Chapter 65: I Have Said My Part
Jasmine
“I love you. I’ll see you when you get home," I say as we arrive outside Cody’s work.
He gently kisses me. “I love you as well, sweetheart. I'll see you later.”
He hugs me tightly before heading inside. I'm uncertain how to spend the rest of my day. I dislike doing nothing! After eating and getting some fresh air, I feel much better.
I sigh and turn to head home, but I notice Silver approaching. I swear she rolls her eyes when she sees me, and I need to stop myself from doing the same. I step forward to block the entrance.
“What are you doing? I need to get back to work,” she snaps.
“Stay away from Cody. He isn’t interested, so stop trying to change his mind. He is with me. You and anyone else aren’t going to change that. Learn some damn respect for yourself, Silver. A decent person would try to pursue a man she knows is already taken.”
Silver scoffs. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
I step closer to her. “You know exactly what I mean. Stay the fuck away from him, Silver,” I hiss.
She laughs at me. “You're truly young and naive if you believe you two will last.”
My fists tighten at my sides. “I don’t think. I know. I’m sorry no one has loved you enough to make you believe that even at our age, relationships can work, but Cody is taken, and you will leave him the hell alone.”
I walk away before she has a chance to say anything. I don’t want to be around her any longer than necessary, or I might do something I regret. I said what I needed to say, and if she persists, I will tell her again and again until she hears it. It is a good thing I am secure enough in my relationship not to doubt, even for a second, that Cody would jump into bed with her if she tried hard enough. I hate fighting with other women. We have enough to deal with in this world without turning on one another, but I guess some women are just like that. I will never be like that. I have never understood how anyone can think it is okay to go after someone who is already taken. There are plenty of people in the world. Why take from someone else?
I shake my head and continue walking home. I worry that because I spoke to her, she won’t listen; instead, she will go after him full force. I feel for him. He shouldn’t have to deal with shit like this at work. It will make it difficult. He could report her, but he won’t.
I stop at a coffee shop on my way home to get some more caffeine before going back to the empty apartment. I could brew it at home, but it never tastes as good as when I buy it from a coffee shop.
With my iced Americano in hand, I walk home slowly. I am in no rush. I will be bored. I may take a nap or look for more jobs to pass the time. No one will be home until the evening. I arrive home and sit on the sofa, sighing. I need to find a job quickly. I will drive myself crazy if I am home too much. Yes, classes keep me busy, but I still have free days, and with everyone busy with work and classes, I would be alone a lot of the time. I like being alone sometimes, but not always. I will deal with it.
Cody arrives at 6:30 and flops onto the sofa beside me, sighing. He's the first to get home, but clearly stressed.
“Are you okay, my love?”
He leans his head on my shoulder. “It’s been a tough day.”
“Did Silver have anything to do with that?”
I am surprised when he shakes his head. “No, she stayed away; work in general was just rough.”
“She must have listened when I spoke to her.”
“You spoke to her?” he asks.
“Yes, she didn’t tell you?”
I thought she would have gone on a rant at him because of me.
"No, she kept her distance as I mentioned. What did you say to her?”
I told him about the conversation. “So, yes, maybe it worked, maybe it didn’t, but I said my piece.”
He kisses the top of my head. “I really hope it worked because I would prefer it that way.”
“We will need to wait and see. Are you hungry?”
“I am, yes. I need to shower first, and then we can make a start on dinner.”
“I can make dinner. You don’t need to.” I smile and kiss him softly.
“Okay, but that means I am cooking tomorrow night.”
“Deal.” I laugh.
He doesn’t move. He seems in no rush to do so, but that is fine. He will move when he is ready. I play with his hair. It always relaxes him, but he will never show that in front of people, his vulnerable side, that need for some comfort.
“I can’t be bothered to move," he chuckles.
“There is no rush. Everyone won’t be home for another half an hour at least. Take the time you need, handsome.”
“How was your day?” he asks.
“Boring. I was searching for jobs, sleeping, and watching poor-quality TV.”
“I am sorry. Any luck with the job hunt?”
“I applied to a few places, just waiting to hear back, but I don’t want to stress about it this weekend. I want to focus on us.” I smile and kiss his cheek.
“I can’t wait, sweetheart, to spend the whole weekend together.”
“Me too. It feels like it’s been forever.”
He gently reaches up to kiss me before eventually standing to go shower. I do the same, walking into the kitchen to check what’s available. I settle on a large pot of cheese-and-tomato pasta with garlic bread, ensuring there is enough for anyone else who might be hungry. It doesn’t take much time or effort but is still filling and delicious.
I'm unsure of everyone’s plans for tonight, but I do know mine. I'll gladly retreat to our bedroom with Cody. A relaxing night seems ideal, especially after the week we've had.