The Newcomer (DISCONTINUED)

Chapter Twenty Three

23

I wake up Saturday morning, not entirely sure if the events of the night before actually happened. When I turned, Jacky wasn't there anymore but I can smell the lovely aroma of coffee seeping into the room. The only reminder of last night's is me waking up completely nude, my clothes are scattered on the floor... and I have a weird fluttery feeling in my stomach, making me all giddy.

But it's not just that.

I nearly dozed off when Jacky told me she loved me. Did that really just happen? I smile to myself, my inner self flipping with so much joy!

But... why am I still reluctant to say it out loud?

I snatch the first shirt and bottoms I find in my bag and slip them on. I open the bedroom door and I'm completely engulfed by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. And the sight of Jacky distracted by the large fruit bowl brightened my day instantly.

"Hi! Good morning!" She beams with a bright smile when she sees me walking over.

"Is that all I get?" I joke, wrapping my arms around her waist. She laughs and leans in, kissing me for a brief moment.

A freshly showered-Jacky is the best; slightly damp hair, her skin glows and the smell of fresh lavender and cut flowers invade my senses. A scent that reminds me of her. Only her.

I love you, Kimmy, I remember she whispered only hours before. I thought I was dreaming but no, it was real.

She pulls away, gently caressing my face with her fingertips. Something's not settling. She's tense. She's looking in my eye like she's searching something.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" I ask her curiously. Until now, Jacky is the master of masks. When one drops, another one takes its place. Just like now and it's hard to read what she's thinking.

She pulls a smile and shakes her head. "Nothing." She whispers tenderly. And that's the word that cracked her mask. "I'm just preoccupied thinking about the meeting."

"Really? Is that all?" I question. I do believe her, but there's something she's not telling me... but a part of our relationship is not to pry. That worked so far, so why change it now? "Then tell me. Maybe it will calm your nerves."

"Let me do that while you eat breakfast."

She pours me a cup of coffee and sets a plate of scrambled eggs and toast in front of me. I couldn't hide my surprise and she saw right through me. I just didn't expect this kind of preparation, but she said after she slept for a few hours, she was woken up and couldn't get back to sleep. And this is what she's been doing while I was out cold

"We're just going back in to settle terms. That's all." She tells me. "Then After that, we decide if I want to take on their offer... and we'll leave it at that. This still feels weird."

"Why is it weird?" I ask as I shove the last spoonful of eggs in my mouth.

"It's been a while since I booked a job of this scale." She says in awe, trying to hide her smile.

"Maybe this is where it all turns around for you," I point out and the smile she tried to hide pokes through the surface. "You'll be amazing."

"Let's hope. Thanks for pushing me to come here." She says and I can't help but chuckle.

"Thanks for dragging me with you."

She smiles at me for a brief moment before I catch her looking down. "Done?" She asks, glancing at my empty plate. I nod and she swiftly takes it away. "That was fast."

"I know," I smirk, crossing my arms as I watch her dunk the plate in the dishwasher. "Im just... exhausted."

I hear her laugh before she turns around, a cheeky grin plastered on her gorgeous face.