Filed to story: Breathe Story (Sadie White & Jax Stone)
Ms. Mary let out a loud “hmph” and started stirring her pot of cheese grits again. “Well, you should have called him. He would have come. You’re too young to be alone in hospitals. Crazy people out there.”
Jax took my plate to the table, and then crooked his finger for me to come sit down. I sat beside him.
“I didn’t think about calling anyone. I’ve been taking care of my mother for a long time now. It’s no big deal.”
Ms. Mary spun around and pointed her spoon at me. “And that’s not right. Who takes care of you?” She waited for my answer and getting none, she nodded her head. “That’s right, no one does. You don’t know when to ask for help because you never had anyone to ask before. Well, now you do. You got a boy right there who looks like he would drink your bathwater if you ask him, and you got me, and Mr. Greg, and Marcus. Take your pick. Just stop trying to do it all alone.” She let out a deep sigh and turned back to her stove.
Jax squeezed my hand. “She’s right. But I would prefer it if you call me.”
I smiled at him, and he grinned. “And, yes, if you want me to, I will drink your bath water.”
I laughed out loud and shook my head. “You’re crazy.”
He nodded. “About you.”
My heart skipped a beat, and I took a deep breath to calm down. “I’m sorry I didn’t call you. She’s right. I’m not used to asking for help. But it is nice to know I have people around me who care. This is all new to me.”
Jax leaned over and whispered in my ear, “No matter where I am, I will always be there when you need me.”
I shivered from his warm breath against my skin and nodded, but I didn’t meet his gaze. I needed to get my heart out of my eyes first.
Marcus walked in as we were finishing our breakfast. He stared at me when he stepped in the kitchen. “Is your mom all right?”
“Yes, thank you.”
He gave me a forced smile. “Good,” he said and walked past me toward the laundry to get dressed.
I turned to Jax as he finished his juice. “I need to get to work too.”
He frowned, and then stood up and took both our plates to the sink and rinsed them. I went to get my apron, and Ms. Mary shook her head.
“No, Mr. Greg needs you outside more than I need you in here. He’s battling his arthritis today. He won’t admit it, but I can see it on his face. Go help him.”
I nodded and looked back at Jax to say goodbye before I left.
He smiled at me. “I have a song I’m working on, and sitting out at the gazebo today sounds like a perfect place to be creative. I will see you in a few minutes.”
I smiled and stepped outside. Knowing Jax would be outside with me today made the day seem much brighter. I walked over to Mr. Greg kneeling down in the herb garden, mumbling to himself.
“Morning, Mr. Greg. Why don’t you get off those knees and let me do this.”
He frowned at me. “I have a bone to pick with you, young lady. Ain’t no girl your age supposed to be gallivanting across town in the middle of the night. You should have called me.”
My insides grew warm and toasty. I really had made a new family here. “I know, Mr. Greg, and I am sorry. I’m just used to taking care of things on my own, and I didn’t think about the fact I have people who care enough to help me.”
He stood up slowly, and I fought the urge to give him my arm. I knew his pride wouldn’t take my offer very well.
“Just so you understand you’ve got people to help you now. Lord knows the Stone boy would have come running if you’d called him. I ain’t never seen such a lovesick puppy in all my life.”
I blushed. “I wouldn’t call him lovesick.”