Trust in Love

Chapter 8

By the time Justine stopped her car, she was at Jared's house. She didn't know if he was home or not or if he would even let her in.

As she rang the doorbell, she felt fresh tears roll down her cheeks.

When Jared opened the door, he looked surprised to see her.

'Justine!' he cried. 'What's wrong?'

'I had a fight with my mom,' she replied shakily. 'She called me a slut!'

'Oh, my dear, come in,' he said, beckoning her inside.

Once she was in the foyer, Justine started to sob for real. Jared took her in his arms and held her.

'Ssh, it's okay,' he murmured, rubbing her back.

Justine never wanted him to let her go. She felt like he was her anchor to the real world.

When her sobs had subsided a little bit, Jared led her to the couch in the living room.

'Have a seat,' he said. 'I'll go get you some tissues.'

Justine sat down and tried to calm her shaky breathing.

Jared brought her a box of tissues and sat down next to her.

'I feel like this is all my fault,' Jared said ruefully. 'I never should have phoned her.'

'It doesn't matter,' Justine said sadly. 'She was in a bad mood, anyway.'

Justine told him all the things Ada had said. By the time she was finished, Jared was shaking his head.

'I'm so sorry she reacted so badly,' he said gently. 'You didn't deserve to be treated that way.'

Justine dreaded going back home. She didn't think she could take any more of her mother's tirades.

'She'll never be satisfied with anything I do,' Justine stated tearfully.

'I think you should stop worrying about pleasing her and just please yourself. You only have one life to live,' Jared replied.

Justine chuckled.

'That's the name of my mom's favorite soap opera. One Life to Live.'

Jared smiled.

'I think your mom watches way too much t.v.,' he stated.

Justine nodded. That was definitely part of her mom's problem.

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Jared ordered some Chinese food for take out and they ate it in the dining room.

'Thank you for letting me stay for dinner,' Justine said gratefully.

'No problem,' Jared replied. 'You're welcome any time.'

Once they had both eaten their fill, Justine helped Jared clean up the leftovers.

Jared seemed to sense that Justine was reluctant to leave, so he suggested they watch a movie on Netflix. Justine agreed eagerly.

Jared found a comedy to watch and they cuddled on the couch. Justine had a hard time concentrating on the movie because she could smell Jared's after shave and it drove her crazy. Everything about him made her feel more wanton, like she was craving an intimacy she'd never had with anyone else before. Jared was being a perfect gentleman, however.

After the movie ended, Jared asked Justine if she wanted something to drink.

'No thanks,' she replied, sighing. 'I guess I'd better get going.'