11. Trouble Tabby

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M y cold and empty apartment was such a drag. Rob didn’t show up to game night, and he didn’t even bother bringing over a load of stuff while I was out. Annoyance boosted the confusion bubbling to the surface over Jax’s reappearance.

I pulled my phone out, which remained in my pocket on silent the whole time I sat in Jax’s car, not so much catching up as we were getting to know each other all over again. The fact his parents were divorced shocked me; I had many fond memories of his dad especially and mourned for the loss of their tight family unit. He wasn’t tipped off by the mention of my dad’s passing and thankfully didn’t ask for a picture of my mom. If he couldn’t figure me out, surely he would still recognize her—how could he not? It wasn’t in his nature to forget.

The sweet flattery he offered me was in his nature, even as a friend. That part of him hadn’t changed.

I shook my head and focused on the phone. No messages from Rob; instead, a frantic one from Annie:

What happened when you

told him? When are you

going to tell Rob?

Please keep me posted.

For someone who hated the mushy love stuff, she sure was curious about the drama surrounding mine. I had even more shame than earlier when I wrote back.

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Couldn’t do it. I called

him by his old nickname

and he didn’t recognize it.

Might be best to just let it go.

O nly an instant before she responded.

It took you two hours to write

that? What have you been doing

since you got home?

...sitting in Jax’s car chatting

WTF Tabby? Two HOURS

and you couldn’t tell him?

Look, I know what I’m doing.

I will handle it.

Rob doesn’t have to know.

Right. Not like Jax is your first love or

anything and you just hung out in his

car for two hours.

Rob didn’t even care

what I went through tonight.

At least I got home safe

and somebody listened.

Number one: I would listen

Number two: look me in the eye

and tell me you don’t think

this is dangerous.

Or just plain stupid.

I begrudgingly took a selfie for her, taking care to capture my contacts since they were the only thing saving my ass after Jax stared into my eyes—a fact I would not be sharing with Annie.

Here. I see him again

in the morning. I’ll be upfront

when the moment’s right,

I promise.

Don’t tell anyone, okay?

I’m not the idiot here.

Of course I won’t.

Sleep tight.

She’d tease me tomorrow, that much was obvious, but her care wasn’t entirely unappreciated. It was nice to know that I had someone in my corner, especially if the situation blew up in my face.

After I brushed my teeth, I stared at Rob’s insensitive texts for a while. I knew I should leave it alone, but he hurt me. He should’ve given me the benefit of the doubt. I refused to let him get away with his failure.

I made it home fine,

thanks for checking in on me.

And I didn’t leave my lights on.

Somebody broke in

and left my door open.

You’d know that if you asked me

without assuming I fucked up.

It was petty, sure, and I was prepared for a snarky response. It was predictable enough. He’d tell me I overreacted and didn’t care about his own stresses of the day, and I’d say he didn’t give a shit that I needed him. He’d answer with, “But you always need me,” and I’d shoot back, “And you never need me. Isn’t that all a guy wants? To feel needed?” We’d bitch long into the night, sacrificing sleep for the sake of the argument, and both of us would end up feeling like shit for hours until one of us caved and said they were wrong.

But I wasn’t wrong here. With Jax in my life, Rob’s faults were more obvious.

To keep from going crazy, I plugged in the phone and shut off the light, hoping my body would understand that I needed to sleep. I counted backward from fifty by fours to clear my mind. Please don’t dream about Jax. Please.

My phone buzzed at my side. Like an addict, I turned to it, muttering, “Here we go.”

But it wasn’t Rob. It was Jax. A steady stream of messages came in—so fast, my phone didn’t even chime after the first.

::tap tap tap::

I forgot to ask for your coffee order.

I bet you’re already asleep, so send

it to me when you wake up.

On that note, Good Morning!

My heart jumped. Past midnight, and Jax was checking on me. He wanted to know who I was and what I liked. He thought my work was interesting. Asked about my family, my plans for the future. Jax still loved D had to come here in person and apologize. I was wrong. Besides, you’ll need a ride to work if your car’s dead.”

Shit. My pulse quickened and I was no longer tired. “Um. Yeah, I do—”

“I can’t believe I didn’t pick up on what you were telling me last night. And your car got broken into? Babe, you should’ve told me that earlier. Annie told me you were super upset.”

“ Annie. ” My stomach rolled and I grumbled. You said you’d stay out of this. “That girl has got to learn to mind her own business.”

Rob chuckled, “Yeah, you might be right. But she reminded me that you’re one of a kind, Tabby. If I lost you, I’d never meet anyone else who could even come close.” He sat me up and caressed my cheek, gazing at me like the first time we kissed. “I’d never forgive myself if I fucked this up for good.”

I echoed his movement and brushed against his left eyebrow, admiring his strong jaw. “You really think so?”

“Don’t be ridiculous. I know how much you’re worth, babe.” Rob kissed me long and soft and hummed against me as he finished. “You’re my everything. And today I’m moving in officially, so I don’t have to sleep away from you ever again.” He pointed to a large trash bag on the floor with hanger hooks coming out of the top. “My furniture’s coming tomorrow, but I brought my closet today.”

“Wow.” I smiled, wishing I could call out from work and take the day with him to dream. “This is one hell of a wake-up call.”

“So, you forgive me?”

I moved in for another kiss. “Yeah, I forgive you. Even if I want to strangle Annie a little bit for butting in.”

“You know what? Don’t even mention it to her. I don’t want her to be embarrassed.” Rob brought over a steaming takeout cup. “Drink up, sleepyhead.”

Whatever made him repent, I liked it. So refreshing. “You haven’t treated me to takeout coffee since you bought that Keurig. I am a special boy today.” Before taking a sip, I breathed in the steam coming from the small hole in the lid. Sweeter than the standard drip coffee he used to buy me, I made yummy noises and brought it to my lips.

Another surprise. Rob never bought sugar-filled things. “What is this? It’s delicious,” I asked.

He beamed. “It’s Friday. A good cheat day was in order. Got you something sweet, ‘cause I think you’re sweet. White chocolate mocha. You really like it?”

“Mmhmm.” I nodded and kept drinking, but now my eyes went to the floor.

Seriously, what on earth’s gotten into you? This is some Twilight Zone-level weirdness.

My phone alarm went off, later than usual since I didn’t need to shower. Seven. My expected chauffeur would be here in half an hour if I didn’t warn him to stay away. Keeping my cool without telling Rob the existing plans, I shot off a few quick texts to Jax before getting ready for the day.

Rob came over and is taking me to

work. You’re off the hook. Thanks

for the offer, and I hope you get to

sleep in a little.

He didn’t write back, and I considered it a blessing.

While I brushed my teeth, Rob packed me a sandwich and some treats for lunch. He held the small brown bag daintily by the front door as I put on my shoes. “Alright, Dr. Ross. Are you ready for Friday?”

I didn’t question whatever switch had flipped within him or what Annie said to transform Rob into a version of himself I’d always hoped was deep inside. It was too nice to waste. “Sure am.”

“You know, every morning can be like this now. Wouldn’t that be great?”

Nodding, I ushered him out toward the car.

To an all-new beginning.