Filed to story: Breathe Story (Sadie White & Jax Stone)
I didn’t reply because I wasn’t really sure what to say. We stared out at the water for some time.
Finally, Marcus said to me, “You knew he would only be here for a little while. He is going to leave, and you’re going to be here. Your worlds are too different.” He stopped and cleared his throat. “You’re not like other girls, Sadie, and that is attractive to a guy. We get tired of the same stuff, and when someone as beautiful as you comes along, with all your sweet, naive, accepting ways, someone like you is what we are all searching for.”
I started to argue, but he stopped me with his hands.
“I am not saying any of this right, so let me finish and see if I can explain this better. When I first saw you, I was immediately attracted to your outward appearance.
However, after talking to you, getting to know you, and watching you at work, I realized I would have been attracted to you if you were plain and mousy. My guess is Jax hasn’t been around anyone with your traits in a long time, and mix it all in with the fact you’re a gorgeous blonde and ‘bam’ he got hooked. I can’t blame him for wanting you.” Marcus’s hand fisted in his lap. He seemed angry now. “But I can fault him for acting on his interest in you. He unleashed all his charm on you, knowing it could only be for a short time. And for that, I’m going to make sure he pays.”
A sudden knot of fear formed in my stomach, and I immediately shook my head. “Marcus, no! I chose this. You’re right, I knew it wasn’t as serious to him, or even long term. I let myself care too much, and it’s my stupidity. Nothing he did was wrong.”
Marcus shook his head. “He is older and more knowledgeable about the ways of the world than you. I blame him.”
I laughed, not sure how, but I did. “I need a friend, Marcus, not a white knight.”
Marcus grinned. “I am your friend, Sadie, and that will never change. However, I wouldn’t mind being your white knight either.”
I shook my head. “I didn’t really choose him, Marcus. My heart did. I didn’t want to love him. I knew it would end up breaking my heart, but I couldn’t stop it. Every time I got around him, I fell harder. He isn’t the guy everyone sees on television. He isn’t some rich, shallow rocker. He has a kind heart, and there is this little boy inside of him who still needs approval from those he cares about. He accepts others for who they are, and he never judges anyone.”
Marcus’s expression seemed so sad. “You got inside the star and found the heart. It will only make this harder on you.” He reached over and took my hand. “I’m here with a shoulder to cry on, whenever you need it.”
I wanted to cry now, but I knew I couldn’t do so in front of Marcus. I didn’t want him mad at Jax because I’d turned into a silly lovesick fool. Instead, I stood up. “I need to head home.”
I slipped my hands into the pockets of my shorts. The evening wind had begun to cool.
“Can I take you home?”
I thought about it, and then shook my head. “I’m too close to home, and the ride will be good for me.”
“Okay, if that is what you want.”
“It is,” I said.
“Will you be at work tomorrow, or are you going to be up here for the life-guarding job?”
“I’ll be at work.” I hadn’t realized I’d made my decision until I said it aloud.
I lost count of the times I’d attempted to talk myself out of returning to the Stone mansion. I kept reminding myself we needed the money, and I would not act like Jessica. I did not run away from life. I faced my problems and dealt with them. I could be stronger than a broken heart. Foolishly, I gave my heart away to someone who didn’t need it, or expect it. It was my fault, and my fault alone. However, I would not continue to do so. Lesson learned. I learned a long time ago not to make the same mistake twice. I opened the kitchen door, and Ms. Mary turned to look at me. Relief washed over her face. She must have worried I wouldn’t come back. Her expression, and the fact I would have been missed, made my returning worth it.
“Morning, Ms. Mary.” I glanced over at the table expecting it to be empty, and I froze in place at the sight of Jax, sitting in his usual spot. A concerned frown wrinkled his forehead.
I nodded a silent “hello” and forced myself to face Ms. Mary. “If it is all the same to you, I would like to get an early start on the garden this morning. Can I come back later to help you with the food prep?”
Ms. Mary cleared her throat. She seemed a little unsure and finally managed to nod. “Mr. Greg will be happy to see you so early.”
I went straight to the laundry and changed. I couldn’t deal with him this morning. I needed time. Besides, I needed to work and didn’t have time to talk. My uniform would be cleaned and pressed, hanging in the closet with all the others. I sifted through until I found mine. Yesterday, when I’d been doing this exact same thing, my heart had been racing wildly, knowing Jax would be waiting on me. So much could happen in a day. My heart broke a little more, and I shook my head to clear my thoughts. I could not keep going like this. I needed to find some form of control over my emotions. Why was it when I finally fell in love, I had to choose a teen idol. Couldn’t I be like normal girls and fall in love with a guy from school? Or a guy from work? Take Marcus, for example. Why did my heart have to do the tango for Jax, but not even skip a beat for Marcus? I growled in frustration at my own stupidity. I would find a way to get over this. I buttoned up my shirt and took one more deep calming breath, just in case Jax still sat in the kitchen.
When I opened the door to the laundry room and stepped out, Jax blocked my way. I should have expected him to follow me. Jax Stone didn’t get blown off by a girl. This couldn’t be something he knew how to handle. I sighed, knowing I couldn’t get through without him letting me by, so I backed up to put some distance between us.
“Sadie, please, come talk to me.”