Still Jaded (Jaded #2)

"It's what you want. That's the issue here. That's always been the issue. You just never choose. No, you choose and then you change your mind. You can't keep doing that."

I tried to ignore my racing heart and sweaty palms. "Is that why you called? You want me to choose?" I stood and looked out the back window. The view might've been breathtaking, but I barely registered it. A moose could've been staring back at me, and I wouldn't have even blinked. "You called me for this? You want to have this talk now over the phone?"

"No. I called because I talked to Grace."

"Why didn't you say so right away?" And why was he bringing up the other stuff?

"Because I'm drunk and you're running away. I don't want you to run away." He sounded sheepish.

"Oh." A ball had formed in my throat. "What'd Grace say?"

"Nothing." He burped and laughed. "You're right. She's really watching what she says. But I think you're wrong that she doesn't trust you. She does. It's just…I don't know what it is. You're right that something's going on with her."

"What exactly did she say?"

"Nothing, like I said. She asked how you were. I told her we weren't talking anymore and then I laid on the charm."

"And?"

"Nothing. She rejected me. She no longer carries a torch for me. I'm going to die alone, Sheldon, unless you…"

"Shut up." I rolled my eyes now. "She didn't even flirt back a little?"

"Nope, but she kept looking over her shoulder the whole time."

"Like someone was watching her?" My heartbeat had calmed, but now it picked up again.

"You mean like she has a stalker? Why would Grace have a stalker? She's so…blah." He burped again.

"Not to some people. And I'm not talking about a stalker. I'm talking about people making sure she doesn't say anything to the wrong people."

"I don't know. Grace has always been the kind to run to the police right away or organize a prayer circle for someone. Being threatened or blackmailed doesn't make sense. Grace stood up to us in high school. Why wouldn't she to anyone else?"

"Yeah. You're right." It felt like someone had just popped my balloon. Although we never threatened to hurt her physically, we would've destroyed her emotionally.

"No worries, Sheldon. We'll figure it out. We always do."

"Until then…" I was about to say that I'd have Bryce to figure out in the meantime. Then I remembered who was on the other end and shut my mouth. "The doorman is waiting for me. I have to go, Corrigan."

"Yeah." He sounded disappointed. "Stay warm in New York. It gets freaky cold sometimes."

"I will. Bye." I put my phone away and stood still for a moment. My heart was trying to leap out of my chest. Taking a few deep breaths, I waited until it calmed a little and then shook my head to clear my thoughts. Sometimes I felt as if the world was going to collapse on top of me. As I rubbed my clammy hands on my pants, I looked up and took in the view of Denton's backyard.

It was breathtaking. There was a small creek that wound through his yard. Trees were densely clumped on both sides of the bank, and a few large boulders sat in the middle of the small river. When I had imagined seeing a moose before, I hadn't been far off. I could envision one right then and there, walking through the trees, or at least some deer. Maybe a bear.

"Hello?"

I jumped at the sound of a woman's voice. My heart rate shot right back up as I moved in the direction of the front door. As I got closer, I heard the sounds of someone taking a coat off.

This woman seemed familiar, very familiar with Denton's house.

"Sheldon?" She called out, "My name is Dr. Thompson. Sondra Thompson. Denton asked me to come and look at your dressings."

I stepped around the corner. "You're the one that texted him about me?"

She screamed, "Oh my God!" She laughed and put her hand on her chest. "You scared me, appearing out of nowhere. You were there the whole time?"

I nodded.

"And here I thought I'd have to look for you in this huge place. Yes, I'm the one that texted Denton. I know he cares for you. He told me you were friends with his sister."

"I was, once upon a time." I watched her, still cautious. She was a willowy blonde with a stick thin figure and a plain looking face. Her hair hung loose past her shoulders, which gave her a frazzled look that was in contrast with her square jaw. Her face made her look sturdy, as if she could withstand anything. Then she smiled and it lit up. Her green eyes sparkled. My eyes narrowed. "And you're friends with Denton?"

She laughed. "Goodness no! You think I'm crazy? There's no way I'd have an affair with a superstar like him. He's good friends with my brother. Lawrence is his agent."

"Oh." I scratched my head.

She motioned towards the kitchen and grabbed one of her bags. "Come on. Let's take a look at your wounds. We can dish about Denton over a glass of wine. He's got a great selection."