HEAT |OMEGAVERSE| ⚣ ✔️

Where the Heart Is

JASPER'S POV

This past week, something's been off with Alex. He's been putting in longer hours at work, which makes sense given he's preparing to take over his father's company. But when we talk, he seems distant—quicker to frustration, and his usual playful, goofy sense of humor has vanished.

I asked him two days ago if he wanted to talk about what's bothering him, but as soon as he started to open up he got a phone call. Something about a failed attempt to trade with another company that ended up with him having to rush out of the apartment and to his office.

I'll admit though, I've also been busy and haven't gotten a proper chance to sit down and talk with Alex. Tonight I'll be cooking us dinner, and hopefully I can figure out what's wrong.

Sam and Alicia have been helping clear out my old apartment. It's been hectic and exhausting to be honest, packing boxes and bringing them all back here. The only plus side is I have my nice pans to cook with now, and that I've been able to hangout with them most of the week.

Alex hasn't been too concerned about me going out as long as Sam's with me, and I can agree with that...having no desire to be by myself anymore.

It's been nice to get out with Sam and Alicia, I've found myself getting a bit stir-crazy being inside as often as I have been. It's made my mind run wild, and the anxiety within me has only grow at a rapid rate.

On top of that, I'm not sure if I feel worse or better that the damn stalker hasn't tried reaching out to me since I found my apartment trashed. And my mind can't help but linger on that man who I saw outside the front door for a strange amount of time. I still get chills when I think about his eyes looking at the door, like he knew I was right there on the other side.

Alex said he must of been one of the maintenance men who help upkeep the building though, so honestly I'm holding onto that for the sake of my own sanity.

Every time I'm alone here, I can't help the intrusive thoughts of something happening, and I find myself most hours of the day, curled in our bed, sleeping the day away.

To keep my mind busy today, I've been unloading packed boxes and merging my things into Alex's apartment. Luckily for me, my apartment was quarter the size of his so I'm already down to a couple left. I break down my current box, and walk into the kitchen from the bedroom, feeling relieved that my clothes are all finally in the closet.

While out yesterday with Sam, we stopped and he helped me grocery shop, giving way to tonight's dinner opportunity... It's been weeks it feels like of eating take out and ramen, and I'm at my wits end.

I wash my hands off in the sink, and begin to prepare dinner for Alex and I, mincing onion and garlic then tossing it into a pan on the stovetop. I get lost in cooking, not realizing that it's already almost six, and Alex should be here any moment.

As I check the steaks in the oven, sizzling delightfully in the cast iron pan, I take in the savory aroma.

I barely hear the door as it opens quietly, and I rush to take the pan from the oven, plating the foods carefully, and placing them on the counter with a bottle of Alex's favorite wine.

Alex steps into the kitchen and I wipe off my forehead, looking up to him with a grin. While he does smile back at me, it lacks its usual warmth, and I find my own fading away slowly.

"Long day?" I ask him softly.

Nodding back at me, he takes a seat in front of his plate, "this smells amazing though, thank you Jas," he says with a small smile, tugging at his tie around his neck.

I pull the cork out of the bottle of wine, and pour him a glass, setting it in front of him. With a quick snatch he downs the whole thing, and I raise my brows in surprise, pouring him another.