Chapter 44 The Right Thing
Charlie has slowly but surely gotten better. That is what makes it all worth it. She'd been taking her medicine. She also had a boy named Trent come and drop off her homework for her. He seemed really sweet and was worried about her. That's good to know she has a good friend like him.
She's finally gotten to the point where she can go back to school, and she looked happy about it. I can't blame her, who the hell wants to be stuck in the Taylor house all day long? And yet, she had no choice as she was recovering.
She gave me a big hug this morning. "Thanks for everything Jo. I couldn't have gotten better without you," she whispered with a beautiful smile. I live for smiles like that. It is why I put up with everything I've had to for the past 5 years.
Olivia, on the other hand has brought a new annoyance to my life. Why is it always Liv that can get under my skin? And just when we were trying to patch things up between us. It's like I just can't catch a break with the kid!
She's got a new boyfriend, Braxton. He's a pain in the ass, bossy and a freaking snob. I'm not saying it to be mean, or bossy, or prove I'm in charge (which I am!), but I really don't trust this kid for some reason. I have no idea what his background is, but he seems like he comes from money, which could be good or bad. All I know is he is a pain in my already sore ass.
I don't know where he gets off calling me bitch, and whore, but he's got another thing coming!
"What the hell did you call me?" I snarled, stepping up to him, ready to teach him a lesson on manners. I have a feeling Ava told him I'm some sort of slut, and I'm going to have to fix her too!
"Jo, he didn't mean it!" Liv hurried to stop me from bashing the boy in the head. "He's just... messing with you?" she came off weakly.
"Oh, I'm sure he didn't! Liv, I refuse to let you date such a condescending ass! I've had enough of those in my life, I don't need a new one!" I growl looking her in the eye. "I'm sorry, but you can't even bring him over to the house. You need to find another boyfriend before I end up with murder charges!" I hissed in frustration.
"Josie! YOU ARE NOT THE BOSS OF ME!" Liv snarled. I can see her getting all defensive over some bastard she barely knew over her own sister who was only looking out for her. But I'm done with her little dramas!
"When you get off your ass and start earning money for yourself, then you can say that. As it is, I'm the only one paying for you! Beth and Jay have been stealing money from us, and what have they given you? NOT A DAMN THING! SO, UNTIL YOU MAKE YOUR OWN MONEY I AM THE BOSS!" I snarled and stormed off to my room. I really needed a nap.
Olivia was furious with me, but I didn't give a damn. There was just something about Braxton Davis that just rubbed me the wrong way, and I didn't want him influencing Liv anymore than he already was.
And this whole entire time, I wished Rick would come back to talk to me. I know I could probably look his number up and call him, but what the hell would I say? I missed him? I can't say that! I'm still dating James, and he promised that he was going to marry me in the spring.
And yet, something inside me is twisting with something I don't want to name. I felt lost without him in a way I can't even explain. It has nothing to do with is offer! I swear! I just... wish he was here.
I keep hoping he'll just show up at the shop and... I don't know! That's the problem! I don't know what I want from him! He told me he would marry me! He told me he could take care of us... And I told him no because I promised James another chance. I was sure I was right... maybe. Right now I don't even know what I think.
I'd finished his mother's flowers last week and he picked them up. The look on his face was strained. I could see there were so many words he wanted to say to me, but the kept them locked up. It was my fault I pushed him away this time. But I was doing the right thing... I hope.
"Thanks, little dancer. They look beautiful. I'm sure my mother will love them," He whispered into my ear. Then he paid for the arrangement and left.
I haven't seen him since then. And now my chest feels heavy. I don't know what to do! What the hell can I do to make this ache in my chest go away?
Why does the thought that I'll never see him again make me feel so... lonely?