Before You

Chapter 57

"Yes mother, I promise I've eaten something this week other than pizza." I say with a small laugh.

Jett makes his way next to me, positioning his head close to my cell phone so that he can speak into it. "Grace, I promise that she's eating better. We're attempting to make homemade meals at least twice a week." Jett smiles as he walks away from me and settles back onto the couch.

"See, I told you." I say into the phone.

"Well, I'm not ecstatic that he's over there so much. However, I am glad that at least he's making sure you eat something other than pizza while he is there." My mother speaks. "Well, Thanksgiving is coming up. Are you sure you don't want to come home?"

I stare down at the floor. "I don't think so. I have a lot I need to do here...you know, finishing up this semester and everything."

"Well, if you change your mind, let me know." She responds. "You know we would love to have you home."

"I will." I answer quickly. "We'll talk in a few days. I'm getting tired. I'll be getting ready for bed soon."

"Okay then." My mother says. "Have a good night. I'll call you back in a few days."

"Okay, bye." I speak up.

I end the call and make my way into the living to sit next to Jett. He's laid back against the couch, scanning each page of a Photography magazine. He doesn't budge as I sit down beside him.

"You haven't changed your mind about going to your mom's for Thanksgiving?" he asks.

I glance at his face and back towards the magazine. "No. Why would I?"

Jett shrugs his shoulders. "I don't know because it's Thanksgiving."

"No, I'm good." I answer.

Jett positions the open magazine in his lap and turns to face me. "Does this have anything to do with Mason?"

"What?" I ask.

"Evy, you still haven't talked to him about what happened. You've been pretty much avoiding him for weeks now. Trust me, I don't want to encourage you to have any kind of relationship with him, but there needs to be some sort of closure, don't you think?"

"Jett, I don't know what to say to him." I sigh. "I don't want to hurt him."

I stare down at the magazine sitting in his lap. I can't bring myself to look at Jett. I don't want to know what expression his face holds. Did my comment make him upset, angry, broken? No matter which emotion it brought up for him, it is the truth. I don't want to hurt him. My head glances up towards the clock in the kitchen.

"It's late." I speak. "I still have to take a shower and I'm exhausted."

Jett runs his finger across my cheek, tucking a small piece of hair behind my ear. "I guess that's my clue to leave."

I finally look over at him. "I'll call you tomorrow?"

"I hope so." He responds and leans over to give me a kiss.

As Jett leaves my apartment, I lock the door behind him and walk straight to my bedroom. I need to take a shower, but my mind is running on blast right now. I ease down onto my bed, pushing the pillow underneath my head. I wasn't lying to Jett. I do feel exhausted. However, I'm sure with the topic he brought up tonight, it will have me fighting to sleep.

I can't believe it's already been several weeks since Jett found me at the cabin. I've been attending classes and working as usual. I talk to Peyton every other day. She's still looking for work but otherwise doing well. It's a good thing that she was smart enough to save her money in case of a situation like this. She has enough to last for a few months if needed, but she really needs to find a job quick if she doesn't want to go through her savings account. I know Peyton; she'll take whatever job she can find before she lets that happen. Surprisingly, Davis hasn't been at the country club. At least he hasn't during one of my shifts. I doubt Susan had any part in that. It's just a matter of time before we come face to face again.

My mother and I have been speaking more regularly. We talk at least twice a week. She asks about my classes and I check in to see how things between her and Brad are going. Brad chimes in during most of our phone calls and asks about Jett. He really enjoyed our game night and has been looking forward to planning another one. My mother is still pushing to have a small wedding before Christmas. I'm trying my best to be positive. It's her life, why should I be upset if she marries Brad? He is a good guy. I just don't understand the rush of it all. Regardless of age, why does this have to happen before Christmas? Either way, it's her decision. I'm trying to stay out of it and let them make the decision to wed or not by the end of the year. However, keeping my opinion to myself has been a little difficult.

I haven't spoken to Mason in person or over the phone in weeks. It's been a huge change in our relationship. I used to talk to him at least every other day. There's a void, but I would never tell Jett that. Mason has tried to call several times, but I send his calls to voicemail. Every few calls he'll actually leave a voicemail. He says he wants to talk and he misses me. I hate the feeling I'm left with after hearing his voice. I replay his words over and over again in my mind. He sends text messages saying the same things. I've replied to a few of them. I don't say much other than "talk soon". It's inevitable. I know we need to talk. We have a lot we need to sort out, but the facts are still the same. I don't want to hurt him. I don't think I could ever push him completely out of my life. It's Mason, not just some guy off the street.

The last several weeks with Jett have been wonderful. We've pretty much been together every day since he found me at the cabin. We've been so connected to each other and our communication is seamless. Every day is fun and I look forward to seeing him. I want to be with him as much as possible. He comes to my apartment most days. We cook together and discuss classes. My mother isn't thrilled that he's over here so much but I enjoy it. Tonight was the first night that he's brought up Mason's name. I was a little surprised, but I think Jett is waiting for there to be closure between Mason and I. I can't say that I'm angry with him. Mason kissed me and I kind of kissed him back. I would be upset and expecting the same thing if the tables were turned.

I think back to when I moved to Atlanta. So much has happened since then it makes my head spin. There's usually not that much going on in my life. It's never been very eventful and now look at me. I have a boyfriend, a good one at that. I've distanced myself from my best friend. My mother is engaged and wants to be married soon. Peyton is going through hardships and I feel responsible to help her in any way possible. My life kicked into overdrive when I moved into the city, that's for sure. Suddenly, I feel a flood of anxiety pour over me. So much has happened already, but I can't help but feel like more is yet to come. I bite down on my lower lip and stare into the space before me. What should I expect next?