restrictions."
Glancing away, I shrug. "It's just scary. I don't want to blow it by coming on too strong. Even though I know he feels strongly about me too."
"So do it," he says simply. "Honestly, you only live once. What do you have to lose?"
"My sanity," I growl back. "Or my chance at a proper relationship."
Blaise waves me off. "If this man is as crazy about you as you say, then he'll think it's the best thing ever. Men don't often overcomplicate things. We're simple creatures."
There's an edge in his voice, which makes me put the laptop down. "Do you want to talk about it?"
"We broke up. There's nothing to talk about really."
My face pulls into a reflection of sadness. "It happened then?"
He nods. "I ended it over the weekend. We tried talking it through but he just kept going around in circles. It didn't seem like he wanted to resolve it, and I can't fix something he wants to stay broken. It's fine though. I didn't want to tell you because I knew you'd panic about it."
"Blaise," I start, but he cuts me off.
"Sky, it's fine. It's for the best. I'm sad, yes. But also it gives me a chance to focus on myself and the business. He was being a downer and I don't want to deal with that. It's been rocky for some time and I gave it my best shot."
"I'm not going," I announce, shaking my head. "I'm going to stay here."
Blaise looks at me, annoyed. It's a rare look — one I haven't seen directed at myself before. "My life shouldn't be a reflection of yours. I appreciate your support." His gaze softens. "But, I'm a big boy. You helped me on Friday and I made my decision. I'm okay with it. You, on the other hand, can't cater to everyone else at the expense of your own happiness. It makes me happy to see you happy. And truthfully, I'm good with dealing with these things on my own."
"I don't know what to say," I mutter.
Blaise smiles at me. "Say you'll pack your bag and drive your fine ass to Sanctuary View. Even if it's just for a night. Go surprise him. You can work remotely tomorrow and just come back whenever you want. Live your life, Sky. It's time that you do."
I can't believe that I let Blaise talk me into this.
I'm sitting in the closed McDonald's parking lot at Sanctuary View, trying to figure out my next move. My stuff is in the backseat — the laptop included. I drove the hour and a half, heart racing as I made the most spontaneous move of my life.
I still haven't told Jordan I'm coming, or that I'm here now. And I realized on the drive down that I don't even know where he stays when he's traveling.
Now, I have no choice but to contact him, otherwise I'll be stuck in the car all night.
Picking up my cell, I hit the facetime button, listening to the ringing as I wait. Part of me panics, worried that he won't answer, but then he does, his face filling my screen.
"Hey! I was just about to message you shortly. Great timing," he grins. His hair is messy, the usually kept locks sprayed out like he's been running.
"Oh," I breathe a sigh of relief. "I'm glad I'm not interrupting."
Jordan shakes his head, smiling. "Not at all. I'm sorry I was a bit quiet today. We had to fire someone. It was a whole situation."
"Geez. I'm sorry to hear that. It looks like you're in your accommodation though?" I ask, heart racing as I try to act coy.
He looks around the room. "Yep. Home sweet home for the next few days. It's not too bad. I like the self-contained apartments."
"You stay in an apartment?" I ask. "I thought you'd be in some fancy hotel."
Jordan laughs, his voice more hoarse than usual. "Given how long I travel for, it's just easier staying in a self-contained place. That way I can cook and I have more room to move around."
"Throwing wild parties I bet," I tease.
"Oh, totally," he says. "I'm just waiting for the circus to arrive. Do you think five kegs is enough?"
I raise an eyebrow. "How much are you planning to drink?"
"I'm kidding. It's just me here — in my little apartment on Fifth. It has a nice view though, would you like to see?"
I nod, smiling. He gets up from what looks like a kitchen table, walking over to the balcony door. Stepping outside, he shows me the view.
"That's beautiful," I muse. "What level are you on?"
"Fourth floor," he answers. "It overlooks the mountains. I wish I had a beach view though. And you."
Biting my tongue, I continue to play along, my nerves easing. "Same here. Are there many apartments there?"
"Nah," he says. "I'm in the corner one, which is room 415. And this is the highest level in the apartment complex. So, only approximately forty-five. The bottom floor is all business rooms."
Right. 415. Fourth floor. Self-contained apartments on Fifth. I can work with this.
"Oh, I'm just getting another call from my mom," I lie. "Can I call you back shortly?"
Jordan nods, flicking the camera back to him. "Absolutely. I'll be here waiting."
"See you soon," I say, quickly hitting the end call button as I snicker.
Pulling up Google maps, I check for any self-contained apartments along Fifth. There's two sets — but one appears to be at the other end, closer to the town center. Judging by the mountains, he's on the other side of Fifth, so I pull out of the parking lot and make my way there.
Driving into the parking lot under the building, I'm relieved to spot his car, confirming I'm at the right place. I park next to him, grabbing my stuff as I find the entrance inside.
There's no one around and I make my way to the elevator inside, hitting the button for four. My heart starts racing again as I coast up, muttering his room number over in my head so I don't accidentally knock on the wrong door.
When I reach the fourth floor, I head down the corridor, checking the numbers on each passing door until I stand in front of 415.
Taking a solid breath, I knock firmly, blood rushing to my head as I hear movement inside.
Please be the right door.
The door swings open and I smile in relief as Jordan appears in front of me.
"Skylar?" he yells, rushing forward to give me a hug. "Oh, you sneaky little thing. You set me up."
Laughing, I hug him back. "I'm sorry. You have no idea how hard it was to keep a straight face. I nearly gave myself away because I was worried I wouldn't be able to find you."
"You did well," he says with approval. "I had no idea. Here — pass me your stuff. Come in."
He takes my bags from me, stepping back as I walk inside. I immediately spot the table to my left, his work laptop open. It's an open space living area and on the other side of the room is a lounge and television. The kitchenette is to my right, some leftover containers on the counter. We pass a doorway as I walk towards the table, and I assume it leads to the bedroom and bathroom.
"It's a nice apartment," I tell him. "I can see why you'd prefer it over a hotel."
"Hotels are nice though," he murmurs, watching me mesmerized. "I'd love to stay by the beach, listening to the waves crash."
Sitting down at the table across from his laptop, I nod. "I haven't been to the beach in ages."
Jordan walks around the table so he can pass me, kissing me as he does so, before heading over to his seat. "Me either. It's my happy place though."
"You should go soon," I encourage. "Life's too short."
Blaise is obviously becoming a wisdom, mystical guidance counselor, as I repeat his words. But I mean, why not? He was right about this. It seems only fair to pass on the advice.
"Absolutely," Jordan agrees. "There's a beach about an hour away from home I love. And from memory, they just built a Hilton on the shoreline a year or two back. I've been meaning to go but work has kept me busy."
"Just imagine laying in bed, listening to the waves," I mutter, resting my chin on the palm of my hand, my elbow digging into the table. "Plus room service."
"Don't tease," he murmurs. "I'm imagining being in bed with you."
I can't fight the smirk that crosses my face. "I didn't say anything about me being in the bed with you."
"A trip like that needs to be enjoyed with people you care about. I wouldn't want anyone else with me. Now, just give me five minutes to finish sending this email, then I'm taking you to the bedroom for the night."