Jerika: It's Complicated 🐐💙

Chapter 27

Narrator: It was early and the sun was barely peaking. Jake had gotten up for a run to try and clear his mind.
Erika was up early too. She didn't get much sleep at all. She needed to take advantage of the time away from Jake. She got ready for the day and went to find Nick. He was in the office working and didn't notice her walk in.

Erika: Hey Nick
Nick: Oh! Hi Rik, how are you feeling?
Erika: I've had better days..but I wanted to ask you something.
Nick: Sure what's on your mind?
Erika: Idk how long Jake will take but I figured I can use this time to work and get back into photo shoots.
Nick: Well, that would be great for the team but I don't think it's a good idea. What if you have to travel?
Erika: Then I'll travel. Nick I'm not going to sit around and wait. And it would help my vlogs, my fans love when I travel.
Nick: Yes but they love when you travel with us or with Jake. Idk if I can support this idea.
Erika: Nick, I really want this. You know I love modeling. Please
Nick: Ugh. Alright. But truth is there are a lot of people requesting to work with you already. I just didn't want to book you until after a few months.
Erika: Great! Well I'm ready just let me know.
Nick: There is a big one but you would need to go to Miami for a week.
Erika: Perfect! I'll do it
Nick: You are not going alone.
Erika: I have Lauren and Kelly, they can come later in the week.
Nick: I'll go with you for a few days and then I'll leave you when they arrive.
Erika: Fine... haha.

Narrator: She walked out of the office happily. This was great and just what she needs to distract her. She needed to something for her vlog today so she went to find Tony and Chance to try to do something entertaining.

Meanwhile Jake was back from his run and got dressed. He needed to work before he went to go talk to Logan. He also tried calling his mom but she didn't answer the phone.
He was responding to some emails and received a call. He answered without looking at the caller i.d and instantly regretted it.

Jake: Hello
Christian: Hey man how's it going? Congrats on the wedding.
Jake: Why the fuck are you calling me.
Christian: I wanted to see if you lovebirds received my gift. I'm guessing you did
Jake: What gift? What the fuck are you talking about?
Christian: The lovely Ms. Joy, she's great isn't she?
Jake: You asshole! I should've known, how else would she be able to get in that event.
Christian: Exactly. Guess the wifey wasn't happy with you. Oh well
Jake: We're fine. Not that it matters to you.
Christian: DO NOT LIE TO ME
Jake: It's not your concern. Get it through your head leave us alone. Leave MY wife alone or you'll be sorry.
Christian: Oh sweet Jake. Don't think you can get rid of me. Good luck with the wife, it must suck not having her at the house.
Jake: Wtf..how? Leave us alone Christian, you don't want to get me angry.
Christian: I'll back off for now. But I want you to know a few things
Jake: I don't care about your bullshit.
Christian: I'm always watching you and you better believe I'll get her back. You took her away from me and I promise I'll take her away from you if it's the last thing I do.

Narrator: Jake threw his phone at the wall, he was filled with rage. Why did Joy get involved with this lunatic! What does he need to do to get this man to back off? He knows what kind of business he's in but he needs to gather proof before he turns him in to the police. He felt helpless, how was he going to protect his wife? He wasn't sure what his plan would be but he needed to get them out of this house immediately. If Christian is watching that means there is someone on his team betraying him.
After he calmed down he decided to go to Logan's house and talk. The whole ride there he kept thinking about Erika, it's so weird not speaking to her or seeing her but he does miss her a whole lot.
He arrived to the gate and security let him in. Taking a deep breath he walked inside and saw Logan in his kitchen with some friends.

Logan: Hey bro! What a surprise
Jake: Hey
Logan: You okay Jakey? You look tired
Jake: I need to speak to you..ALONE
Logan: Alright, um let's go to my office while everyone leaves.
Jake: Fine.

Narrator: They sat down in silence until Logan finally spoke up.

Logan: Alright bro what's going on
Jake: Why?
Logan: What?
Jake: Why did you have to question my marriage
Logan: Because I want to be a better brother to you. I know I haven't but I've changed I'm here for you and I know what's good and what's not for you.
Jake: Fuck you! You have no right to say that!
Logan: I said it because I'm concerned
Jake: You're my brother by blood but definitely not by choice.
Logan: Jake you don't mean that
Jake: I think I do. I'm so sick of you meddling in my relationships. Do you want Erika is that it?
Logan: No! You know what she deserves someone better than you.
Jake: How would you know? You were supportive and now you switched up on me.
Logan: I was only telling you the truth, if you don't believe me you wouldn't be here.
Jake: I came here to have a conversation with you man to man. My wife moved out and is staying next door with Team 10. Because you filled my head with doubt, and I shouldn't have let you manipulate but I did. I hurt her and I'm sure she's hurt knowing her brother in law doesn't agree with the marriage because it was too fast.
Logan: I didn't mean to hurt her. I promise you I didn't mean any harm I was just concerned. And besides I see you getting kissed by someone else and it's all over the media. What do you expect?
Jake: She said she wasn't upset when I told her but the hurt in her eyes said otherwise. I'll never be able to forget this moment but I plan to overcome it. I want you to know that I need my space away from you. You've said and done enough. Please if you truly care about me..give me space.
Logan: I can't believe you're asking me to back off. I'm your brother
Jake: Bye Logan

Narrator: Jake got up and left. Logan remained still, he couldn't believe he just lost his brother. It would hurt him but he would follow Jake's request and back off..maybe Jake just needs to cool off.
Jake felt a little relieved after speaking from his mind and heart. He just really wanted to speak to his mom, she would know what to say. He arrived home and saw everyone outside except Erika and Nick. He started playing basketball with the boys.
About an hour and a half later after playing for so long they all wanted to take a break. Kade sat next to Jake on the ground

Kade: Where you been?
Jake: I rather not speak about it.
Kade: Well I'm glad you played with us
Jake: Yeah me too. Hey where's Erika?
Kade: Oh um
Jake: What?
Kade: All I know is she wanted to get back into modeling and asked Nick for help. She's doing a big swim campaign in Miami.
Jake: She left?
Kade: Yeah, Nick is with her for a few days.
Jake: But she didn't say goodbye..
Kade: You two are taking a break. I think a week away from each other will help you realize.
Jake: Just because we're on a break does not mean we're not married and she can run off without telling me.
Kade: I'm sorry bro, I don't know what to tell you. Only you are able to fix this.

Authors note: And the truth comes out! Now Jake knows he was set up by Christian, who says he will back off for now 🤔 I think it's great Erika is focusing on her career, she can't just wait around sad because Jake isn't sure about his feelings or the marriage. Sometimes a little space can be the perfect remedy.

See you next chapter 💙🐐