Page 104 of Tease
“I just decided not to go. I wasn’t in the mood; I have a lot on my mind.”
I haven’t seen Brittney since everything happened. I think she suspects something’s up, though, since I’ve missed our pole workout classes the past couple weeks.
“We need to get together soon. I miss you. I have a lot to tell you. But I gotta get off of here. Skyler’s walk-out song just started.”
“Okay, good luck. Call me when you get back into town, and we’ll make plans. Love you!”
“Will do! Love you too!” She ends the call.
I could tell Jared didn’t want to walk out of the door this evening; he’s worried. But I assured him that I’m safe at Beau’s house. Beau has been amazing, too, not caring how long I stay here with Jared. He and Ajani have grown even closer, and they need to just come out and tell Carter before he finds out anotherway... if he isn’t already suspicious. Jared is right; we need to find a place together. Beau’s home is nice, but it’s definitely a bachelor pad, and we need our own space.
Deciding I need a snack before watchingJersey Shore, I walk over to the freezer. There’s barely anything in there. I swear, Jared and Beau need to eat more sweets. But thankfully, Jared got me ice cream before he left—chocolate peanut butter for the win!
I cuddle up on the couch with a fuzzy blanket and grab a throw pillow, placing it on my lap to rest my bowl of ice cream on, and turn the TV to the streaming service that has every season ofJersey Shore. Watching this series always puts me in a good mood. Every time I think one of the girls is my favorite, it changes to a different one. They’re all amazing in their own ways.
I scoot down on the couch to lay down, using the throw pillow for my head as I prepare to watch episode after episode. My phone rings again. Cap Guy’s name pops up.I figured it was time to change him back to his original name.
I answer the phone on speaker. “Hey, you!”
“Dimples, I really wish you would’ve come with me. I already miss you.”
“I miss you too. You know I’ll be fine. I’m safe at Beau’s. You’re gonna do great. And then, when you get back, we can start looking at houses.”
“Good change of subject there.”
“Yeah. I think I’m ready. What do you think about getting a little dog to keep me company for when you’re gone?”
“Kailey, I don’t plan on leaving you after this. But sure, if you want a little doggie to keep us company, I’m all for it. What kind of breed did you have in mind?”
I sit up on the couch and pick up the phone.
“Well, I don’t want to get one that sheds because,ew.And I want one that can cuddle in my lap without suffocating me.”
“Okay, go on. I’m over here taking notes while Beau’s in the shower.”
“What about… a miniature poodle? Or a miniature schnauzer? Just throwing ideas out there…”
I can’t help but laugh, knowing Jared probably really is taking notes and isn’t just playing the good boyfriend part.
“Alright, I’ll see what we can do.”
Jared pauses on the phone. I can hear his breathing before he states, “Okay, I gotta go. I love you. No more being away from each other after tonight, deal?”
“I love you too. And… deal.”
I hang up the phone and start my show. The jiggling of the front doorknob catches my attention, and I hit pause. “Hello?” I yell out. No one answers.Maybe it was nothing.
I press play again and get halfway through the opening credits when I hear glass break from the back of the house. I throw the blanket off and get my shoes on, ready to run out of the house and get into my car.
When I get to the front door, it opens.
Joey casually walks in, and I notice he’s wearing black leather gloves.
“Get the fuck out of here!” I scream at him while running down the hallway. He catches up to me, grabs me by my hair, and walks me back to the couch.
“Now, that’s no way to speak to me. You should know better. Dolls don’t talk back.”
“I’m not yourdoll.”
