Still Dunno

Chapter 52 - Ticking Away

Janis' POV

There are two things I didn't want to do tonight. I didn't want to tell Joslyn about my sex life, and I didn't want to talk to Riker.

I was still mad that he cornered Wesley on the way out the morning after we had sex. The tension between the two men was thick.

Riker overstepped like he always does, and I was pissed.

I have not returned to Riker's since Wesley told me Riker talked with him. I came over and saw Molly and helped out with her when I could, but I wasn't talking to Riker.

Wesley said I was being childish, but he didn't understand that Riker was a control freak and was trying to stick his nose into someplace it did not belong. We were only here at his house today to celebrate Molly's birthday. And to see Joslyn. I hadn't seen her since she got out of rehab.

Joslyn looked good. Her skin was a standard color. She put on a little weight and didn't look so lost. I hoped rehab did what it was supposed to and Joslyn would be okay.

"Hi, Janis," I looked up.

Aunt Sabrina was standing next to me.

"Hi." I leaned over and gave her a hug.

"How are you?" she asked.

"I'm okay. How are you?"

Aunt Sabrina shrugged. "You know, same old, same old."

I watched my aunt gaze across the yard at Uncle Zack and Tristan. They were laughing and drinking. Joshua and Patrick were sitting at a table with Aunt Rydel and Ross.

"Josh and Pat are home?" I asked.

"Yes, they are here for a week, and then they will return to school."

"Is it nice having the whole family home?" I asked.

Aunt Sabrina looked at me. "The whole family isn't home. Christopher hasn't been home in days."

"Oh. I'm sorry, I didn't know."

"I texted him and told him about the party. I hope he'll appear to see Joslyn, Joshua, and Patrick."

I smiled at her. "Here's hoping. Excuse me, I'm going to say hi to everyone."

Aunt Sabrina nodded. I moved away from her and stopped at the table.

"Hey guys!"

Patrick stood up and gave me a hug. "Hi, Janis! How are you?"

"Good, how are you?"

"Good," Patrick replied.

"What's going on, Janis? Have you heard from that school about teaching next year yet?" Joshua asked.

"I went on a third interview two weeks ago. It looks really promising," I said.

"Good," Joshua said.

"I'm not in yet, but fingers crossed!" I said, holding my fingers.

Joslyn bounced over to the table. She opened her mouth. I knew precisely what Joslyn would say. If she did, I swear I will punch her in the face. Joslyn's mouth closed quickly.

"Hey kid, are you too big to come over and say hi to your favorite Uncle?" Uncle Tristan asked, coming over and throwing his arm around my shoulders.

"Nah, dude, she did!" Ross chirped, spreading his arms.

Uncle Tristan gave him the finger, causing Ross to laugh more.

"Are Grandma and Grandpa coming?" I asked.