One Number Away

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Sitting at home alone, I am half a bottle of wine in when I pick up my phone. I swore I would never call or text him again but I'm lonely and he's always up for a hookup even if he does make me feel like shit after. I know I'm just an easy lay for him and that's fine because I realized a long time ago I would never be more than that to him. I type in the number that I know by heart and type the message.

E: Hey baby. You up?

I wait a few minutes and a text comes through.

Him: Who's this?

E: Ella. What are you doing?

Him: I think you got the wrong number Darlin.

E: This isn't Levi?

Him: No Darlin Sorry.

E: Oh. Well, sorry to bother you.

I look at the number and it's the same number that he's had for two years. Guess he changed his number. I toss the phone onto the couch and down my wine.

Jax is sitting at the bar, talking to Tig when his phone goes off. After texting back that it was the wrong number, he just stares at his phone. "You know there's nothing wrong with texting her back." Tig says. Jax smirks and takes his phone with him to his dorm and locks the door.

J: So, Ella, what are you doing?

I look at my phone confused but decide, fuck it, and text back.

E: Sitting here alone working on a bottle of wine. What's your name?

J: Jackson. Tell me about yourself Ella.

E: Not much to tell. Small town girl with small town dreams...lol.

J: Small town girl, huh? You from Charming?

E: I live in Charming but not from here. From a small town in Georgia. Moved here a couple of years ago.

J: So who were you texting this late at night?

E: Apparently I was texting you...lol.

J: That you were Darlin. But it's late, you're drinking wine and texting someone. Booty call? Lol

E: Wouldn't you like to know.

J: Babe I don't do booty calls. They do me.

E: I bet they do. Well, like you said, it's late. Better toss the empty bottle and head to bed. Goodnight Jackson.

J: Goodnight Ella.

I look at my phone and just shake my head. I put my phone on the charger and head to bed.

I wake up the next morning and start getting ready for work. I take my phone off the charger while waiting on my coffee to brew and see a text from Jackson.

J: Good morning Ella.

E: Good morning Jackson.

J: What do you have planned today?

E: I have this thing called a job. You know. Sit in hell for eight hours and make a little money?

J: Haha. I know how that is. Got one of those myself. Only problem is I can't tell the boss off.

E: Why's that?

J: Because I'm the boss.

E: Lol. Anyway. I better head to work. Have a good day Jackson.

J: You too Ella.

I get to work and sit at my desk and reread the messages and I find myself smiling a little. "Is that a smile?" My friend Kelly asks. "Shut up." I tell her as my smile gets bigger. "What's got you smiling all of a sudden?" she asks as she sits in the chair next to my desk. "I was sitting at home last night and texted Levi." I tell her. "Please tell me that you're not letting that fucker back in?" she asks. "No. I mean. Well, I texted him because I was drinking and I was lonely and texted Levi's number but I guess he doesn't have the number anymore. It belongs to a guy named Jackson. We texted for a few minutes last night and we were texting this morning." I tell her. "Good. You need a little good in your life." she tells me. "I guess." I say.

I make it through the day and go back home and that lonely feeling comes back. I am sitting out on the back steps, just looking up at the stars when my phone chimes with a text. I look down at the phone and see it's Jackson.

J: You know, I was thinking. As much as I like texting with you, maybe we could talk.

E: Why not. You want to call?

He doesn't text back. He calls. "Hello Jackson." I say as I answer. "Hey Darlin. How was your day?" he asks. "It was okay. Busy but okay. What about yours?" I ask. "It was good. Worked in the garage and took care of some family shit." he tells me. "Family shit? Everything okay?" I ask. "Yeah Darlin. It's good." he tells me. "So, you work at a garage?" I ask. "Yeah." he says. "So, that means you're good with your hands. Interesting." I say. "Is it now?" he asks, laughing. "Maybe." I tell him and start laughing with him. "Let's see, you were texting late at night for a booty call, me being good with my hands is interesting to you. You're a bad girl aren't you?" he asks and I start laughing harder. "Hardly. I was always a good girl." I tell him and start to get serious. "What's wrong?" he asks concerned. "Last night, when I texted you? My ex used to have your number. I was texting him because I was drunk and lonely and thought texting my ex was a good idea." I tell him. "How was it a bad idea?" he asks. "We were together for a couple of years and even though I was serious about him, to him I was just an easy lay. We'd hooked up a few times when I got desperate and texted him but the minute he got his, he was dressed and gone again." I tell him. "That's fucked up. I'd never do that to a woman. You should be treated better than that." he tells me. "Jackson, you don't know me." I tell him. "But no woman should be made to feel like they're just an easy lay. Ain't right." he tells me. "Awe hell. You're mama raised a gentleman." I say trying to lighten the mood. "At your service Darlin." he says. "Be careful what you offer there Jackson. I've been alone for a long time." I tell him, laughing and he laughs back. We talk a little longer before I start to yawn and we say our goodnights before ending the call. I get into bed and just think about him. He's sweet and funny and that voice.