Before You

Chapter 33

"I'm sorry again about Andrew." Jett says walking to my car. "I was in the city photographing a few things and he just showed up. I swear I think he follows me sometimes."

I let out a small laugh. "It's okay. Why did he answer your phone?"

"He grabbed it out of my pocket when it started ringing. As soon as he saw it was you, he couldn't resist to answer it." he says.

I nod my head slowly. I could go the rest of my life and not hear Andrew's voice again. The guy is such a creep. The fact that Jett keeps us somewhat separated does make me feel better. However, I know it's only a matter of time before I have to be around him again.

"So, what do you want to do tonight?" Jett asks as he takes my hand in his.

"I don't know. Mr. Harrison didn't assign too much homework today so we have a lot of free time." I reply. "Oh, my friend Peyton and her new boyfriend invited us to go on a double date Saturday. Would you like to go?"

"Sure. I'd love to meet your friends." Jett replies. "Well, the ones I haven't met already."

I smile back at him in response. I love how easy-going he is.

Jett and I drive my car to a nearby store in order to get a few things for his trip. The store appears to be a higher end version of Target. We walk hand in hand down each aisle gathering items. He checks his list every few feet to make sure he's not forgetting anything. Jett stops before turning the corner and surveys the buggy.

"Okay, I've got sunglasses, bug spray, hiking boots, snacks, and a small cooler. I just need to get a backpack and I'll be finished," he says.

Jett turns the corner quickly and almost clashes with an older woman.

"I'm so sorry, dear," the older woman says apologetically.

I watch as she focuses her eyes on Jett's face. An expression comes over her like she recognizes him.

"Jett, is that you dear?" she asks.

"Hello, Mrs. Richards." he replies.

The woman examines him from head to toe. "I almost didn't recognize you. What are you doing here?"

I glance over at Jett. How is he unrecognizable? He's just wearing a pair of denim jeans and a t-shirt.

"I'm just picking up a few things for a trip my family and I are taking next week." He says.

"I see." She says.

The woman is older. Her hair is almost completely gray and she's sporting a thin pair of glasses on her face. She's wearing a cream pair of dress pants and a matching blouse. It's easy to tell that she comes from money. The woman turns to me and proceeds to examine me from head to toe just as she did to Jett.

"Well, I just saw Car-" she begins to say.

Jett interrupts her mid sentence and waves his hand in my direction. "Let me introduce you to Evy. Evy, this is Mrs. Richards."

I reach out my hand for a friendly handshake. "It's very nice to meet you."

"Well, we must be going. Have a wonderful evening." Jett adds.

Jett pushes the buggy towards the front of the store, grabbing a backpack on the way. I turn around to see Mrs. Richards one last time. She's still standing in the same place with her eyes focused on us. I'm confused as to how someone like her would know Jett. I wait until after Jett has paid for his items before speaking.

"How do you know Mrs. Richards?" I ask.

Jett keeps his eyes forward as we walk back to my car. "She knows my family."