SWNOVELS Chapter My CEO 325
325 Chicken Soup for the Soul (Winona)
I've called Jayden three times now. Nothing. He's not answering, and it's 3 a.m. over there. What the hell Is he doing? My mind's racing, and it's not helping that I've got this news about Henry.
We'd hoped he'd be cleared to travel in four weeks from when Jayden left. Which means I could have been going in two weeks. But his doctor is concerned as he's been so unsettled.
He wants to make sure he investigates every possible reason for that before letting him out of his sight. I get it, and I'm so glad he's being thorough and not just blaming me for bad mothering, but it adds another possible 4 weeks onto when I can leave for Europe. Anne offered to be with them tonight and Beth said she could stay until after the kids were all asleep, so I've taken Lisa up on an offer for a girl's night out and Lisa also got Cass to come along.
But not being able to reach Jayden is messing with my vibe, especially after the Sofia call early this
morning.
"Maybe he's just passed out from all the business crap? Lisa suggests, swirling her wine glass around." Sounds like he's under the pump.
I nod, wanting it to be just that. "Yeah, maybe. But still... three calls?"
Cass scoffs and leans back in her chair. "Men. Always MIA when you need them. Am I right?"
"Preach it, sista." Lisa says and gives her a high-five. "I dated Lance again last week and now he can't answer a call."
"I thought you were done with him?" I say, but I wonder if Lisa can ever be done with Lance.
I think back to hall pass week and I push the thought away again. Lance is a single man, Lisa won't be upset that he kinda hit on me, and I kinda responded. But still, I haven't told her yet. "What can I say? I'm a glutton for punishment." Lisa shrugs.
"You and me both. Gabriel and I have done nothing but fight lately."
I don't push Cass on it. I mean, no relationship is perfect, and she's just as entitled as me to have crap happen that makes her pissed. She doesn't need my judgment tonight. Doesn't mean it's all a failure. Crap happens in every relationship. I can't even pretend to know better after marrying Jayden again after what he's put me through,
But love is love. I've caused him as much trauma in ways but he's here and we are committed to us.
"You okay?" I ask Cass, just to check in.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just stuff I guess happens. I think being with one person is getting a little old for me. I'm not up for talking about it right now though."
Lisa nudges her. "Hopefully you are in the mood to talk shit because that is what we do best. Especially when it comes to our current relationships, or lack of them." Cass just grins. "Honestly, I'm kinda done with the whole relationship thing, I think. But I can still talk shit
325 Chicken Shqi
like a champion."
Lisa claps her hands together, breaking the mood. "That's our girl. Perfect. Tonight should go well. I'll get the tequila shots."
"Not for me. I'm struggling with this wine. Make mine a mocktail, I need a clear head for these kids in the morning."
Lisa gives me a look. "You feeling okay?" She waves over the drinks waiter and makes the order.
"Yes. Just I have Henry in for some tests all next week and I need to not be hungover. This might delay me leaving for Europe by four weeks. That's what I need to tell Jayden." "Right, no wonder you're pissed he's ghosting you." Lisa says.
"Lisa! Ghosting is a bit much of an assumption." But maybe he is, I mean....
Lisa laughs, "I'm just teasing. When did you guys last talk?"
"2am this morning. He woke me so I could meet Sofia, the public relations expert or some shit."
"Okay..." Lisa sounds skeptical. "How did that go?"
The drinks arrive and I sip my fruity mocktail while the other two lick, sip, suck.
"Why would he think you wanted to do that at that hour?" Cass says after a cough from the tequila." What's she like?"
I groan. "Oh God, don't even. You should've seen her on the video call. She was leaning over his desk like she was about to eat him alive. Flicking her hair, showing off her boobs like they were for sale-" "They probably are," Lisa cuts in, snickering. "What's her deal, though?"
"You'd think she'd be all professional, but nope. She's spending - and I quote every waking moment with Jayden, making sure he's adjusting properly and supporting him so he isn't lonely."
I make air quotes, and Lisa nearly spits out her drink.
"What the fuck?" Cass says.
"Code for trying to get in his pants," Lisa explains. "Tell me Jayden can see right through her. No, wait, he put her on a call with you at stupid-o-clock. He has no clue, does he?"
I shake my head. "Dumb as dogshit sometimes," I say, feeling the annoyance rising up again.
Cass, who's been playing with her phone, raises an eyebrow. "Sofia Fernandez, right?"
"Right."
"I got her online. Is she some kind of super model? I mean how do these women look so perfect?" "Not helping, Cass." I say, exasperated. +25 BONUS