After the meeting, Jonah and I talk for a couple of minutes then swapped contact information and made plans for dinner later in the week.
"Zach?" Jack says interrupting my thoughts.
"Oh-um-sorry Jack what can I do for you?"
"Are you ok?"
"I'm not really sure Jack."
"Do you need to take the rest of the day?"
"No, I think I just need to take a breather before we start the next task."
"Alright. Why don't you take an early lunch and take an hour and 15 minutes instead of just an hour?"
"Jack I can't ask for that."
"Zach I said in your interview that we are a family. This was a huge emotional roller coaster for you today. take the extra 15 and decompress."
"Are you sure?
"Yes, Zach. Go to the cafe down the street. It's amazing. You'll have a nice quiet space to sit and think. And if that doesn't help we will go out for a drink later."
"Alright Thank you, Jack.
As instructed I clocked out and walked down the street to the cafe. I sit down and eat my lunch. Jack was right I needed this. This helped me relax a lot.
After my hour and 15-minute break, I went back to work.
"Feel better Zach?"
"Very much so thank you, Jack."
*Time skip to the end of the day*
"Good Bye Jack"
"Good night Zach. Be safe."
I get in my car and start driving to my apartment. I turn the corner to go down my street. To my surprise, my street is blocked off. I get out of my car and ask a police officer.
"Officer, can you tell me what's going on? I live on this street."
"Where at?"
"662"
"Sir I'm going to need to get your information and where you'll be staying tonight."
"What?"
"Sadly your complex is on fire right now."
"NO!"
"I'm so sorry. But I will need your contact information."
I give the officer my number. I think of who to call. JONAH!
I call and it rings and rings and rings then.....
"Hi thank you for calling Jonah Marais I am unable to take your call please leave a name number and brief message and I will return your call at my earliest convenience"
Shit. Corbyn is out of town.
Jack? Is that weird? fuck it. ring Ring
"This is Jack."
"Hi, Jack it's Zach."
"Zach, why are you calling so late?"
"O-oh I-i'm sorry is it a bad time?"
"No, it's not. what's going on Zach?"
"Um My apartment is on fire right now I'm losing my house, my memories, eve-everything" I say
"Oh Zach. I'm so sorry. You can come here I have a spare room and some clothes."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. I'll text you the address and let me know when you're close."
About 10 minutes later I arrive at Jack's huge mansion and he buzzes me in.
"Hey, Zach." Jack says.
I don't know what came over me but I threw my arms around his neck and started bawling my eyes out on Jack.
"Hey hey hey Zach Let's get inside ok?"
I just nod my head and Jack leads me inside and onto the couch. I cuddle into him and cry more on his shoulder.
"Ssh Zach It'll all be ok."
"How?! The only things I had left of my family were in that apartment. Now it's gone. Burned to the ground. I have nothing left."
"Oh Zach honey it's gonna be ok It won't be the same but I will help you figure something out."
"Can I just go to sleep and not go to work tomorrow please?"
"Of course. Come on."
Jack took me to his spare bedroom.
"I know this may be odd but I brought brand new in package boxers, a shirt, and joggers in case you wanted to shower. The bathroom is right through there and my room is down the hall 3rd door on the left. Come knock if you need anything."
I pulled Jack into another hug.
"Thank you for everything Jack."
"Of course. The kitchen is right next to the living room. My housekeeper will be here at 9 to clean up. I already texted her and let her know to wash your clothes and to pick you up some clothes."
"Jack."
"Dont. Let me help please."
"Fine. Thank you." I go to close the door but stop in my tracks. I turn around and kiss Jack on the cheek. "Thank you so much."
"No problem Zach" Jack sats with a blush evident on his face."Good Night."
"Night Jack."
