Reunited (Secrets of the Soul, Book One)

Chapter Three

Stephanie spent the next few days splitting her time between studying, her job at a cafe down the street, and visiting Jack as much as possible. She'd had to skip out early the day before to take her exam. She had barely been home, she'd been so busy, but she didn't care. Whatever it was, she was drawn to this person, and she had never ignored a pull before. She didn't plan to start now.

She made her way up to the second floor, bypassing the elevator. She hated those things, taking them only when there was no other choice. She stepped through the entrance to the second floor and made her way down the hall, stopping outside Jack's room. She opened the door, stepping inside as quietly as possible in case he was sleeping. He lay in his bed staring up at the television hanging on the wall.

"Hey... want some company?" she asked.

"Sure," he replied, motioning for her to join him. She crossed the room, settling into a chair beside the bed.

"How's it going?" she asked as she set her bag on the ground.

"Good," he replied. He turned the volume on the television down, then set the remote aside. "They're letting me leave today."

"Really?" She smiled. "That's great. Any news?"

He shook his head. "They still can't figure it out. According to them, there's no reason that should've happened. Either way, I'm just glad to get the hell out of here."

She laughed. "I don't blame you. These places freak me out, big time."

"They can't freak you out that badly if you're coming to see me here every day," he pointed out.

"That's different." She settled back into the chair and crossed her legs. "So, what are you planning to do when you get out of here?"

He shrugged. "Go back home. Go back to work. How come coming to visit me is different?"

"It just is," she said with a frown. She tried to think of something more to add to that, but nothing came. She'd considered asking her mother, but she knew that wouldn't get her anywhere. Her mother had a strict policy against reading anyone in her family. She felt it was too close of a bond to be objective and accurate. Stephanie supposed she saw her point. "Think you're going to be okay alone at home after all that?"

"I think I'll manage," he said carefully. "Can I ask you something?"

"Sure. What is it?" she asked.

He hesitated a moment before saying carefully, "This is going to sound weird, but I can't help wondering. Were you scoping me out there?"

She blinked. "What are you talking about?"

"At the club. You don't even know me, but you've been spending every day here, and you're asking about me being home alone. Most people wouldn't put themselves out that much for some random stranger unless there was a motive. What's yours?"

She raised an eyebrow, amusement in her features. "Are you suggesting I'm using you for something?"

"It happens," he pointed out.

"Well, relax. There is no motive here," she assured him. "I'm just trying to help; no strings attached."

"Good to know," he replied. He hesitated before asking, "Do I look familiar at all?"

She frowned. "No, not really. Should you?"

He watched her carefully a minute. The scrutiny almost made her squirm in her seat, but she forced herself to stay still and meet his gaze. He finally shrugged and said, "A lot of people around here would say yes. Some of them try to hook up with me to see what I can do for them."