AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Anyhow, she gave me a few extra tickets so you can invite your friends. And she’s very excited to meet the artist behind the photos.”
I let out a self-conscious chuckle. “More like the basket case in the photos.”
“I’ll have to disagree on that one. What we see is a fighter, a survivor.”
The pressure rises in my chest, making it hard to breathe, but I force the words out: “Thank you.”
“I hope to see you at the exhibition.”
As if I’d miss it.
I’m still in a daze when I leave the classroom. As I’m putting the tickets safely in my bag, so I don’t lose them, I almost run into somebody.
“I’m so sorry, I wasn’t—” I look up, only to find Sullivan smiling at me.
“Hey, Jade.”
“Hey. Sorry I didn’t see you there.”
“It’s fine. No damage done.” He looks behind me. “Done with your class?”
“Yeah, I was going to grab a coffee before I take a walk around the campus. I want to use the light to shoot for a little bit. Where are you going?”
“Meeting a few friends for lunch. Wanna walk together?”
I start toward the exit. “Yeah, sure.”
* * *
PRESCOTT
Scanning the page, I turn back to the laptop and finish the paragraph I’ve been working on for my chem class, reaching for the cup of coffee by my side only to find it empty.
Because why not.
Saving the essay, I look up, ready to get up and grab a refill when I see her.
Jade.
It’s been a few weeks since I last saw her.
The encounter at the café was awkward AF. I didn’t know how to act around her. Not when I wanted so much more than she was willing to give, and rightfully so.
I still remember that day I had to walk away when she was lying helpless in bed. If I thought that throwing down all those pills and booze was hard, it was nothing compared to turning around that day and leaving Nixon to help her when all I wanted to do was stay.
Then I see Sullivan standing next to her.
My jaw clenches instinctively as I watch them exchange a few words. Jade laughs at whatever he said before he finally walks away.
I expect her to leave too, but something catches her attention. She turns her bag to her front and pulls her camera out. I watch her lift it to her face, taking a few quick shots of whatever’s got her attention.
She pulls the camera down, presses a few buttons, and checks the screen before letting it nestle against her chest. Her hand slides into her pocket and pulls out her phone. Jade studies the device before sliding it back inside and picking up her camera once again.
I watch her as she looks around, raising the camera back to her face. She turns around until… The corner of my mouth lifts as the camera stops on me, and she lowers it.
I stay in my seat and watch her debate if she should come or walk away, but finally, she starts moving.
Not away, but toward me, and my heart does a little leap.
