Chapter 23 - Jade
Istep outside, gathering myself as the cool summer breeze ghosts across my skin and soothes my racing heart.
I breathe in the soft scent of grass and water and focus on my surroundings.
I’m not sure what made Ian talk about the colour of my hair, but there was something in the way he was watching me that I didn’t like.
I’ve known Officer Ian since I moved here, and he’s never once made me feel so uncomfortable before.
Any interactions we’ve had have always been friendly, and I’ve often wondered if he would be a good match for Sarah.
He seems fun and like the type of guy she’d be into.
There is no possible way he could know who I am.
Shaking it off, I rub my sweaty palms down my skirt and make my way back to the bakery.
The sun is beating down, and it’s finally starting to feel like summer.
I cross the street through Town Square and wave at Mrs. Ira and the knitters.
Harper is out by the gardens reading to a group of children, and I notice their moms all leaving the bakery.
A lot of shops along the street have their doors propped open, letting in the fresh breeze, and I get the idea of setting out some chairs and mini tables under our window on the corner.
We have enough space to do so, and I think it would be a great addition to the bakery.
A place for those who want to sit outside and enjoy the sunshine but don’t want to go across the street.
I step into the bakery, worries about Ian forgotten, and greet all the patrons as I make my way behind the counter. Grabbing my apron, I tie it on and open up the display case and begin filling a box of cream horns for the guys at the station.
“I need your help,” Sarah groans next to me.
“Sure. With what?”
“I’m going on a date with Ford again tonight before he leaves town, and I can’t decide what to wear. He booked a reservation at Lily’s Gardens, so I want to look nice. I tried both of these at Everly’s during my lunch break, but couldn’t choose and I’m kind of running out of time.”
Grabbing Sarah’s phone from her hand, I look at the first dress option.
It’s a white lace with floral detailing and a corset top that stops mid-leg.
The straps are thin and tied in neat little bows, and there is a matching bow on the waist. The red of Sarah’s hair really makes the floral designs pop, and her chest looks amazing in the cups of the corset.
I swipe to the next picture, and my eyes pop.
The second dress is a light green with pastel florals similar to the first but hits about mid-thigh.
There is lace trim along the top and waist, with a giant cut out from the breasts to navel. Sarah looks hot.
“This one,” I tell her, holding up the screen.
“Perfect! I was kind of leaning towards that one but wasn’t sure if the cut out was classy enough for Lily’s. I’ll text Everly and tell her to hold it for me.”
“I have to say, I’m really impressed you’re still seeing him.” I think this is the longest she has ever entertained the same guy.
“A girl can’t say no to a fancy dinner, plus, the sex is hot as hell. Who knew being tied to a bed could be so fun?” She winks, and I shake my head.
“I can’t believe you let a stranger tie you up.”
“Ooo, I wish I could be tied up. Sounds hot,” Wren says, joining us.
“You guys have issues.” I laugh.
“Are we talking about old guy cowboy?” Wren asks. “Did you tell Jade he actually let you call him daddy?” She gags, making Sarah hip check her.
“Hey! It was hot!” Sarah defends herself.
“How old is he anyways?” I ask.
Sarah’s cheeks pink, and she rolls her lips between her teeth. My brows arch as I wait for her to answer.
“He’s fifty-six, all right.” Her hands hit her thighs, and I rear back, shocked.
Wren’s mouth drops open, and I’m sure I must have heard her wrong. There is no way she just said that.
“Fifty-six? Sarah! He is literally twice your age!”
“I know, okay!” she groans. “Don’t judge me.”
“Wait,” Wren says. “Does that mean he really is a daddy?” She giggles.
Sarah’s face pales, and I groan. “Sarah!”
“He has three kids,” she whispers, not meeting our eyes.
“Please tell me he’s not married,” Wren says.
“Ewe. No! God, who do you think I am? Your brother?”
“Sorry,” Wren says, raising her hands in surrender. “And let’s not drag my brother into this.”
“Fine.” She sighs. “He’s divorced. His kids are twenty-eight, thirty and thirty-two.”
“Oh, Sarah.” I sigh. “Even his kids are older than you.”
“It’s not like I’m going to marry the guy. It’s just sex, and who cares! Life is too short not to enjoy good dick.”
The chime of the door halts our conversation, and walking towards the counter is Ian. I’m not really wanting to be around him right now, but I put on a fake smile and grab the box of horns I set aside, placing them on the till for him.
“I’m sorry about my earlier comment, Jade. I never meant to upset you. Boss man has been a real dick, so I thought I better apologize. Especially you being his girlfriend and all,” he says with a smirk, sending a flush creeping over my skin.
“Oh. It’s all right,” I tell him, passing him the box.
“Anyways, what do I owe you?” he asks, reaching into his pocket.
“Nothing.” I smile. “It’s on me.”
“Wow. Thanks, Jade. And again, I’m sorry. If it’s any consolation, I think you’re beautiful as a brunette.”
“Thanks,” I say, starting to feel uncomfortable from this hair talk again.
“Well, see you,” he says tapping on the counter before leaving.
“What the heck was that about? What’s wrong with your hair?” Sarah asks with a scrunched nose and crease between her brows.
“Nothing.” I shake my head, staring out the door. “He just made a comment earlier, that’s all.”
“Weird.”
“Okay, and what’s with the girlfriend comment?” Wren asks.
I look at my friends and feel my cheeks start to heat again. “West may have called me his girlfriend.”
“Shut up! That’s so cute,” Sarah squeals. Wren doesn’t say anything, but the smile on her face tells me she’s just as happy as Sarah.
The rest of the day goes by in a blur, and before I know it, we’ve locked up and it’s time to go home.
I’m sitting outside on my back patio enjoying the setting sun, nursing a glass of wine and looking online for tables and chairs for outside the bakery.
I ran my idea by Sarah, and she agreed that it’s a great idea.
I’m hoping to find some cute Victorian pieces in white. Almost like a French café feel.
My phone vibrates next to me, and a quick glance down shows a number I don’t recognize.
Assuming it’s some subscription or bill text, I swipe the phone open to see what it’s about and my breath stops.
I drop the phone as if it burnt my hand, and my pulse races, my palms getting sweaty.
I swallow back a cry and stare down at the screen.
Unknown: Have you told him yet, Hadley?
I delete the text quickly and pack up my belongings, running into the house and locking the door behind me.
I’m not sure what this person wants or who they are, but them having this number and knowing who I am has me spiraling.
Between the emails, feeling like I’m being watched, the break in, and now this, it’s time I really do call Nick.
I haven’t seen or spoken to him since the day I graduated from college. He promised me that no one would ever find me or know who I am, so how is this happening?
After googling the number to the station he last worked, I pray he’s still there and dial.
“Carson County Police, how may we assist?”
“Hi. I’m calling to speak with Officer Nick Pierson.”
“May I ask who’s calling?” the female on the other end asks.
“You can tell him that it’s Jade. And that it’s really important.”
“All right, Jade. One moment please.”
I let out a sigh of relief that he still works there, and anxiously walk around my kitchen, Pumpkin trailing along behind me. I listen to the music on the other end that signals I’m on hold, and just when I’m ready to give up, the line clicks and a deep familiar voice answers.
“Jade?”
I choke on a sob at the familiarity of Nick’s voice and have to brace myself against the kitchen island. “It’s me.”
A gasp sounds on the other end, followed by the squeak of a chair. “Wow. It’s good to hear your voice. I hope you’re well?” he asks with concern.
“I’m doing very well.” I smile to myself sadly. “I own my own business,” I tell him proudly.
“That’s great, Jade.”
Fighting back tears, I take a deep breath. “It’s all thanks to you, you know. I’ll forever be so grateful for what you did for me, Nick.”
I hear the squeak of the chair on the other line again and Nick’s deep breathing. I can tell this conversation is just as emotional for him as it is for me. Nick was like a father to me in those early years. Before graduation.
“I’ve wondered about you often. I’m really glad to hear you’re doing well.”
“Nick.” I choke out a sob. “I’m calling because someone knows who I am.”
The line is silent, and I hear him let out a loud breath. “Can you tell me about it?”
“There’s not much. But I’ve been getting a few emails that hint at knowing who I am. One going so far as being my obituary. And then this evening, I got a text.” I swallow down the fear and go on. “It had my name. My real name.”
I hear him suck in a breath. “This doesn’t make sense. I don’t understand. Jade, can I ask where you are? You haven’t come back, have you?”
“No. No, I kept my promise. I’m far.”
“Okay. Good. That’s good.” He lets out a sigh of relief. “But I still don’t understand how this could be possible. Do you still have the emails and text? Can you forward them to me?”
I curse myself for not thinking. “I panicked and deleted the text. But I can probably find the emails in my trash.”
“Okay. That’s okay. Are you calling from your cell?”
“Yes.”
“Great. I have your number then. I’ll send you a text so you have mine as well. Please let me know if you get any more emails or texts.”
“Okay. Thank you, Nick.”
“Of course, Jade.”
“Well, I should probably go now,” I tell him.
“Sure. Take care.”
“You too.”
Ending the call, I let out a breath and finally let the tears fall. Talking to Nick again brings back a lot of memories.
“Come on, Pumpkin, let’s go to bed.”
Tonight, after making sure all my windows and doors are locked, I push my kitchen table in front of my patio door as extra security and move my entry-way table in front of the front door. Like most nights this month, once I’m safely in my room, I push my dresser in front of that door as well.
I’m not taking any chances.