Jerika: It's Complicated 🐐💙

Chapter 25

Narrator: Back at the club Jake knew he fucked up. He wasn't trying to push her away, he really didn't know what to say or think at the time. Why would Joy do that? He told her he was married, and she chose not to listen. Truth is he had been feeling pretty shitty the last week. His brother made him feel like he got married too quickly. He went to go find Kade who had gone over to the bar. As he was walking through the crowd drunk girls tried to stop him to dance. One girl grabbed onto his jacket, he became so annoyed he lifted his hand and showed his wedding ring. She let him go and he made it over to Kade.

Jake: Hey bro
Kade: Hey you want a drink?
Jake: Nah I'm ok. I really need to talk somethings on my mind
Kade: Oh sure you wanna get out of here?
Jake: Yeah

Narrator: They got in Jake's car and drove to their favorite diner. It was always open late and the boys had become very close friends with the owner. They were seated and their order was taken.

Kade: Alright man, what's really going on?
Jake: Do you think I got married too quick?
Kade: No way, I think you made a great choice.
Jake: My brother thinks I did..
Kade: Did he say why?
Jake: He thinks I'm still in shock from what went down in Italy.
Kade: No I don't think so. I think you realized life can be short and you want to enjoy it with someone you love..which is Erika.
Jake: You're right but I fucked up tonight.
Kade: You made a mistake by not telling her yes but I know the both of you. You'll work it out
Jake: She doesn't want me to talk to her until she's ready. I don't think I'm allowed to go home
Kade: Give her some time yes but you should go home. It will be far worse if you don't go home. Just sleep on the couch and she will know you're sorry.
Jake: I guess that's where I belong tonight anyways. Thanks bro for everything
Kade: No need to thank me. We're brothers, family. I always got your back.

Narrator: They finished their food and got in the car to go home. Jake parked in the driveway and said goodbye to Kade. He took a deep breath and walked inside. He went upstairs to go to their room. He walked in and looked at his sleeping wife, she looked so beautiful and all he wanted to do was lay next to her and give her a kiss. He changed his clothes and brushed his teeth. As he was leaving the room he looked at her one more time and carefully shut the door. He walked by the closet and got a blanket and pillow out and went back downstairs to the living room.
He got comfortable and stared up at the ceiling. It was already four in the morning, he was still so mad and couldn't understand why Joy would do that. After a bit he fell asleep.

PAUSE
Narrator: Wait a minute... aren't you wondering why Joy was there? Let's rewind to earlier in the day.

Christian's House
Noon

Narrator: Ever since Christian had found out Erika was married his entire mood changed. He was more angry and obsessive than before. He was working out when Charlotte walked in.

Christian: I don't want to hear any bullshit
Charlotte: I got news that Jake will be at an event in West Hollywood tonight..
Christian: Interesting. Call that skank Joy over, I want her here in the next 30 minutes.
Charlotte: Alright I'll give her a call
Christian: I'll be in the shower. Come get me when she's here.
Charlotte: Yes sir.

45 minutes later
Narrator: Joy had arrived and she was escorted to the living room where Christian was already waiting impatiently.

Joy: Hi
Christian: You're late.
Joy: I do have a life and things to do.
Christian: I don't really care. You work for me and do as I say.
Joy: You're an ass. I don't need to put up with this.
Christian: Sit your ass down and shut it. There's an event tonight and Jake will be there. I need you to do whatever you can to get back in his life.
Joy: How am I supposed to do that?
Christian: I don't know. Figure it out, as long as you can interfere with his marriage.
Joy: I don't feel comfortable doing that.
Christian: Let me ask you, how are you enjoying your life? Do you love your new place and your car?
Joy: Well..yes
Christian: alright then, do as I ask and there's plenty more things coming your way.
Joy: Fine but how do you expect me to get there. I'm sure it's invite only.
Christian: Sweetheart, I'm Christian Lombardi. It's about time you realize that working for me is the best thing. I got people everywhere.
Joy: Ugh fine! I can't believe all this for her. She's nothing
Christian: WATCH IT! You do not want to make me angry. And yes her, she's the one unlike all the other skanks in LA. Sleeping around for cars and money. Even you
Joy: Do you know how hard it is living here? How dare you!
Christian: Save it. I get it, you're living your best life and ignoring the past. Anyways I had Charlotte get you a dress and it's already at your place. The driver will pick you up by 8.
Joy: Whatever.
Christian: Listen here, do not let me down. Like I said I have people working for me everywhere. If you do not do as I say you better hope I don't find you. Do I make myself clear?!
Joy: Yes! I understand!!
Christian: Great. You're dismissed.

Narrator: Feeling disgusted Joy got in her car and left. She can't believe she ever agreed to any of this but it was too late to get out now. He has so much leverage on her and now she's being blackmailed. She drove home with tears in her eyes, hoping she could get out of this some way. But for now she would do as Christian told her.

Authors note: So now you know it was all set up by none other than Christian. Do you think Erika will forgive Jake?
🤷🏻‍♀️ See you next chapter!