Insecure

Chapter 22

Russell made his way out of the place his sister and his ex-wife were having lunch. He didn't know why his sister was having lunch with her, but he didn't care at the moment. All he knew is that she was there, and she needed to talk to his ex-wife. He needed to get back on his feet. Five years is way too long, but the only way he was going to get better was for his ex-wife to be with him again.
He got back into his car and slammed the door, cursing under his breath. He slammed his hand on the dashboard as he ran his hand through his hair. "Dammit," he screamed, starting his car. He pulled out of the parking lot and sped onto the road. Maybe if I would've approached her in a different way....
Within' a few minutes, he was back in his driveway. He parked the car, slamming the door behind him. He went back into his house, throwing his keys on the counter and plopping down onto the couch. He checked the clock and saw that it was almost 2pm "I might as well shower," he said out loud, getting up. He slipped off his shirt and turned on the shower, leaving the door open. He ran his fingers through his hair, trying to let the water relax his body.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After her visit with Miss Russell, Miss Wayne made her way to her car as she thought about her ex-husband. Ex-husband. Geez. The way he stormed in wearing that tight button up and jeans that fit him nicely....She slapped herself awake. Jeanette, how can you think like that? You don't love him anymore...Or do you?
She shook her head and started the car. "Dammit. Well, it wouldn't hurt to call him."
She pulled out her phone and dialed his number, her hand shaking. She listened as the phone continued to ring. Dammit Russell, pick up. Then, it went to a voicemail, and after hesitating, she said, "Hey, it's Jeanette. We should talk, so I'm on my way." She hung up and without thinking, drove to his place like an instinct. I guess things never change.
Once she got there, she walked up to his door and knocked. There was no answer. She knocked again but harder. Still no answer. Either he's not home or is ignoring me. Screw it. She opened the door, looking around. Once she came in sight of him, she froze. There, he was. Naked. Standing in his kitchen.
"When did he get so hot?" she accidentally said out loud.
He looked up and shouted, "Shit!" as he wrapped the towel around his waist. "Don't you know how to knock?"
"I, yeah, I mean, I did, but you didn't answer, so I'm sorry," she stammered, backing up.
He pulled her into the house, shutting the door and said, "Did you need something?"
"I just thought we should talk."
"About?"
"Us."
"Are you just saying that because you saw me naked?" he said, smirking.
She, nervously laughed and shook her head. "No, why do you think I'm here?"
"Apparently, to see me naked."
"Will you stop?" she said, trying not to smile. After a couple seconds of silence, she looked up and said, "You said you wanted to talk earlier, so do you remember what you wanted to say?" She stuck her left hand in her jeans pocket as he stepped closer.
"I think we should sit down."
She nodded as he lead her to the couch. They were silent for a few seconds before he got nervous and ready to talk. He rubbed his palms on his legs as he said, "I'm still in love with you."
She felt herself stop breathing. "I screwed up, Jeanette, I know. I should've compromised with you more. I should've done more. I shouldn't have been stupid and let you walk out of my life.You were and are the best thing that has ever walked in my life. You were the first one I said I loved and seriously, sincerely meant it. You changed me, and now I need you to change me."
"Change you?"
"Yes Jeanette. I fell so low. I need you to help me bring myself back up."
"How am I supposed to do that?"
"That's up to you to figure out. All I know is that I love you, and I need you."
Her heart was racing. Oh my god, how do I say this without screwing everything up? "You should've done more, but I don't know if I'm willinging to give this another chance---"
"Then, why are you here? If you're not here to get back together, then why?" He shot up and started pacing.
"I didn't say that!" she said, causing him to turn around. "I was just saying that I need you to prove that you're willing to make me happy." She stood up too, and walked towards him. "Can you do that? If you can't then-------"
Then, he grabbed her by the waist and slammed his lips against hers. He totally caught her by surprise, so she was really awkward at first. But then, he could feel her hands running up his back as he kissed her. Then, he started undoing the buttons on her shirt, slipping it over her head, whispering, "Let's go into the bedroom."
She slipped off her pants and snapped off his towel. She smirked and pulled him to her, jumping into his arms, kissing his neck as they fell on the bed.

~~~~~~~~~~

Laura was sitting in the living room when she heard someone ring the doorbell. She knew it wasn't Jayce because he never knocked, so she walked cautiously towards the door, looking through the peephole. That's when she saw Miss Russell. She let out a sigh of relief and opened the door.
"Hey, Miss Russell. What's going on?"
"May I come in?"
"Sure." Laura took a step back, letting her in. "Can I get you something to drink?"
"No, thank you. This should be a short visit," Miss Russell said, sitting down.
"Oh okay, so what's going on? Wait, are you talking about what happened today?" Laura asked, sitting next to her.
She nodded. "I think our plan might've worked."
"Really?" Laura asked excitedly. "How do you know?"
"After lunch, I saw his ex-wife drive in the direction of my brother's house instead of hers. I think we might've gotten them back together."
Laura smiled and clapped her hands. "That's great! Hopefully he'll leave me alone now." She couldn't help being excited; this was the last problem to deal with before she can focus on her.
"I hope so, and look. I'm sorry if my brother has caused you any trouble. I mean, I know he has but I just wanted to say I'm sorry. You don't deserve any of this."
"It's okay. I'm just glad we were able to do this," Laura said, not noticing that the door opened.
"Able to do what?" Jayce asked, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Nothing Jayce." She turned to Miss Russell. "We'll talk more later."
She nodded and walked towards the door, passing Jayce. He looked down at her with a glare, probably because she was the bastard's sister. Laura closed the door and turned back to Jayce. She was about to open her mouth, but he beat her to it.
"What were you guys talking about?" Jayce asked.
"Nothing. We were just discussing Mr. Russell---"
"What?" Jayce asked, his skin starting to boil.
Laura could see the look in his eye. "Jayce, it's nothing! We were just trying to get him and his wife back together----"
"Seriously? Why in the hell would you do that?"
"It was the only way----"
"Were you going to tell me?"
"I was, but you were having problems with----"
"My dad? Laura, seriously----"
"Jayce, I'm sorry."
"That man has caused you so much trouble, but you want to play matchmaker?"
Laura shook his head. "I did it so he would leave me alone. Jayce, don't you get it? I want him out of our lives, so I can focus on---" she paused. "Our baby."
Jayce looked at her. "You're putting yourself in danger."
"I have his sister on my side. He's not going to hurt me anymore. Especially since he's back with his wife."
"I seriously don't know about this."
"Jayce, doing this will fix the problem---"
"Putting his ass in jail will, too."
Laura just shook her head. "I thought you, out of all people, would understand."
"Understand? I understand completely. I understand by doing this, you're putting everyone in danger. Me, your family, Lilly, Carlos, yourself and----"
"I get it, Jayce, thank you," she said, anger in her voice.
"I'm just---"
"Just what Jayce? Can't you see that I want this fucker out of my life?"
"I do, too, but you're not thinking any of this through!"
"Yes I am---"
"This guy is sick. You think bringing back his wife is going to change that? If you do, then you're pretty stupid."
Laura glared at him. "Jayce, get out."
"Laura---"
"I said get out! If I'm putting you in danger to the point you're calling me stupid and clueless, then---"
"Laura, I'm just scared."
"I am too, Jayce. Have you ever thought of that?"
"Of course, but----"
"That doesn't mean I'm gonna go off on you calling you stupid, clueless and an asshole."
"Laura----"
When you're ready to give us another shot, you know where to find me." She turned and started to head up the stairs.
"Laura!" he called after her which made her turn. "What do you mean?"
"You're either with me or you're against me. Make your choice."
"I'm always with you." He stepped closer. "Laura, I'm scared. You're doing all of this without my consent, and I'm afraid you're gonna get too involved and get hurt. I want this fucker out of our lives more than anyone, but we have to be careful. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if something happened to you."
"Jayce----"
"It's okay. Look, you wanted me to go, so---"
Laura grabbed his arm and pulled him to her. "Don't you ever leave me."
"Even if you tell me to?"
"Don't. Ever."
"I promise I won't. Never in a million years."
"I swear I'll tell you everything from now on." She grabbed his other arm, wrapping them around her. "I don't want to lose you over this." Her voice was starting to weaken and crack as she felt herself starting to tear up.
Jayce pulled her into his arms and stroked her hair, saying, "I know." He kisses her head, saying, "We'll get through this. We will."
"I know we will."
He looked at her. "I don't want to lose you, so I want in on everything. I don't care if I'm dealing with my dad, fighting with my mom or if I'm laying in an alley. Tell me everything."
Laura smiled a little bit and nodded. "I promise I will."
"Good." He looked at the time. "Let's watch something to get our minds off this."
She walked with him to the couch, saying, "Sounds like a plan."