Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 67355 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 337(@200wpm)___ 269(@250wpm)___ 225(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 67355 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 337(@200wpm)___ 269(@250wpm)___ 225(@300wpm)
“I…I didn’t realize…but…that day in the cafeteria when you humiliated me in front of everyone.”
I groan at the reminder. “I saw you and my heart skipped a beat and one of guys at my table made a comment about how the dress you were wearing made your tits look even bigger. And that’s when I had my outburst. I didn’t mean to embarrass you. If anything I thought I was embarrassing myself. And for the record, I called you hobbit because you’re short and cute like a hobbit. I meant it in an affectionate way, so I apologize if that hurt you as well.”
I take a deep breath. “You are the one person in my life I looked forward to seeing and pretending to be indifferent to you back then was the hardest thing I ever had to do. You saw me as Mr. Popular but I was fucking miserable. I didn’t like any of the friends my mother chose for me, and I always ended up comparing all the girls I dated to you. I had to be someone I wasn’t so as soon as I was away from this town, I vowed to find my way back to you. But in the process of me getting what I wanted, I didn’t take your feelings into consideration. I keep fucking up over and over again and last night…I wish I could take it back. I have a problem. I’m insanely jealous where you’re concerned and I have anger issues. I’m not the man you deserve but I want to be. If there’s even a sliver of a chance you can see us together one day, I’m going to do whatever it takes to be that person.”
“But in the meantime…while I work on myself we should take this time apart.”
Tears stream down Zora’s face and I’m not sure what to make of them. I want to comfort her but I’m not sure how welcome my touch would be.
“I’m not sure what to say Jackson. This is a lot to process and I’m going to need time to think this through. I mean, I understand the trauma of how you were raised affects who you are today but it’s up to you to do work on being the kind of man you’d like to be. Don’t do it for me. Do it for yourself.”
Her noncommittal answer stings but at least it’s not a complete rejection. “Is there a chance for us, Zora?”
“I don’t know Jackson. I just don’t know.”
25
ZORA
“You really put your foot in this dinner.” My dad compliments the meal I made for us. Because of his health issues, I try to cook as healthy as possible. Today’s dinner is a spinach stuffed salmon with a light teriyaki glaze and a side of broccoli and brown rice.
Since moving back in with my father a few weeks back. We’ve fallen into a routine that works for us. Most days, I head to the library to have sessions with my clients via video chat. I spoke with Owen who agreed that I can continue my long distance sessions until I find a job closer to my dad.
I never dreamed I’d end up moving back to Champion one day, but I realize I don’t want to be too far away from him while he’s going through treatment. I also discover I enjoy having my own space, so I made the decision to find and apartment in town as soon as he’s better.
While I’m not with my dad, the nurse is here, seeing to his needs. Thankfully, his body is responding positively to his radiation treatments. He seems to be in better spirits because he no longer has the all the debt and foreclosure to deal with anymore.
Telling him the truth about how I was able to pay everything off was a difficult conversation but I couldn’t keep lying to him.
He didn’t take the news well at first but after a few days, he seemed to accept what I’d done.
I suspect he’s also in good spirits because he and the nurse have been getting close. A lot of times, I’ll come home to find them playing cards and laughing.
I like Rose a lot. She’s a sweet older woman who dotes on my father who’s still a good looking man for his age. I’m not sure if anything romantic will happen between them but my father deserves happiness and I don’t want him to be lonely.
“Thanks Dad.” I move my food around my plate. I’ve had a long day and don’t have much of an appetite.
“You’re not eating. I notice you’re losing a little weight. Don’t lose too much. Only dogs like bones.”
I smile absently. He used to say that a lot when I was growing up and I would get down on myself about my weight. Now I don’t mind my curves.