9&10
483 Words
I was heading to the kitchen when I paused—I hadn’t checked on Jake yet. After last night, I expected him to be nursing a serious hangover. Sunlight spilled across his face as he slept, and I couldn’t help but watch. Even at rest, he had that effortless charm that made my heart skip.
I climbed onto the bed and sat beside him. His eyelids flickered, and he groaned before opening his eyes.
“You’re scaring me!” he barked, voice thick with sleep.
“Spill it,” I demanded.
“What?” He blinked, then groaned again, ruffling his hair. “s**t… I was knocked out, wasn’t I?”
“Uh-huh. You got carried away.”
“For what?”
“Celebrating…?” I leaned closer.
“My internship,” he said slowly, grinning.
“You… got it?” I gaped.
“Yes. Texas,” he added casually, and my jaw nearly dropped. One of the top three oil companies he applied to.
“That’s amazing!” I squealed, hugging him tight. “You deserve this, Jake!”
His grin widened, but a pang hit me. Months without him in Boston—it felt strange. “I’m happy, but… I’ll miss you,” I admitted softly.
“You’ll be fine,” he said, hands on my shoulders. “This isn’t losing someone. It’s change.”
“But it feels so right with you here,” I sniffled, forcing a smile. “Still… I’m proud of you.”
He chuckled, teasing. “So… you’re letting me go?”
“I’ll kill you if you don’t take it,” I shot back, and he laughed, full and easy.
“It’s only six months,” he reminded me. That made it easier to bear.
“When does it start?” I asked.
“Next Monday,” he said. My eyes widened. “That soon?”
“They needed someone immediately for a special project,” he explained, sheepish.
I nodded, trying not to sulk. “Okay… I’ll survive,” I murmured.
“Damien’s got your back,” Jake added. “Reliable. Practical. Nothing creepy.”
“I’m not a lost puppy,” I shot back.
“Good girl,” he said, ruffling my hair. “Ice cream? Walk? Bowling?”
I laughed, the warmth in my chest returning. “You’re a monster.”
---
A few days later, Jake’s suitcase was packed, the car waiting. I hugged him tightly.
“I’m gonna miss you,” I admitted.
“Me too, Lia,” he murmured. “Be a good girl.”
Damien exchanged a serious glance with him. “Go kick ass there,” he deadpanned.
Jake nodded, slid into the car, and drove off.
I turned to Damien. Our eyes met, neither looking away. Silence hung heavy, unspoken, and for the first time, I wondered if I could ever ignore it.
💖✨ TBC
- Writer
