Finding Her

CHAPTER 14

JENNIFER

I walked into the bar and was amazed. Jason mentioned that they were cleaning; from what I saw, they cleaned it to perfection. It looked so neat.
I didn't see anyone around so I walked towards the bar section and sat on one of the stools, reminiscing on when we made mojitos together. I smiled.

I heard footsteps so I turned and saw Jason coming out of the restroom. I was befuddled.

"Hey," He said briskly as he walked behind the counter sniffing. "What's up? Can I offer you anything?" He asked.

I looked at him, something was different. He wasn't looking himself and he was not looking at me.

"Are you okay?" I asked, scrutinizing him. He nodded, walked to the fridge, got a bottle of water, and handed it to me. "I didn't ask for water," I said gently.

"Then what do you want??" He asked sternly, looking at me. I looked into his eyes but he cut off eye contact with me immediately.

"Jason? Are you okay?" I asked calmly. I was worried. This wasn't the vibe he gave when we were texting. Something occurred after I guess.

"Yes, I just want to know what I can offer you." He responded looking at the countertop. He didn't want to look at me, it seemed like he wanted to look at something else. No, it seemed like he was hiding something. However, I didn't want to impose.

"I don't want anything, thanks" I replied and he nodded before turning to the sink. He leaned his hands on it, rose his head up to the ceiling then down. I didn't know what to do. It felt like I was not needed.

"We could reschedule this meeting you know?" I suggested. He turned to look at me. I looked at his eyes, they were wet. I melted.

"Jason, I-"

He interrupted me.

"We can start the meeting." He said, still looking at me.

"It seems like now is a bad time, I can come around when it suits you," I said. "Is that fine by you?" I added.

He cut off eye contact again and looked down, "Yeah, sure thing. See you some other time then." He said then turned to the sink again.

I was still sitting. I didn't want to leave but I didn't want to impose. I also didn't want to invade his privacy. I sat there, thinking of what to do next.

Should I leave?
Should I stay?
Jason has been there for me in more ways than one. He was there even when I didn't want anyone to.
What should I do?

I was conflicted but I knew I had to do something.
"Jason?" I called. He didn't answer me. "Jason?" I called again. Still no answer. This was frustrating. I couldn't take the silence and the stoic replies. I got down from the stool and started towards him.

I dragged his arm so he faced me, "You should talk to..." I couldn't finish my statement when I met his face. He was crying.

"Oh my God, Jason." He fell on me and wept. Like a baby. He held me tightly and wept profusely. I hugged him back and tapped his back slowly as I recalled our meeting at the airport's car park.