19. Jake: Just Go Away

Chapter nineteen

Jake – Just Go Away

“Aurora, please come back,” I call out, to no avail. I might as well be yelling at a wall. I just see the back of her running out of her office. She didn’t turn to my call, but I guess I can’t blame her. I have put her into not one, but two or more difficult situations that she had no say in. If I weren’t being nearly pinned down by this unwanted woman from my past I would go after Aurora. But it’s just not going to happen.

And maybe it’s for the best because I could swear, I sensed that she was just about ready to take me down. I’m a good sized, strong guy, but right now I’m actually a little afraid of what Aurora could do to me. There’s something to be said for the power of a woman’s ire and I sure don’t want to test it today.

But now I have to deal with yet another woman, this very unwanted woman. Sophia is staring into my eyes with such a smirk on her face that I just want to wipe it off her face, that is, if I wanted to touch her face. I need to get a grip on my emotions or I could say or do more than I should.

‘Sophia, what are you doing here? You have no reason to be here, nor do you have the right to be in Aurora’s private office. I’ve told you over and over that I want nothing to do with you. What about that can you not understand?”

The smirk is apparently not getting her anywhere, so per usual, she changes tactics on a dime. She begins with her usual tears and I tell her to stop the histrionics because it won’t work on me anymore. I simply won’t be affected by her fake emotions and she needs to get a grip on reality.

Sophia, true to form, figures out another way she thinks will get to me: the sultry, sexy, kitten behavior she is so good at – or she thinks she is. She literally purrs: “Jake, I can’t tell you how much I’ve missed you. I’ve changed, I really have. My life is not the same without you in it. The joy is gone and I need you back. I want you back.”

“Really? That’s quite interesting, Sophia. What does your fiancé think of that? Has he relinquished his rights? Taken back his vow of undying love? Told you he is fine with sharing you? I’m just trying to figure it out. I’m assuming he is outside the door just ready to give his blessing to us, right?”

“You don’t have to be so sarcastic, Jake. You should know that I would give up any other man to have you back in my life.”

“Great,” I answer. “I’ll be glad to go find Alex and share the news. I’m assuming he’s on board, right?”

She reaches for me and I step back. “Sophia, I have zero desire to have you touch me, so back off,” I admonish her. “Can’t you get it through your pathetic head that I DON’T WANT YOU?” I’m ashamed of raising my voice but I’m so angry right now.

“I know I will have to deal with you during the wedding and rehearsal, but believe me, Sophia, it will be at arm’s length and for as little time as possible. I am very sad that you are connected to my sister at all, but I would do nothing to hurt her, so I am tolerating you from afar. Get it? Afar!

“And let me say one more thing. If you do or say anything to hurt Bella in any way, you will be so sorry. Do you understand?” I’m almost in a rage and my hands are shaking.

I think I have actually shaken her up a bit because there is a stammer in her voice. Unfortunately, the vile she spews still overpowers the stammer.

“Go to hell, Jacob! You don’t control me or my friendship with your sister. You may think anything you like of me, but do not accuse me of hurting Bella in any way. She is my dear friend and you can like that or not.”

Well, Sophia is on a roll. It seems like the perfect time to end this encounter. I simply point to the door with the most uncaring expression I can muster. She takes another step toward me and I actually stamp my foot. My look must be telling her to beware, so she retreats.

As I see her leave, I actually feel such relief that I sit down on the corner of Aurora’s absurd donut sofa. It brings a moment of clarity that there is more to my life than the stupid mistakes of my past.

Now to action and finding Aurora. I’m not sure why I have such a need, but I desperately need to talk with her.